Linda Hood

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

In our work, I use a model called Internal Family Systems, or IFS. It’s based on the idea that we all have different ‘parts’ inside of us—like the part that gets anxious, the part that wants to avoid things, or the part that’s really hard on you. Instead of trying to get rid of those parts, we get curious about them and understand what they’re trying to do for you. Usually, they developed to protect you in some way. Some parts of us try to protect us—like a part that shuts down, avoids relationships, or keeps you busy so you don’t feel too much. Underneath those are often more vulnerable parts that carry pain from earlier experiences. We go at your pace, and we don’t push into anything before your system is ready. The goal is to help you feel more in charge of your inner world, so you’re not being pulled around by reactions or patterns you don’t fully understand.

Somatic

Somatic therapy focuses on how your body holds and processes experiences—especially stress and trauma. Instead of only talking about what happened, we also pay attention to what’s happening in your body in the present moment, like tension, breathing, or sensations. This helps your nervous system process things more fully so you can feel more regulated, grounded, and like yourself. I help you understand and change patterns by working with your nervous system and body, where a lot of those patterns are actually stored. I combine this with IFS work, so we’re not just noticing body sensations—we’re understanding which parts of you are showing up and how your body responds to them.

Attachment-based

Attachment-based therapy looks at how your early relationships—especially with caregivers—shaped your patterns in relationships today. Together, we’ll explore how you respond to closeness, conflict, and emotional needs, and gently work toward helping you feel more secure, connected, and understood in your relationships. Sometimes patterns like pulling away, overthinking, people-pleasing, or feeling anxious in relationships come from earlier experiences. In therapy, we slow those moments down, understand where they come from, and create new experiences where you can feel safe, seen, and supported. I also combine this with IFS and somatic therapy.

Trauma Informed Care

Trauma-informed care means I’m always paying attention to how your nervous system and past experiences might be impacting you in the present. Instead of asking ‘what’s wrong with you,’ we look at ‘what happened to you’ and how your mind and body adapted to get through it. My role is to help you feel safe enough to explore things, build awareness, and develop tools—without overwhelming you.