Sarah Fandel (She/Her)

Approach Description: Parts Work (IFS) Parts work - (e.g. Internal Family Systems theory) - is based on the idea that we all have a core Self that can become concealed by “parts” – or sub-personalities – that emerge in response to our environment and experiences. I am not a certified IFS practitioner, but I do have some training in IFS. I don't incorporate IFS specifically, but I frequently utilize parts work generally. I believe parts that interfere (e.g. behavioral patterns, addictions, core belief systems, depression, shame, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, avoidance, emptiness, people pleasing, etc.) attempt to act in the best interest of the Self; but that their efforts to do so often become misguided. Parts that may have served an adaptive or protective purpose at some point often struggle to let go despite the Self no longer needing them to play such an integral role. I strive to provide a safe space for you to better understand and integrate parts of yourself so that they operate in a balanced and harmonious manner in order to make more room for aspects of your core Self such as creativity, spirituality, fulfillment, compassion, confidence, connection, and curiosity. ​ Cognitive Behavior Therapy Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is an approach rooted in the relationship between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. When incorporating this modality into your treatment, I will focus on helping you identify and shift thought patterns, belief systems/narratives, and behaviors that contribute to mental health concerns or hold you back from your goals. ​ Dialectical Behavior Therapy Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was developed by psychologist Dr. Marcia Linehan to assist people in managing intense and overwhelming emotions. I may utilize DBT frameworks to assist you in developing and strengthening skills focused on distress tolerance, mindfulness, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. When experiencing very distressing emotions, it can be difficult to cope in healthy ways. DBT-based skills and exercises can be useful in helping you learn to cope effectively while improving your capacity for radical acceptance. ​ Psychodynamic My approach also draws from psychodynamic and object relations theories. Through these lenses, I will help you integrate conscious and unconscious aspects of your mind and gain insight into how old patterns of relating shape present experiences. I aim to bring to light defenses that interfere with your relationships with yourself and others with a focus on making meaning of them. This work can be empowering in expanding your freedom of choice and your capacity to know yourself more deeply. ​