Lou Bardach (he/they)

Healing anxiety requires us to develop a greater understanding and awareness of our triggers, thoughts, and physical sensations. As a therapist, I draw from an Internal Family Systems (IFS) framework to transform internal relationships with various anxiety-producing parts of ourselves, particularly our harsh inner critic. As we compassionately learn to gradually become more comfortable with some discomfort in the healing process, the anxiety decreases, and we find some relief and new freedom.

Anti-LGBTQ bias can be traumatic, and healing from its effects involves self-acceptance, support from loved ones, and connecting with LGBTQ+ communities. Sometimes working with a professional therapeutically can help. By compassionately educating ourselves, finding the courage to challenge harmful beliefs (both ours and other people's), and discovering and embracing our personal, authentic identity, we can discover greater emotional well-being and empowerment.

Intergenerational family dysfunction is the transmission of unhealthy behaviors and conflicts across generations, leading to problems like poor communication, trust issues, boundary issues, addictions and compulsions, and strained relationships. Breaking the cycle requires conscious effort, self-awareness, and sometimes professional help. I work with clients to address these issues through self-compassion – by learning to become one’s own loving parent.

Person-centered therapy emphasizes creating a nonjudgmental, empathetic, and understanding therapeutic environment. My goal is to foster genuineness and compassion through active listening, allowing my clients to explore and express their feelings, thoughts, and self-perceptions openly. This client-driven approach promotes self-discovery, personal growth, and emotional healing by empowering individuals to find their own solutions and build a stronger sense of self.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy sees the mind as a system of parts with distinct roles and emotions. As an IFS-informed practitioner, I help my clients develop a relationship with their core self, a wise and compassionate leader. By addressing and harmonizing protective and wounded parts, healing and integration occur, reducing emotional distress and promoting self-awareness. The following is a video on how I use IFS with my clients: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTglTqSMqa0

I utilize a variety of trauma therapy modalities with clients to heal the effects of intergenerational family dysfunction. Being raised in abusive, chaotic, or neglectful environments can result in anxiety, depression, panic attacks, self-esteem issues, relationship/codependency issues, addictions & compulsions, and critical judgment toward oneself and others. My therapeutic approach focuses on nurturing unmet needs with gentleness, patience, love, and respect and cultivating self-compassion.