My approaches to therapy:
After all of this, I see real value in 'talk therapy' and the IFS therapy, which involves the mind and all the information the body holds. My clients pick the first or a combination of both, depending on what feels appropriate.

My training in 'talk therapy' draws mostly psychodynamic and family systems therapies. Each helps people to look at themselves from a wide range of angles, and to gain deeper understanding of some of their behaviour and desires. For example, it can be a huge relief to look back at your family and understand the influence things like race, ethnicity and previous generations' experiences have had on you as an individual. It can be freeing and enlightening. It can explain why your family worked the way it did. This usually facilitates greater self understanding. (I also like Reality/Choice therapy, which can help someone differentiate their choices from others' and focus on what is within their control.)

My second approach, internal family systems therapy, is based on the assumption that we are made up of lots of parts rather than one single personality that reacts predictably in all situations. For anyone who has surprised themselves by an explosive outburst of anger, this might resonate. For those who have been paralysed by indecision because they want two opposing choices at the same time, it might make sense. For people who procrastinate even though they really want to complete the very task they keep putting off, it might pique their interest.

According to IFS, everybody has lots of 'parts' and one 'Self,' which is a natural leader part. Think of the Self as a gifted conductor and the parts as members of an orchestra. When the Self conducts, the music is sweet and harmonious. But if another part steps forward to lead the orchestra the result will be less than harmonious. All the parts want the best music to be played but only the Self can conduct them exceptionally well.

IFS came from research that family therapist Richard Schwartz, PhD., began 25 years ago with his patients who had eating disorders. He has also learned from patients who survived trauma and abuse. He gathered information with respect and curiosity for all the parts he 'met.' He kept asking questions in an attempt to find out why parts took over and had extreme thoughts or feelings. The result was an approach that has been used with clients with all types of histories, including traumatized veterans, abuse survivors, people battling addiction, those with chronic pain, some with autoimmune disorders, people with all types of anxiety and depression, people in crisis and, most recently, people living with rheumatoid arthritis. (There is a video at www.selfleadership.org/video/LivingwithRA)

The approach began in the Richard Schwartz' native country, the United States, spread to Germany, and now trainings are available in Sweden, Germany, France, Israel and England. One of Chicago's leading psychotherapeutic educators has called IFS one of the most innovative psychotherapies to emerge in recent years.

I never could have predicted, when I took my first steps on this professional path, where it would lead. I did not foresee that I would wend my way through so many places in Illinois, over to Sweden and eventually, to a place by the water's edge. I am very pleased it has led me to The Novara Centre.

Elizabeth Keating, MA, MA
Strong Tree Psychotherapy
at The Novara Centre
Phone  087 657 6965
strongtree@ireland.com
All questions welcome.

Recent education:
Master's in Counselling, Governors State University, Illinois, USA (2000-2004)
Post-graduate certificate in psychotherapy with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender & questioning clients and their families, Chicago, USA (2006-2007)
Completion of first level of Internal Family System's therapy training, Sweden (2009-2010)