Inner Thoughts…
What is IFS?
IFS (Internal Family Systems) refers to our inner family- the parts that make up our mind. Just like we are born with arms, legs, fingers, and toes, our minds are also made up of many parts. IFS sessions aim to explore those parts and how they might be affecting our lives.
What is GRM?
GRM (Grief Recovery Method) is an educational process using a series of small steps that help you move beyond loss. It is possible to recover from grief and regain energy for the life that has been granted to you, without feeling that what you’ve lost has been forgotten or the value of that relationship lessened in any way.
IFS Practitioners can help people become acquainted with their
Inner Thoughts…
People seek out IFS sessions for help with many different things:
Grief/Loss, Depression, Anxiety, Self Esteem, understanding events they have experienced, developing coping skills, and decision making.
Learn how Vary can help you as a Level 3 IFS Practitioner:
A unique approach.
Years of experience as a registered nurse allow Vary to draw on her medical knowledge and apply it when appropriate- and extensive training in IFS givers her the perspective you need to work through your Inner Thoughts…
The Grief Recovery Method
(GRM)
Grief is a normal and natural reaction to loss of any kind. Recovery means claiming your circumstances instead of your circumstances claiming you; the method we use to help achieve this recovery is comprised of a series of small and correct action choices made by the griever.
A system of mutual respect.
Vary’s approach to IFS is gentle. It’s not unusual to approach a new experience like counseling with uncertainty- so Vary will work to earn your trust and respect, resulting in comfortable sessions. Gentle guidance, active/reflective listening, and structured awareness of your newly recognized parts will help you reach the goals you’ve set.
Specialties
Adults
As an adult seeking Vary’s help, you’ll find a seasoned registered nurse who understands that feelings and emotions can become jumbled and “messy”, often even causing physical symptoms. Vary guides you through these challenges to untangle jumbled emotions and explore the development of new strengths and skills that can help you thrive.
Seniors
The knowledge and ability to work with you as a senior stems from Vary’s many years of nursing experience. She has a passion for listening and helping seniors turn inward to find the answers they may have already developed. Many seniors have told Vary that her wisdom is a comfort, and her gentle approach a gift to those seek her out.
Practitioner Bio
Vary S. Fischer
Although I’ve been a registered nurse for a long time, my belief is that education should never end, but instead be a life-long adventure. Formal college degrees are thus more of a means to an end for me, rather than a matter of prestige.
After high school, I worked as a clerk/legal assistant in the insurance industry. I found, however, that I desired to work more closely with people and their needs. I received my Associate Degree in Applied Sciences (Nursing), and while working in clinical nursing, I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing at Madonna University. I went on to earn a Master of Science degree at Indiana University. Although my initial registered nursing license was in Michigan, I have received reciprocity in many states, and am currently a registered nurse in Maine.
In the course of my career, I also earned several professional certifications. I was a certified childbirth educator through the Lamaze Association of Greater Detroit. I hold lifetime teacher certification through the Minnesota Department of Education. My long-term care administration classes, which led to state licensure, were earned at the University of Minnesota and Mankato State University (now a part of the University of Minnesota). After completing the IFSCA (Internal Family Systems Counseling Association) comprehensive program, I received a certificate in IFS (Internal Family Systems), and have completed the Level 3 IFS Program at the IFS Institute in the United States. All these skills and certificates provide expertise in my area of practice, and enrich my IFS sessions.
Professional clinical experience for me has included clinical nursing positions in acute care situations for physical, emotional, and mental challenges. Those positions included work with medical/surgical patients in Orthopedics, Step-Down ICU, Gynecology, ER, and General Stay, as well as with psychiatric patients in Mental Health. I’ve also worked in Obstetrical Care for mothers and babies, and in Delivery, Postpartum and the Newborn Nursery. I have also ridden as an ambulance attendant.
Long-term care in nursing homes and continuum of care campuses was also a part of my work. This included being a nursing assistant, caregiving nurse, director of nursing, and facility administrator.
Most recently, I am also a IFS practitioner for people seeking to learn about and understand the parts that affect thoughts, emotions, feelings, sensations, impulses, responses, behaviors, and life choices.
Beyond all my professional experience, my family forms the nucleus of my world. I am married with two grown daughters and one granddaughter. My family is the loving foundation I need to continue forward on my chosen professional path.
The IFS Approach
My post-secondary education as discussed above focused on nursing, with an A.D.N., B.S.N., and M.S.Ed. In conjunction with the study of nursing, I always included the study of psychology. I have taken nine different classes in psychology, which total 26 credit hours (in addition to clinical psychiatric nursing). These include:
- Introduction to Psychology
- Child Development (two different classes)
- Adolescent Development
- Applied Psychology
- Psychology in Teaching
- Introduction to Counseling
- Human Behavior – Leadership
- Human Behavior – Attitudes
*In addition to this, I completed a Psychiatric Nursing class that incorporated theory and clinical rotation, encompassing many more hours than classroom-only education.
