|
Introducing Internal Family Systems (IFS):
A New Path to Healing
We’re excited to announce that our practice is now offering Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy as part of our growing list of therapeutic modalities, providing an ever-widening range of healing options for our clients. IFS is a compassionate, evidence-based therapeutic model which helps people gain deeper insight into themselves, resolve long standing inner conflicts stemming from early traumatic experiences, and foster true emotional healing. This deep healing not only leads to more peace and presence internally, but it also opens new pathways for interacting more effectively and peacefully with the people who inhabit your world.
IFS was founded by Dr. Richard Schwartz in the 1980’s and has come into the mainstream due to its effectiveness in treating even the most difficult emotional/behavioral challenges. It is a gentle and non-pathologizing therapy. It begins with the acceptance that the “normal state of the mind is multiple”, rather than seeing our extreme behaviors as evidence of “abnormality” or as symptoms to be diagnosed and fixed. For example… “part of me wants to get up and get to work because there is so much to do; and part of me wants to stay in bed because there is so much to do!”. IFS calls these differing perspectives or drives within us “parts”. It recognizes that we all carry these different “parts” within us — like the inner critic, the people-pleaser, the anxious child, the protective caretaker or the angry boundary setter, who are all doing their best to help us navigate the world.
These parts form an internal system, like the characters in the brain in the movie “Inside Out”, with some parts holding pain and memories from traumatic or difficult childhood experiences and other parts taking on protective roles, to keep us away from that pain and keep us functioning day to day. IFS doesn’t view these parts as pathological, but rather as valuable and protective, even when they cause distress. And at the core of IFS is also the belief that underneath these sometimes distressing ways of being is a version of us that has amazing capacity and care. IFS calls that the “Self”; a calm, wise, and compassionate presence at our core, which can lead and heal our internal system when accessed. This Self is present in all of us, just underneath the surface. IFS therapy helps individuals access and reconnect with this Self, by turning toward our parts, to explore the inner landscape of the mind with openness, curiosity and care, rather than judgment. Over time, this approach eases long-standing emotional burdens and help clients feel more balanced and whole.
With over 30 years in practice, I’ve witnessed and practiced many models of therapy. IFS stands out for its respectful, non-pathologizing stance and its ability to gently access deep emotional material. We’re proud to be integrating this model into our work and look forward to sharing it with clients who may benefit from its thoughtful, empowering approach.
If you’re curious to learn more about IFS or think it might be a good fit for you or someone you know, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help guide the journey inward — toward greater self-understanding and lasting change.
| | This Month is All about Making Self-care a Lasting Habit | |
August is National Wellness Month, a reminder that prioritizing daily well-being isn’t indulgent – it’s essential. Here's how to embrace wellness:
• Build a simple self-care plan and tailor it to your needs, set reminders, and track progress.
• Stay adaptable! Life changes, so make room for flexibility and don’t beat yourself up for missed days.
• Celebrate small wins and acknowledge every step forward, no matter how minor.
Lakes Center encourages you to commit to your well-being this August – one mindful choice at a time.
Read More...
| | |
TACOS ANYONE?
Ever wonder what the Lakes Center team members do when they're not at the office? We have some pretty amazing people with some unique talents!
Deanna Bueno, a valued member of our billing department, also happens to be the proud owner of a catering business called Bueno Tacos. Her food truck offers authentic Mexican recipes, crafted with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. She's passionate about supporting the local community and is dedicated to environmentally friendly practices.
You'll find some delicious fan favorites on her menu, including Pollo Tinga, Birria Tacos, homemade Corn Chips, and even Taco Cheesecakes!
If you're planning an event and want to book her for your next celebration, you can reach Deanna directly at 248-904-2627.
| | |
Mental Health Tip:
Keep Cool to Stay Mentally Fit
Summer heat can strain both your body and mind. Combat this by:
• Acclimating gradually
• Staying hydrated (ice water counts!)
