Steyn Integrative Counseling, PC

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Barrington, IL
Steyn Integrative Counseling, PC

Holistic, Evidence-Based Therapy & Nervous System Regulation

10/02/2025

Our bodies are always speaking, often through sensations we might not notice at first. In IFS, we understand that every sensation, tension, or flutter is often connected to a “part” of us—one that is carrying a story, a memory, or a protective role. When we slow down and notice these parts in our body, we’re not just noticing symptoms… we’re listening to our system.

From a nervous system lens, this awareness helps us track where we might be holding activation or needing support. By gently turning toward these signals instead of pushing them away, we create safety inside. Over time, our parts may learn they don’t have to shout through tightness, anxiety, or fatigue—they can simply be heard, soothed, and understood.

Every sensation is an invitation into connection

09/25/2025

Have you ever identified with a something happening within you so much that’s it’s felt like it IS you? It’s become who you are? We hear this a lot “I’m an overachiever” or “I can never do anything right” — these phrases are great examples of being blended. An aspect, or part, of you seems like the ONLY part of you! Unblending is a return back to You.

09/24/2025

In Internal Family Systems , we learn that every part of us—no matter how wounded, protective, or burdened—was formed for a reason. When we meet our parts with curiosity and love, instead of judgment or rejection, deep healing begins.

Love softens trauma. It brings peace to the inside world, which naturally flows outward into our relationships and communities. 💜

Every step toward loving your parts is a step toward greater freedom, compassion, and wholeness.

09/05/2025

In IFS we often use the term “trailheads” — sensations, urges, emotions, and thoughts that invite us to get curious. When we follow them gently, they guide us not into fixing or forcing, but into presence. From a brain perspective, this shift from being in an emotion to being with it creates new pathways: our nervous system learns safety where there was once reactivity, and our brain begins wiring for calm connection instead of old survival loops.

And what allows this shift is Self — the grounded, compassionate presence within us. Self isn’t trying to solve or control; it witnesses, it cares, it holds space. When parts feel the steady presence of Self, they begin to trust that they don’t have to carry their burdens alone. That’s where true healing unfolds — not from doing more, but from being more fully with ourselves.

07/30/2025

Empathy can light up the pain centers of our own brain. When we feel with someone, the anterior insula and anterior cingulate cortex mirror their suffering. Beautiful, but if we stay here too long, it can quietly drain us.

Compassion is different. Instead of merging with the pain, it activates regions like the medial orbitofrontal cortex and ventral striatum—areas tied to warmth, caregiving, and reward. Compassion lets us move toward suffering with love while staying grounded in our own nervous system.

This shift isn’t about caring less. It’s about caring sustainably. Training our brains to hold compassion instead of over-identifying through empathy builds resilience and prevents burnout, allowing our nervous systems to stay regulated while we help others heal.

06/26/2025

The 8C’s of give us a roadmap to who we can be and feel like when we’re in a state of presence, or as we like to say “Spirit-y Self” — shows us how this state isn’t just about the individual but how it has the potential to positively affect what is outside of us because now we are feeling safer to think communally.

06/12/2025

Love that brings you back to your own bespoke Spirty-Self

05/30/2025

In IFS (Internal Family Systems) is categorized by traits that show up within us to bring the most presence (without agenda!) to our selves, our relationships, and our communities — the DMN provides a deeper look into the neuroscience of the phenomenon of being in your spirty-self YOU or being blended with our parts.

05/22/2025

The research is motivating but so is the presence within 💪🏼 Visit our link in bio or email Bradley direct.

05/13/2025

We have partnered with Mentaya, a simple tool that helps you check your Out-of-Network Insurance Benefits—fast and hassle-free.

💡 Many don’t realize their plans may offer partial reimbursement for therapy sessions—even if we’re not in-network!

We remain in-network with BCBS PPO, but this new option may open more doors for support for those seeking therapy services with us.

Visit https://www.steyncounseling.com/therapyfees
to check your benefits in seconds and make empowered decisions about your care.

05/01/2025

IFS (Internal Family Systems) teaches us to meet those inner voices not with judgment, but with compassion.
What if, instead of pushing them away, you got curious?
✨ Begin your journey inward.
Book a session with Steyn Integrative Counseling today.

04/30/2025

We must sense safety in our body, meaning our nervous system is appropriately noticing cues of safe connection to feel regulated. The time it takes for your nervous system to regulate is incredibly bio individual to you. However, many folks have asked us, “How do I know I am sensing safety?”

🌀 The 8C’s of Self-energy are easily accessible to you in the currently moment, or begining in sensing safety a few might be available and they will grow from there!

🧠🫀👁️🫁 Your body will communicate to you. Hunger cues will turn on, yawns, comfortability making eye contact, and easier, deeper breaths are great examples of this.

All Steyn Counseling Therapists are equipped and passionate about guiding you and your very custom nervous system into safety, while following your nervous system’s lead!

Address

18-6 E Dundee Road, Suites 220 & 160
Barrington, IL
60010

Telephone

+18476659802

Website

http://www.steyncounseling.com/

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