WHAT IS IFS, EMDR, DBR
& BRAINSPOTTING?
WHAT IS INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS THERAPY (IFS)?
IFS is an evidence-based therapy created by psychologist Richard Schwartz, that assists clients to get to know their "parts" or thoughts/feelings/body sensations and listen to them in a way that is helpful. Many of our "protector parts" had to take on painful roles when we were very young and if we get to know their stories and assist the inner children/memories that they are connected to, we can create more internal harmony and more space for the true "Self". The Self is by nature calm, compassion, curious and courageous and decisions made from this place are balanced and grounded.
Examples of "Manager" proactive protector parts:
*Judgemental
*Controlling
*Self-critical
*Anxious/worrying
*"Busy"
*Rational
*People pleasing or caretaking
Examples of "Firefighter" reactive protector parts:
*Addictions
*Rage
*Withdrawal
*Dissociation
*Procrastination
*Self harm
*Suicidal ideation
All parts are trying to help us in some way. It is our role to understand them, relieve them of their past burdens and help them journey with us into the present.
WHAT IS IFS?
An introduction by IFS creator Dr Richard Schwartz
WHAT IS EYE MOVEMENT DESENSITISATION REPROCESSING THERAPY (EMDR)?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach designed to help individuals process and overcome traumatic experiences and emotional disturbances. Developed by Psychologist Francine Shapiro, EMDR involves a structured eight-phase approach where clients recall distressing memories while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, usually through guided eye movements. This dual-tasking facilitates the processing of traumatic memories, helping to integrate and reframe them in a more adaptive way. EMDR aims to reduce the emotional charge of these memories, leading to relief from symptoms of post-traumatic stress and other related issues.
WHAT IS EMDR?
A video overview of EMDR by EMDRAA.org.au
WHAT IS DEEP BRAIN REORIENTING?
Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) was developed by Psychiatrist and Trauma Researcher Frank Corrigan as a trauma therapy designed to work with the brain’s deepest survival and attachment systems. Drawing on neuroscience, attachment theory, and clinical trauma research, DBR helps people process the unresolved shock and emotional pain that can remain held in the nervous system after overwhelming or distressing experiences.
Unlike approaches that focus primarily on thoughts or memories, DBR gently works with the body’s instinctive orienting responses — the automatic reactions that occur when something threatening, frightening, or emotionally significant happens. By slowing down and carefully tracking these responses, DBR helps clients access and process the underlying shock, fear, helplessness, shame, or grief that may be driving ongoing symptoms.
WHAT IS DBR?
A video interview with creator Frank Corrigan
WHAT IS BRAINSPOTTING?
Brainspotting is a therapeutic technique designed to help individuals process and heal from trauma, emotional distress, and mental health issues. Developed by psychotherapist David Grand, it involves identifying and targeting specific points in the visual field that correspond to areas of emotional and physiological pain. By focusing on these "brainspots," clients can access and work through deep-seated issues that may be difficult to reach through traditional talk therapy. The method integrates elements of both neuroscience and psychotherapy, aiming to facilitate profound healing by harnessing the brain's natural capacity for processing and resolving trauma.
WHAT IS BRAINSPOTTING?
A video by Brainspotting creator Dr David Grand
FINDING WHAT WORKS FOR YOU
Melissa will work with you to find the right balance of IFS, EMDR, DBR and Brainspotting that connects with your unique internal system. Sometimes clients gravitate more strongly towards one therapy or the other. Other clients embrace and move between all four therapies and they are used fluidly to meet your needs in each session. In each case, you will work with Melissa to create the sense of containment, safety and resourcing tools needed to safely process wounds from the past.
