Lou Bardach, MSW

Registered Clinical Social Work Intern (RCSWI)

IFS-Informed Wellness/Life Coach

(He/They)

I am a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern (RCSWI) working primarily with adults to heal the effects of childhood trauma & other adverse childhood experiences. Being raised in abusive, chaotic, or neglectful environments can result in anxiety, depression, panic attacks, self-esteem issues, relationship/codependency issues, addictions & compulsions, and critical judgment toward oneself and others. I see a wide diversity of clients, but as a gay man experienced in working with LGBTQ+ individuals, I'm particularly interested in helping others heal from the compounding wounds of homophobia and other social oppression.

I am an Internal Family Systems (IFS)-informed practitioner, and I commonly use a “parts” modality with clients. I have my own 12 Step program history, I am intimately familiar with 12 Step culture, and I routinely bring the Adult Children of Alcoholic/Dysfunctional Families (ACA/ACoA) model of healing into my practice (reparenting, inner child work).

I’ve studied Tibetan-style meditation/mindfulness and bring a grounded, person-focused approach to supporting others. I believe that health and well-being are cultivated through self-care - by learning to become one’s own compassionate caregiver. I see it as part of my job to find the healing language and therapeutic approach that will work best for you.

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Specializations:

Credentials & Experience:

Childhood Trauma / PTSD
Anxiety / Panic Attacks
Depression
Addictions / Compulsions
Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity (LGBTQ+)
Grief / Loss

Master of Social Work at University of Central Florida
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Informed Practitioner
Shambhala Levels 1-5 Trained - Tibetan-style Shamatha (mindfulness) meditation
Reparenting Modality Development Work: here and here
Published Researcher: here
Published Author: here, here, and here
Entrepreneur – Small Business Owner

Lou sees clients aged 16 and above.

Specializations:

Healing from the Effects of Childhood Trauma as an Adult: Lou understands the unique challenges faced by adults who have experienced childhood trauma and offers tailored support to facilitate their healing journey.

Anxiety & Depression: Lou assists clients in navigating the complexities of anxiety and depression, providing practical tools and strategies to manage symptoms and promote overall well-being.

Addictions & Compulsions: With expertise in addiction therapy, Lou helps individuals overcome addictions and break free from destructive compulsive behaviors, promoting lasting recovery.

Spirituality & Existential Issues: Lou recognizes the significance of spirituality and existential concerns in one's life and incorporates these aspects into therapy, supporting clients in finding meaning and purpose.

LGBTQ+ Issues: Lou is affirming and knowledgeable about the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, offering a safe space for exploring identity, relationships, and personal growth.

Modalities:

Internal Family Systems (IFS): Lou utilizes IFS to help clients explore and heal internal conflicts, fostering self-awareness, self-compassion, and integration.

Reparenting: Lou employs reparenting techniques to support clients in nurturing their inner child and cultivating a sense of safety, self-worth, and self-love.

Meditation and Mindfulness: Lou incorporates meditation and mindfulness practices into therapy to help clients develop present-moment awareness, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.

Nonviolent Communication: Lou encourages open and compassionate communication, using nonviolent communication techniques to foster healthy relationships and effective conflict resolution.

Client-focused, Client-oriented: Lou tailors therapy to the unique needs and goals of each client, providing a supportive and collaborative therapeutic environment.