Mieke Kohl, IFS Therapy in Massachusetts

Professional Background

Education, License & Certifications

M.S.W. Smith School for Social Work

B.A. in French with a minor in Modern Dance and Choreography, Keene State College

Laval University in Quebec City, Canada.  One year exchange student, studying French

Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) #2027700

Supervised by Jill Neitlich, LICSW # 107840

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3

Other Training

Training with Elaine Aron and Alane Freund in working with Highly Sensitive People (HSP’s)

Authentic Movement yearlong training program, plus many Authentic Movement workshops

Professional Affiliations

NASW Massachusetts Chapter

Hello and welcome!  I’m glad you found your way here. My name is Mieke (pronounced: mee-kah) and I use she/her pronouns.  

I’m delighted to be part of the IFS Telehealth Collective, surrounded by colleagues who understand the depth, power, and compassionate nature of IFS therapy. I feel honored each time I am with a client helping to guide them to deep levels of healing. I have found IFS to be a highly effective form of therapy, both personally and professionally.

People generally seek therapy because of some imbalance or inner suffering. Whether you have tried other therapeutic modalities or this is your first time seeking therapy, please know that transformation is entirely possible. Life can feel calmer, more balanced, and more joy-filled.

My Approach

My work is client-centered, committed to proceeding at a comfortable pace that feels safe at all times. I have a great deal of respect for the parts of us who may want to protect us from vulnerable or intense feelings, and I always honor and appreciate those parts. I see my role as being a gentle, compassionate companion and guide for clients as they explore their inner world.

I am always open to feedback from clients. My sincere wish is for every client to feel deeply heard, understood, and cared about. 

I have a strong background in expressive arts therapies. For anyone interested in exploring more right-brain, non-verbal ways of contacting and expressing what’s going on inside, our sessions could include Authentic Movement, which is a form of free-associative meditative movement and/or sounding work. I also enjoy guiding clients who may wish to experiment with various art materials as an alternative means of self discovery and healing. More traditional sitting or walking meditation may also be included, if desired. Sometimes there is pure spontaneous laughter between us, but always I maintain deep respect for wherever a client is in their process.

I have worked with people who struggle with anxiety, depression, chronic illness, trauma (including complex trauma), addiction, grief, self-esteem issues, life transitions, body issues, parenting issues, and relationship challenges. I am an ally to folks in the LGBTQIA+ community and people of all races and ethnic backgrounds.

As a highly sensitive person (HSP), I also have particular interest in working with people who have this inborn trait. Even though HSPs make up 20% of the population (and an estimated 50% of clients who seek therapy), HSP’s are often misunderstood and commonly misdiagnosed.

My Journey

When I first heard about IFS from a colleague I felt an immediate and strong resonance with the model. I was drawn to the fact that it is inherently non-pathologizing, and that there is an emphasis on assisting clients in connecting to their inherent wisdom, the “wise Self" within each of us. I dove right in, reading about IFS and attending my first annual IFS conference just a few weeks later. Everything about IFS makes sense to me. Within a few months I began the Level 1 IFS training, and found an IFS therapist for myself in order to really understand it "from the inside".  Since completing the Level 3 training, I have been program assisting for Level 1 and Level 2 trainings, which I have enjoyed a great deal.  I am grateful for the opportunity to help colleagues who are new to IFS in learning and practicing the model.

About Me

I am a big believer in the healing aspects of play.  I enjoy dancing, drumming, music improvisation, art-making, and singing, especially with others. I enjoy hiking, snowshoeing, reading, and listening to podcasts (including lots of IFS podcasts).  I feel a strong connection to the natural world, and especially enjoy being in or around water. I adore animals and feel a special resonance with cats. (Although certain dogs have been enticing me into being a “dog person” as well.)

As a mom, I’m familiar with many of the struggles, as well as the joys, of parenting. Family and friends mean the world to me. I enjoy the simple pleasures of gatherings centered around food, playfulness, and laughter.

I’d love to help you.

Please contact our client care team to get matched with an IFS therapist who would be a good fit for you.