Welcome to Therapy Thrives, My name is Shirley Chapman LMFTA, RN
My background is in nursing, before becoming a marriage and family therapist through Antioch University. My passion is helping couples and individuals see themselves differently and recognize their strengths and goodness.
As an Emotionally Focused Therapist, I specialize in understanding and transforming the core emotions that drive conflict and distance in relationships. This approach, deeply rooted in attachment theory, fosters trust, empathy, and emotional responsiveness between partners. By helping individuals or couples to identify, understand, and transform these underlying emotions, EFT strengthens bonds and creates a safe space for vulnerability. The effectiveness of EFT is consistently demonstrated in studies, making it a highly reliable method for resolving surface problems and the deeper emotional patterns that cause distress.
When working with individuals who have experienced trauma, I incorporate the theory of Internal Family Systems. This approach offers an understanding of the different 'parts' of people, often representing conflicting emotions, beliefs, or behaviors that can cause inner turmoil. IFS provides a compassionate framework to explore and address these parts without judgment, fostering self-awareness and inner peace. By connecting with your core 'Self'—the calm, compassionate center within—IFS empowers you to heal emotional wounds, resolve internal conflicts, and create lasting personal growth and balance.
Also, I will introduce cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It is a highly effective model because it addresses the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It operates on the principle that distorted or negative thought patterns lead to emotional distress and maladaptive behaviors. By identifying these unhelpful thoughts, CBT helps individuals challenge and reframe them into more balanced and realistic perspectives. This, in turn, reduces negative emotions like anxiety, depression, and anger and promotes healthier behaviors.
If these approaches sound like a good fit for you, please give me a call or email today. We can set up a complimentary 15-minute consultation session, during which we can learn more about each other and see how I can help you meet your goals.
shirley chapman
Marriage and Family Therapist A., Registered Nurse