Modalities and Therapeutic Approach
I draw from trauma-informed, relational, and depth-oriented approaches that support exploration rather than quick fixes.
Therapy is not one-size-fits-all. Each person arrives with their own history, strengths, and ways of understanding the world. Aperture's approach is integrative and relational, drawing from evidence-based and depth-oriented modalities that help us work with both the mind and the body. These approaches offer different pathways toward insight, healing, and connection—and together we’ll choose what feels most supportive for where you are.
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Below, you’ll find more about the modalities I use and how they show up in practice.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
IFS is a gentle, non-pathologizing way of understanding your inner world through the lens of “parts”—the protective, wounded, reactive, hopeful, and wise aspects of yourself that each carry a story. Instead of fighting with these parts or trying to change them, IFS helps you build a compassionate relationship with them so they can soften and shift.
How does Aperture Psychology use IFS?
I often incorporate IFS to help you slow down and listen inward. We might tune into a part of you that feels anxious, critical, exhausted, or stuck, and explore the protective role it has played. This approach supports deeper clarity and gentleness, especially with patterns that feel repetitive or confusing.
Is IFS the same as inner child work?
IFS can include inner child themes, but it’s broader—it helps you relate to all aspects of yourself, not only your younger parts.
Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy explores how past experiences—especially early relationships—shape your internal world, emotional responses, and patterns in the present. By making the unconscious more conscious, it opens space for new ways of relating to yourself and others.
How does Aperture Psychology incorporate psychodynamic work?
Psychodynamic work in my practice focuses on understanding how early relationships, unconscious patterns, and emotional defenses shape present-day experiences. Rather than pathologizing symptoms, we explore their meaning with curiosity and compassion, helping you develop insight, emotional flexibility, and more choice in how you relate to yourself and others.
Is this approach slow?
It can be, but it’s purposeful. We move at a pace that feels safe for your nervous system, not rushed or forced.
Somatic Awareness
Somatic work involves tuning into the body—where emotions, memories, and stress often live. This doesn't mean intense body-based exercises; instead, it’s subtle and grounded in noticing sensations, tension, breath, or shifts in energy.
Why is the body involved in therapy?
The body often holds what the mind has learned to push away. Somatic awareness gives us a way to access wisdom and emotions that aren’t fully available through thinking alone.
How does Aperture Psychology integrate somatic work?
I may invite you to notice what’s happening in your body during a moment of emotion or reflection. This creates more connection between your physical and emotional experience and helps build regulation and grounding.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
CPT is a structured, evidence-based approach for processing traumatic experiences. It focuses on identifying beliefs that were formed during trauma—like “I’m not safe” or “It was my fault”—and gently reshaping them into something more true and more supportive.
How does Aperture Psychology use CPT in therapy?
I incorporate elements of CPT when we’re working through trauma-related beliefs or when you’re feeling stuck in self-blame or fear. We will talk about how trauma shaped the way you interact with yourself and the world and gently question the patterns that may no longer be serving you.
Do we have to follow a rigid protocol?
CPT sessions are more structured than traditional talk therapy and can include homework outside of session, however the work is always individualized. We will shape sessions around your history, your pace and your goals.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
IPT is centered on relationships—how they shape your mood, your sense of self, and your emotional well-being. It focuses on communication patterns, attachment needs, and the way you navigate conflict, grief, or transitions.
Why use IPT?
Human beings are wired for connection. Understanding your relational patterns can help you feel more grounded, empowered, and understood in your relationships.
How does Aperture Psychology blend IPT into sessions?
I draw on IPT when we’re exploring boundaries, communication, attachment injuries, or relationship shifts. It’s especially helpful during life transitions or when you’re working through relational wounds.
Mindfulness-Based & Integrative Approaches
Mindfulness brings awareness, presence, and gentleness to the therapy space. Integrative work means drawing from multiple modalities based on what your system needs in the moment—sometimes depth-oriented exploration, sometimes grounding, sometimes cognitive clarity.
What does mindfulness look like in a session?
It may mean slowing down, pausing to notice your breath, or allowing space for a feeling to emerge instead of pushing past it. It’s less about meditation and more about developing inner spaciousness.
How does Aperture Psychology integrate these approaches?
I weave mindfulness throughout the work, helping create the conditions for insight, safety, and deeper emotional connection. This often supports profound shifts that come not from doing more, but from listening more deeply.