I was introduced to Internal Family Systems (IFS) through Bright Line Eating with the Bright Line Freedom class. Desiring a deeper understanding of IFS, I sought out the IFS Institute and other educational entities where I have completed the following classes:
- IFS Institute:
- IFS Circle
- IFS Continuity Program
- A Compassionate Approach to Trauma and Addictive Processes
- Trailheads to Transformation: Harvesting Resources from the Unburdened System
- Bringing IFS-Informed Practices to Groups
- The Art of Negotiation in IFS Sessions: Challenging Protectors & Workable Agreements
- IFS Perspectives on Individuals with Autism and their Families
- Introduction to Somatic IFS – An Embodied Approach to Healing Trauma
- Level 3 IFS Training Program
- Annual IFS Conference 2022:
- Indigenous Inspired IFS
- Using IFS in Facilitating Groups
- Befriending Extreme Protectors
- IFS in Interpersonal Psychotherapy
- Applying IFS to Interpersonal & Systematic Transformative Work
- Navigating Trauma using IFS
- IFS in Dispute Resolution
- Rural Multicultural Perspective: Shaped by the Landscape along the Colorado Plateau
- IFS Use in Addictive Processes
- Jay Earley/Bonnie Weiss Classes:
- Beyond Eating Webinar
- Understanding your Behavior & Feelings Related to Eating
- Self-Therapy Journey: The Angry Pattern
- IFS Basic Course
- IFS Exiles Course
- IFS Inner Champion-Inner Critic Course
- IFSCA – Derek Scott:
- Stepping Stone: 16-Week Comprehensive IFS Course
*This list does not include webinars and lectures done outside of a formal class setting.
In Session with Vary
I am ever cognizant of the fact that I represent both the nursing profession and the IFS model, and I hold both as precious gifts. To uphold the standards of my profession, I have access to resources and services that are outstanding. I use authoritative textbooks for research in nursing, medical, and psychological disciplines; have access to leaders in the field and state-of-the-art organizations for continuing education; access to a listing of thousands of consulting experts for networking and referrals; and availability for mentoring from the leading IFS consultants in the nation. To earn the certifications listed in my education profile, I have demonstrated the ability to apply my own theories and personal applications with my knowledge of the IFS 3 model, nursing, basic sciences, and session construction.
I aim to put you, the client, at ease, and to help you to understand and be comfortable with the process. I do not go forward at any step of the process without verbal consent from you. You are an active part as we build the ability for you to access your inner parts, detect parts that are present, and assess your progress. As a Level 3 Practitioner who is also an RN, I will offer you my own unique blend of traditional medical/nursing insight and the IFS model’s valuable psychological work on accessing inner parts. This blended approach allows me to guide you to the place where you may have become stuck, and helps in considering the emotional issues that may have come to light in your life.
To me, nursing is the heart of IFS. I conduct each session in accordance with my philosophy: “IFS is the natural approach to life’s emotional and mental struggles.
The IFS approach
Vary’s sessions are based on the IFS model, along with her practical experience. So what does that mean?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) has no connection to what we mean when we say “my family.” Instead, IFS is a way to get familiar with the parts that are inside each of us – our inner family. We are born with fingers, toes, arms, and legs, but we’re also born with parts inside of our mind! Those are the parts we mean when we say something like, “Part of me really wants to go to the party, but part of me also knows I should stay home and get ready for the big day tomorrow.” In IFS sessions, we explore those inner parts and how they affect the way we live our lives. It’s a way to become familiar with our own feelings and emotions.
IFS works on the premise that issues of the mind are generally non-pathological. That means there does not need to be a medical or mental health diagnosis. Instead the part simply needs to be listened to and understood. The IFS belief is that we already have everything inside of us that we need to care for ourselves. When our physical bodies get hurt, they work to heal themselves. Our minds and hearts work the same way. Vary will not ask, “What’s wrong with you?” She will instead ask, “How can I help you?”
To apply all of this, Vary will guide you to be able to recognize your inner parts, and to hear what they’re trying to tell you. She also aims to help you understand how your beliefs, assumptions, and values developed, and to be non-judgemental toward yourself as your learn to understand your inner parts. Self-awareness and better self-compassion are the goals Vary works toward with you.
During a session, Vary will guide you as needed, but you will be in the lead. Nothing is done without your permission; you work with Vary to explore and understand your inner parts. It’s not unusual to experience a new calmness as you begin to understand your inner self. Ultimately, you’ll gain an awareness of what parts you have, and how they work; understand why different emotions arise at various times; and experience healing of hurts that have been hidden.
An important part of Vary’s approach is that she is gentle. It’s not unusual to feel nervous going into a session, but Vary will work to earn your trust and respect. You’ll work together to set your goals, both over time and at the start of each new session.
Contact Vary at
Inner Thoughts…
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