Chelsea Augusto (she/her)

I have been using IFS-based interventions since I became a therapist. The language of "parts" has always come naturally to me in both my therapy and my writing. I find that almost all clients can benefit from understanding the ways that our "parts" or various states of mind impact our sense of wellbeing and suffering. I believe that parts work, can be a powerful tool to support us in strengthening self-awareness and discernment about how we relate to ourselves and others.

During my graduate program, I did a lot of research about what works across all therapeutic modalities. I found that the most impactful common denominator was the therapeutic relationship itself. I believe a trusting and genuine relationship can be fertile ground for exploring how one engages in relationships outside of the therapy room. When relevant, I invite clients to share their thoughts and feelings toward me and navigate tension as needed, so that therapy can continue uninhibited.

I am continuously educating myself on attachment-based modalities because I believe they offer rich insights about how we are in the relationship with ourselves and our relationships with others. Attachment theories can help us see how we regulate our own emotions, engage in relationships with others, and respond to intimacy of many kinds. Further, attachment theory can offer a sense of clarity and direction about how we can strengthen relational and personal wellbeing.

Research shows that woman are under-diagnosed when it comes to ADHD and neurodivergence. Recent research shows that women's hormones can significantly impact their ADHD symptoms and overall sense of wellbeing, topics that are not talked about nearly enough. Many other issues disproportionately plague women related to body image, domestic violence, codependency, and more; I am dedicated to continued education about how I can best support and advocate for my clients experiencing women's issues.

Attachment-related issues can be seen as patterns we have learned over time to cope with relational challenges and/or trauma, often beginning from a very young age. We all have attachment styles that impact the way we are in relationships and fall somewhere on a continuum of secure to insecure, and can change. I engage in ongoing education about the ways our attachment patterns and behaviors impact our sense of suffering and/or wellbeing and bring this knowledge into my sessions when helpful.

As a neurodivergent woman with ADHD, I have faced many challenges with managing my symptoms and finding neurodivergent-affirming therapy. My competency comes from my professional journey as well as my personal. I offer neurodivergent-affirming therapy, especially in under-diagnosed populations such as women and non-binary individuals because I am passionate about it and because there is a need.