Parts Work and Self-Compassion: Using IFS to Heal Inner Conflict
Bariatric Counseling, Emotional Healing Melinda S. Schuster, M.A., LPC-S, PMH-C Bariatric Counseling, Emotional Healing Melinda S. Schuster, M.A., LPC-S, PMH-C

Parts Work and Self-Compassion: Using IFS to Heal Inner Conflict

Do you feel like you’re constantly at war with yourself? That tension isn't a failure—it's just your "parts" trying to protect you. In this guide to Internal Family Systems (IFS), we explore how to meet your Inner Critic and Perfectionist with curiosity instead of combat. Learn how to unblend from chaotic thoughts and build a safe, resilient internal world.

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EMDR Vs Talk Therapy: What’s the Difference?
Bariatric Counseling, Emotional Healing Melinda S. Schuster, M.A., LPC-S, PMH-C Bariatric Counseling, Emotional Healing Melinda S. Schuster, M.A., LPC-S, PMH-C

EMDR Vs Talk Therapy: What’s the Difference?

EMDR and talk therapy are both evidence-based methods to heal emotional pain, but they work in different ways. EMDR targets specific memories using bilateral stimulation for faster relief, while talk therapy focuses on insight, reflection, and skill-building over time. Discover which approach fits your goals and needs.

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Why Depression Isn’t Laziness: A Trauma-Informed Perspective
Bariatric Counseling, Emotional Healing Melinda S. Schuster, M.A., LPC-S, PMH-C Bariatric Counseling, Emotional Healing Melinda S. Schuster, M.A., LPC-S, PMH-C

Why Depression Isn’t Laziness: A Trauma-Informed Perspective

Depression often looks like laziness, but it’s actually a nervous system response to chronic stress or trauma. This trauma-informed perspective explains why shutdown, fatigue, and numbness happen—and how to rebuild energy and motivation safely.

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Reconnecting After Burnout: Healing Emotional Exhaustion Through IFS
Bariatric Counseling, Emotional Healing Melinda S. Schuster, M.A., LPC-S, PMH-C Bariatric Counseling, Emotional Healing Melinda S. Schuster, M.A., LPC-S, PMH-C

Reconnecting After Burnout: Healing Emotional Exhaustion Through IFS

Burnout isn’t a flaw—it’s your inner parts working overtime to protect you. Through an IFS lens, you can meet the hustler, shutdown, and critic parts with curiosity, rebuild Self-leadership, and use simple somatic anchors and micro-boundaries to restore calm and sustainable energy.

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Why Bariatric Counseling Should Be Part of Every Post-Op Plan
Bariatric Counseling, Emotional Healing Melinda S. Schuster, M.A., LPC-S, PMH-C Bariatric Counseling, Emotional Healing Melinda S. Schuster, M.A., LPC-S, PMH-C

Why Bariatric Counseling Should Be Part of Every Post-Op Plan

Weight loss surgery transforms your body, but what about your mind? Post-op life brings unexpected emotions, identity shifts, and challenges that the scale can’t measure. Bariatric counseling helps you navigate cravings, body changes, and the pressure to “have it all together,” offering the long-term support every patient deserves.

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