JESSICA VAN DER MERWE (She/Her)

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

IFS is an evidenced based therapy that explores the "parts" of us to explore and resolve internal conflicts, depression, trauma, and anxiety. Within this framework, we increase self-compassion and value our natural protective strengths. I am also trained in Trauma Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST), an integrative approach that includes mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, IFS, and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy.

Brainspotting

Brainspotting therapy harnesses the body’s natural healing by locating a point of vision that correlates with inner neural, somatic, and emotional experiences. These eye positions, called Brainspots, access the subcortical brain, which is the inner part of our brain that holds emotional, non-verbal, and trauma memory. Accessing these brainspots lead to healing and resolution of issues that are held deeply held in the brain and body.

Humanistic 

The therapist defers to the client as the expert of their experience, using a nonjudgmental stance when listening and attuning to a client’s narrative. This is paired with a processes guiding approach, which involves the gentle confrontation of incongruencies to explore paths to growth and change.

Emotionally Focused

EFT focuses on individual emotional states (or lack thereof) as the “barometer” for the one's most important and unresolved issues. According to this form of therapy, emotions are adaptive but can become problematic. EFT works to identify core emotions and beliefs, and transform them to resolve conflict.

Gottman Method

The goals of Gottman Method Couples Therapy are to disarm conflicting verbal communication, increase intimacy, respect, and affection, remove barriers that create a feeling of stagnancy in conflicting situations, and create a heightened sense of empathy and understanding within the context of the relationship.

PTSD

Experiences of trauma include childhood abuse or neglect, abandonment, betrayal, acute traumatic experiences, or any experience that currently impacts your ability to function fully. Your history does not define you and does not have to be a life-sentence. I work with you through brain-based, body-based, and emotion-focused approaches to heal and thrive.

Codependency

Often we find ourselves in relationships and situations where we feel used, resentful and hurt, waiting for the other person to notice our efforts and give us the love we need. It is in these relationships we often betray our own boundaries and needs in exchange for supporting the needs of others. This cycle can leave us exhausted and hopeless. I work with you to gain insight and form new patterns of relating to finally get your needs met.

Body Image Issues

When did we learn to hate our bodies? It's a question we explore as we process and heal the damage that has been done by society, family, or our own self-loathing. I use a Health at Every Size and Body Trust perspective to reclaim the natural wisdom and healing of the body. Whether you have struggled with food, image, or been impacted by trauma, we approach the body with a new lens that can truly turn what we thought we knew about health and wellness upside down.