LPC, 5 years of experience
New to Grow
Hello, my name is Vicki. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who primarily practices through the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model. My focus is on helping clients connect with and understand their inner parts in a compassionate and nonjudgmental way. Along with IFS, I also integrate trauma-informed care, narrative, and person-centered approaches to support healing, resilience, and growth. I believe each client carries the capacity for self-leadership, and I am honored to guide them as they work toward greater balance and connection.
In our first session, my focus will be on getting to know you and what brings you to therapy. We’ll spend time talking about your goals, your hopes for change, and any concerns you may have about the process. I’ll explain how I work with Internal Family Systems (IFS) so you have a clear sense of what to expect, and we’ll go at a pace that feels safe and comfortable for you. This first session is less about “fixing” and more about beginning to build a supportive, collaborative relationship where you feel heard and understood.
What stands out about my approach is the emphasis I place on building a genuine therapeutic relationship. I value honesty and authenticity in the work we do together, and I aim to create a safe space where you can feel both supported and challenged. While I am direct and straightforward when needed, I also incorporate humor and warmth to keep the process approachable. I recognize how difficult it can be to open up to someone new, and I work to meet you where you are with respect, compassion, 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 wanting to quiet their inner critic, feel more authentic in their relationships, and develop healthier ways of coping with stress. I am especially attuned to those who are motivated for change but may feel stuck in old patterns or uncertain about where to begin. My approach helps clients gain clarity, self-compassion, and confidence as they work toward their goals of 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.