LPC, 5 years of experience
New to Grow
Hello, my name is Vicki. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor who primarily practices through the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model. I focus on helping clients connect with and understand the different parts of themselves in a compassionate and nonjudgmental way. I believe every person carries an innate capacity for healing and self-leadership, and my role is to support you in uncovering that inner strength. In addition to IFS, I integrate trauma-informed care, narrative, and person-centered approaches to foster resilience and growth. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, curious, and empowered to explore your inner world at your own pace. I consider it an honor to walk alongside you as you work toward greater balance, clarity, and connection.
Our first session is all about getting to know you and understanding what brings you to therapy. We’ll explore your goals, your hopes for change, and any concerns you may have about the process. I’ll take time to explain how I use Internal Family Systems so you have a clear sense of what to expect. This first conversation isn’t about fixing things it’s about building a supportive, collaborative relationship where you can feel heard and understood. We’ll move at a pace that feels safe and comfortable for you as we begin this journey together.
I believe that a genuine therapeutic relationship is the foundation of meaningful change. I value honesty, authenticity, and humor in my work, helping clients feel both supported and challenged in a way that feels approachable and real. While I can be direct when it’s helpful, I also bring warmth and compassion to every session. I know how difficult it can be to open up to someone new, so I strive to meet you exactly where you are with respect, patience, and understanding.
I specialize in working with adults who feel overwhelmed by self-criticism, relationship challenges, or unresolved trauma. Many of my clients come to therapy hoping to quiet their inner critic, feel more authentic in their relationships, and find healthier ways to cope with stress. I’m especially attuned to those who are motivated to change but feel stuck in old patterns or unsure of how to begin. My approach helps clients build self-compassion, gain clarity, and strengthen confidence as they move toward healing and growth.
My experience with Internal Family Systems (IFS) has been very meaningful, both in my own learning and in working with clients. I find that clients respond well to the idea that they are not “broken” but instead have different parts of themselves that are trying to protect them, even if those parts sometimes create conflict or distress. In practice, I use IFS by helping clients first notice and name the parts that are showing up, such as an inner critic, a protective manager part, or an exile carrying pain from past experiences. From there, I guide them in getting curious about these parts instead of pushing them away. Often I’ll use guided imagery to help clients connect with their parts, ask what those parts need, and explore what might happen if they could rest a little. IFS has been especially useful when clients struggle with anxiety, shame, or self-criticism. It gives them language and structure to understand their inner world and helps create more self-compassion. For me as a therapist, IFS has been a powerful way to create safety and help clients access their own inner wisdom.
My experience with trauma-informed care has shown me how essential safety, trust, and empowerment are in the therapeutic relationship. I use it by being mindful of triggers, giving clients choice and control during sessions, and focusing on their strengths rather than just their symptoms. It helps clients feel seen and supported, especially when working through past trauma.
In my work, person-centered therapy helps me create a space where clients feel heard without judgment. I focus on being genuine, offering empathy, and showing unconditional positive regard so they feel safe exploring their own experiences. I’ve found that when clients sense that kind of acceptance, they are more open to self-discovery and growth.
With narrative therapy, I support clients in separating themselves from their problems and exploring the stories that shape how they see themselves. I encourage them to re-author their experiences in ways that highlight resilience and possibility. This approach often helps clients feel less defined by challenges and more connected to their strengths.