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My Approach

photo of Amber Kerby

I take a collaborative approach to therapy that emphasizes compassion, connection, and clarity.

 

I am level 2 trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS), allowing me to utilize this approach with both individuals and couples/families.  IFS provides a gentle and empowering approach to self-discovery and healing, allowing you to navigate your inner world with greater ease and resilience.

 

IFS emphasizes the complexity of an individual's internal system, describing this in terms of Parts.  For example, when a friend invites me to dinner, a part of me wants to go while another part of me would rather stay home.  There are multiple aspects of You that speak to different beliefs, emotions, and desires, and can sometimes conflict with one another, leading to inner turmoil and distress. The goal of IFS therapy is to help you develop a compassionate and harmonious relationship within your internal system and address your needs more fully. 

 

By creating a safe and non-judgmental space, our work together will allow you to explore your own system and develop a greater sense of self-awareness, self-compassion, and internal integration.

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About Me
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I earned my undergraduate degree from Central College in Pella, IA and my Master of Science (MS) degree in Human Services with a specialization in Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling/Therapy from Capella University.  The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), ensuring that it meets the national standards for education and training.  I am proud to have graduated from this program with distinction. 

 

I moved to New Hampshire in 2010 and worked with a non-profit organization to provide counseling services to children, teens, adults, families, and couples.  My role at the organization varied from office-based therapy and Home-Based Therapy to multi-family and adolescent support groups, and school-based counseling at the local Elementary and Middle School.  I also maintained a private practice, working with children, teens, families, and couples.  I was honored to be a part of this community until moving back to Iowa in 2017.

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I am now devoting my professional energy to my Private Practice, offering a hybrid of teletherapy and in-office appointments, pioneering Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy services in IA, and providing education, consultation, and training around psychedelic preparation and integration in a therapeutic context. 

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Trainings & Qualifications
                   

INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS (IFS)

 

I am trained in Internal Family Systems and IFIO (IFS level 2) and will utilize this approach in most of our work together.  To learn more about IFS, check out  https://ifs-institute.com/

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KETAMINE ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY

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After completing a year-long training program at the Integrative Psychiatry Institute in Boulder, CO, I am Certified to offer Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) and Psychedelic Assisted Therapy when additional medicines are approved by the FDA.  To learn more about KAP, click here

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PSYCHEDELIC ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY & INTEGRATION


In addition to the training and certification at IPI, have also completed the MAPS training program for MDMA-Assisted Therapy.  I am a Certified Trauma-Informed Entheogenic Guide and Psychedelic Integration Specialist, and lead instructor at Mindscape Institute

 

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PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

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I am an active member of the Psychedelic Medicine Association and co-leader of the Iowa Chapter.  This organization is one of the leaders in the field for training, advocacy, and education.  We are hosting monthly networking for members, and interested colleagues - feel free to reach out to me for more information:  therapy@amberkerby.com

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