• Avoiding solo outdoor workouts
• Recognizing early heat-stress symptoms like confusion or dizziness
• Cooling down with cold showers, air conditioning, or a fan
| | |
Mental Health Tip:
Focus on what Matters – Worry Less About the Rest
When anxiety climbs, imagine a tree with three branches. Assign each branch to one worry.
If a fourth appears, decide which three truly matter and let go of the rest. Pair this with good sleep habits to keep stress in check.
| | | |
We provide comprehensive psychiatric and psychotherapy services for a vast array of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychotic illness, borderline personality disorder, substance abuse/addiction, trauma related issues, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and behavior problems. Call (248) 859-2457 to set up an appointment.
| | |
Did you know? SPRAVATO® can have a rapid antidepressant response and is added on to an antidepressant and the rest of your regimen. It is the first new mechanism of action to treat depression that has come out in over 30 years.
There is hope for treatment-resistant depression. Call (248) 859-2457 to set up an appointment.
| | | | |
We provide comprehensive DBT services to provide effective treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and other disorders involving emotion dysregulation, including co-occurring substance use disorders, major depressive disorder, and individuals with history of trauma. At Lakes DBT Center, we believe that with effective evidence-based treatment and a caring and coordinated treatment team, clients can create a life they love.
| | |
Discovering Wellness:
A Therapy Group for Depression and Anxiety
New group beginning September 9, 2025
Tuesdays, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Lakes Center, 2300 Haggerty Road, Suite 1170, West Bloomfield, MI 48323
Contact Josephine Salem at JSalem@lakescenter.com or Catherine DuFresne at CDuFresne@lakescenter.com for the starting date of the next group.
This is an adult outpatient therapy group treating Depression and Anxiety related mental health disorders. Click here for more information!
| | |
OCD/ERP Online Support Groups:
Networking for Change and Growth
Tuesdays 12:30 - 1:30 pm and Thursdays 3:00 - 4:00 pm
(Both are Online only)
Contact Terrie Browning at TBrowning@lakescenter.com or (248) 342-9254.
To Sign Up: Call (248) 859-2457 or click here to fill out our Contact Form.
This group is open to people who have OCD, PTSD, Hoarding, Trichotillomania, Excoriation and Tics. We discuss how ERP works to treat these as well as Generalized Anxiety and Panic Disorders. Since ERP can be difficult to maintain, sharing similar experiences with each other, as well as learning from the leaders will help you stay on the course.
| | |
Yawen Ning, LCSW
Clinical Social Worker
Ning is a Licensed Master Social Worker with a strong focus on sexual health and trauma. She graduated from the University of Michigan School of Social Work in 2018 and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Social Work at Boston University, concentrating on Mental Health and Trauma. As a bilingual immigrant therapist, Ning emphasizes culturally competent and inclusive care, and provides treatment in both English and Mandarin.
In her practice, Ning uses a range of evidence-based therapeutic techniques, including EMDR, DBT, and CBT, tailored to meet the specific needs of her clients. With six years of clinical experience in various settings, she has refined her skills in psychiatric evaluations, individual psychotherapy, group therapy, and crisis intervention for adults struggling with PTSD, depression, and other mental health concerns. She also assists young adults with identity exploration. Ning's therapeutic approach is human-centered, valuing each individual's autonomy and fostering close collaboration with her clients.
Read more...
| |  |
Susan Deutsch, LMSW
Clinical Social Worker
Susan received her master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan in 1986. She has 30+ years of clinical experience treating clients with a wide range of issues. Her practice includes adult men and women of all ages who are trying to bring about positive change in their lives. Her approach is eclectic, using a broad range of techniques from psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and supportive psychotherapies. Areas of specialty include: Depression, stress management and anxiety reduction, relationship issues, marital and divorce counseling, parenting issues, adults of any age struggling with life transition issues, and mood disorders with co-morbid substance abuse.
Contemplating change is the first and sometimes most difficult step. Together we will collaborate to understand how your history has shaped you, and what you can do to change the patterns causing your current challenges. Finding this healthy balance between acceptance and change will lead to more peace, satisfaction and happiness in your daily life.
Read more...
| | | | | |
