What I do in my practice
I help people heal and transform the impact of childhood trauma using therapeutic approaches that foster deep self-understanding and compassion. Two primary methods I use are The Work by Byron Katie—an inquiry process that helps question painful beliefs—and Internal Family Systems (IFS), which supports individuals in connecting with and healing inner parts shaped by early experiences. Together, these tools allow us to gently reach the origins of trauma, resolving patterns of self-doubt, anxiety, and inner conflict. For clients in California, I integrate both methods as part of therapy. For those outside the state or internationally, I offer The Work as a robust personal growth process.
Healing trauma is a journey toward self-love and self-acceptance. Many people come to this work feeling depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed by old emotional patterns that get triggered in daily life. These feelings often stem from younger parts of ourselves that were hurt and never fully heard or nurtured. In our work together, you’ll learn how to connect with these parts, hold space for their emotions, and respond to them with kindness and clarity. This creates lasting change—not just within yourself, but in how you relate to others. Ultimately, the process helps you become the loving, grounded inner parent you may never have had.
Let’s Discuss What Works for You
The first step is to identify an issue that is top of the day for a client. This is the anger someone may be experiencing within a relationship. My first step would be to have my client focus on how this anger shows up in their body. For example, it may manifest as a rapid heartbeat and tightness in the chest and abdomen.
The next step would be to have my client focus on those emotions and sensations and answer the question, “How do you feel towards this part of you that feels angry”?
This question helps clients to see the system’s objections to their feelings. In IFS therapy, these are known as protectors. Examples could be, “I don’t like this anger. Anger has never worked for me. It always gets me into trouble.”
At this point, I will ask my client if the protector part, which objects to your anger, is willing to take a step back, so that we can explore the anger.
There is no time like the present. Be here now. Stay present.
Chris Fenaroli, mft
What does it mean and what gets in the way.
Working with Multiple Modalities Assists in Developing a Plan for You
I have experience and training in Projective Dream Work, as taught and created by Jeremy Taylor. I was part of projective dream work groups for over ten years, both as participant and leader.
I hold a Mindfulness Certificate for teaching teens/children through the Marin Mindfulness Institute. These skills transfer nicely to work with Adults. Additionally, my graduate program focused on depth psychology and the work of Carl Jung. I consider Jungian psychology a broad and helpful lens through which to understand the human mind.
In general, the ability to make sense of tragedy and then find benefit in it is the key
Jonathan Haidt, The Happiness Hypothesis, 2006, p. 146
that unlocks posttraumatic growth.
The Chris Fenaroli Blog
Stay current by reading my Blog posts about relevant subjects to my therapy practice and self-improvement in general.
What About Attachment?
Recently, I had a conversation with my girlfriend about a disappointment that I experienced around sex. In the situation, I believed the thought that…
Challenging Childhoods and Spiritual Experiences
I have been sick so I am reading a lot. I love libraries, and I found a book called Extraordinary Awakenings, by Steve Taylor,…
Continue Reading Challenging Childhoods and Spiritual Experiences
Getting to the Present Moment
There is no time like the present. Be here now. Stay present. What does it mean and what gets in the way. The past…
