

(he/they)
Lou Bardach, MSW
Mental Health Counselor Student Intern
Coach
Hello, my name is Lou Bardach, and I am an IFS-Informed Life Coach and psychotherapy student intern. My approach to coaching is similar in some ways to psychotherapy. I graduated with honors from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and I am a member of both the Psi Chi National Honor Society in Psychology and the Phi Alpha National Honor Society in Social Work. I am also an IFS-informed practitioner, having studied the Internal Family Systems psychotherapeutic model through the IFS Institute’s introductory Online Circle program (more info). I additionally hold a degree from the Colorado Institute of Art, and view people connecting with their “art” (in all its many forms) as central to claiming and living in one’s truth.
I have been trained in Tibetan-style (Samatha) meditation and mindfulness practices and bring a grounded, person-focused approach to helping and supporting others. I believe each person is an expert on their own life, and partner with my clients to create a safe environment to foster self-exploration, healing, and transformation. I believe that health and well-being are cultivated through self-care -- by learning to become one’s own compassionate caregiver.
Areas of focus with my clients tend to include:
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getting "unstuck" when feeling stuck in work or school, in relationships or with family, in life patterns, etc.
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addressing loneliness or feeling a sense of disconnection
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exploring and healing the effects of childhood trauma including abandonment wounds and shame
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addressing addictions and compulsions, and the wounding that drives these behaviors
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providing support in a psychiatric drug withdrawal/tapering process
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exploring spirituality or purpose in one’s life
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addressing inner conflict that perpetuates stress, anxiety, and depression
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working with existential issues (aka - dark night of the soul, midlife crisis, etc.)
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addressing harshness within oneself (an “inner critic), and challenges with self-compassion, self-forgiveness, and self-love
As a gay man experienced in working with LGBTQ+ adolescents and adults, I am particularly interested in helping others heal from the effects of homophobia and other types of social oppression through the lens of intersectionality and empowerment. My own “arts” include writing -- poetry, fiction, and non-fiction (I am a published author), public speaking, meditation, stretching/bodywork, gardening, engaging nature, befriending animals, encouraging children (and inner children) to laugh, traveling to places I have never been and walking a lifetime path of personal growth and discovery.
Credentials & Experience
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Master of Social Work at University of Central Florida (In Progress)
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Shambhala Levels 1-5 Trained - Tibetan-style Shamatha (mindfulness) meditation
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Published Researcher: here
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Entrepreneur – Small Business Owner
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Childhood Trauma / PTSD
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Anxiety / Panic Attacks
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Depression
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Addictions / Compulsions
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Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity (LGBTQ+)
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Grief / Loss