LISA PRESTON, DO
Traditional Osteopathy and IFS (Internal Family Systems) Therapy
Vital Balance Osteopathy
Osteopathy
What is a DO? (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine)
You can think of an osteopath as a mechanic for the body, ensuring that our bones, fascia, muscles, and energetic rhythms are all working together. Through gentle adjustments and manipulation, often over just a few sessions, osteopathic techniques can help restore harmony in the body and relieve your dysfunction and pain.
How does it work?
Everything that is alive is in motion. The osteopathic physician has a highly developed sense of touch that feels the subtle motions of the body. When these motions are disturbed, dysfunction results. For example, if a muscle of the back is in spasm, the movement controlled by that muscle is restricted, and pain results. The skilled hands of an osteopath can identify the disturbed area and gently manipulate the body to restore normal motion and resolve pain.
Is an osteopath a "real" doctor?
Like MD's (medical doctors), osteopaths are doctors. Osteopathic physicians are trained in hospitals in every aspect of medicine, can prescribe medication, or perform surgery if necessary. Osteopaths serve in all medical specialties, from Pulmonology to oncology.
What is the difference between a DO and an MD?
The holistic philosophy, precise training in musculoskeletal medicine, and gentle hands-on therapy that distinguishes DO's from their MD colleagues.
Who should go to an osteopath?
Osteopaths treat a variety of conditions including birth injuries in newborns, pain syndromes, and endocrine disorders. Osteopaths also provide palliative care to dying patients. Frequently, patients seek an osteopath because they want a non-invasive treatment to their problem. Other patient seek an osteopath because their disease or problem wasn't helped by any other physician. Others go to an osteopath for preventive care and to enjoy optimum health.
Where can I learn more about osteopathy:
(TBI) www.mercola.com/forms/do.htm
AOA website: www.osteopathic.org
Cranial academy website: www.cranialacademy.com
IFS: Internal Family Systems
What is it?
Its a form of psychotherapy that gets to the root of emotional reactions in a compassionate and non-pathologizing way.
Why is it called Internal Family Systems?
Because Richard Schwartz, Ph.D who founded IFS was originally a family therapist. Through clinical experience and studying spiritual and psychological theories he learned that we have personality parts within us that organize internally similar to how families systems organize. In plain language these internal parts are in relation to each other (fight with each other, collaborate, etc.) An example of internal dialog may be "part of me wants to do my work...but, another part of me wants to lie down." "Part of me is full. But, another part of me keeps thinking about dessert." These are very benign examples of common emotional conflicts. When parts take on extreme roles, frequently the system finds a balance by adopting an opposite extreme role. Like one part binging and another purging; or one part desires rest/hibernation and another part becomes hyper productive.
Why do I provide this service?
While treating patients I became fascinated with how the mind and body function. Patients spoke about their inner turmoil and I could feel the energetic effects this had on the body if my hands were treating them. This brought a question to my mind, " can the way we think make us sick?" I felt compelled to study the mind in greater depth (since I already had a great understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and pathology) and found a psychotherapy that I felt could address negative thought patterns (and reactive behavior) in a complete and profound way. I wasn't just interested in an intellectual understanding of our complex mind. I wanted to help my patients become healthier in mind and body.
How does it work?
Its an hour session similar to a regular psychotherapy session. I facilitate a conversation between your healthy Self and your parts. Often during deep healing sessions changes occur in patient's bodies that I can palpate with my hands. So, I often have patients lie down with my hands resting gently under them. The information I gather from my hands facilitate whats going on internally with my patients. Other times we can use more creative methods (drawing, sculpting, using miniature sculpture maps) to help tap deeply rooted emotions.
How can I learn more about Internal Family Systems?
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