Irene Gasde, MS, MiM, QMHP, CFEP, CHP

Like most human beings, I have found myself in challenging circumstances and experienced trauma. This inspired me to dive deeply into my own healing while undertaking my professional training as a psychotherapist and the study of various integrative modalities that can enhance and support a journey toward wholeness. I earned a Master of Science in Applied Psychology in 1997 and then pursued a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. While health concerns at that time did not permit me to complete my doctoral studies, I have continued to pursue my professional interests. I'm a certified practitioner of Havening Techniques, a somatosensory modality, and have received professional training in other trauma-informed approaches, including Compassionate Inquiry, Tapping, Relational Therapy, and Vibrational Medicine, all of which I bring to my practice. I'm currently working toward licensure in Marriage and Family Therapy. My perspective is informed by a humanistic, bio-psycho-social, relational, and transpersonal understanding of our world and a longtime practice of mindfulness. My specialties include PTSD, Complex PTSD, Developmental Trauma (Childhood PTSD), Family Scapegoating Abuse, Support and Education for Cult Survivors, Grief, Disenfranchised Grief, Loss, Loneliness, Isolation, Chronic Illness & how all the above can impact every facet of our lives, including our work, family, intimate relationships, friendships and, most importantly, the relationship with ourselves. I enjoy working with couples and am training with Terry Real, internationally known author and master teacher, and his team in Relational Life Therapy. This integrative approach to couples therapy equips clients to forge more authentic, honest, and intimate connections. The personal qualities I bring to my work are deep felt compassion, appreciation of our shared humanity and interconnectedness, as well as the uniqueness we each bring to the tapestry of Life. I help clients develop greater self-compassion and self-appreciation, as well as more autherntic ways to communicate. Therapy is a collaborative effort with your healing, insight, empowerment, and increased capacity for joy as our guiding light. Vulnerability takes courage. A genuinely therapeutic relationship offers safety in vulnerability. Choosing the best therapist can be daunting. I applaud you for embarking on this life changing journey. Ideally, the therapist you chose is experienced & competent in your areas of concern and their therapeutic style and personality make them well suited to match your preferences and comfort level. I offer a free 15 minute consultation to help you decide if you would like to embark on this journey with me. I believe that all human beings, no matter who they are, have the ability to change if they chose to. Change is a powerful process and can happen on many levels: emotionally, energetically, behaviorally, relationally, interpersonally, and transpersonally. I believe deeply in the healing power of connection. Most problems or difficulties we experience have their origins in disconnection from self and/or others, which may have led to coping mechanisms that were once helpful - even life saving - but no longer serve us. As we become aware of our coping behaviors and their original purpose, we unlock the potential for lasting change. Problems can vary widely from person to person, as does the form change may take. For this reason my therapeutic approach is eclectic and tailored to the individual, couple, or family reaching out to me. This allows me to be flexible in the therapy process and provide you with individualized care to meet your unique needs and preferences. I strive to create a mutually authentic and empathetic environment, where we can explore what you want to change, how you want to change, and the challenges you may face while doing so. I believe that through creating a relationship where we learn and grow together, true lasting change can occur. Some integrated techniques and approaches I may use with you are psycho-somato-sensory modalities (including Havening Techniques), Compassionate Inquiry, customized flower essences, which are a form of energetic/vibrational therapy, motivational Interviewing, narrative therapy, expressive arts, and movement therapy. Whichever direction our work together may take us, you will at all times be in charge of deciding what approach you prefer and the pace with which we move forward.