What to Expect

Kenny Dennis MA, LPC, NCC

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Over the years, I have discovered that clients do best when they have an understanding of what to expect in therapy. I have a systematic approach to therapy that draws from leading therapeutic approaches to trauma.

While I believe that a clinical approach is a critical aspect of trauma healing, my clinical approach is firmly embedded in my belief that Jesus is always the source of healing. All of our work together begins with understanding that Jesus is at the core of how we are created and He is our greatest resource and strength in healing our wounds.

Health is always holistic. We have to work on all aspects of our health together to find true healing. This includes, physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. 

Integrated Approach to Trauma Therapy

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

IFS has become the "go to" therapy for trauma. Effective trauma-informed therapy always asks the question, "WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU?". IFS honors this idea through recognizing that trauma creates parts of us that are still trying to cope with and avoid our traumatic experiences. 

Healing in IFS comes when we recognize how these parts have functioned to protect us and then working with these parts to begin healing our trauma experiences. Once these experiences can be accessed in a safe environment, we work together to rescue the parts of us that are still stuck in trauma. 

When I began relying more on IFS as an approach to trauma healing, I created a short animated video that helps to explain this idea more fully. I encourage you to watch this video to better understand this approach.

INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS INTRODUCTION

Here are some additional resources to better understand how I integrate IFS with Christian beliefs and values. The video is from a message I preached one Sunday on this idea.

ONE IDEA FOR A CHRISTIAN MODEL OF IFS

​Additional Resources for integrating IFS with a Christian Worldview

Altogether You by Jenna Riemersma

Boundaries for Your Soul by Allison Cook

both are available on Amazon

EMDR and Brainspotting 

Once we understand our internal system, we can begin working with our past trauma experiences (exiles in IFS) EMDR is a well-researched approach that naturally works hand-in-hand with IFS. Please look over the Self-Care with EMDR page for tons of information on this approach to trauma. In some cases, Brainspotting is also a great approach that opens the door for EMDR. Please be sure to read thru the EMDR self-care page and watch the videos. You can also check out my VIDEO ON THE BASICS OF BRAINSPOTTING for more information.