Seth Kopald became an Internal Family Systems (IFS) practitioner in 2012. He leads individual sessions, couple communication coaching, and groups. He creates a safe space and guides people to care for themselves in a loving and insightful way. Kopald coaches people to listen to and get to know the different parts of themselves, advising, “We all have parts of us that help guide our lives, protecting us. Yet sometimes, when these parts are in the lead, we are misguided, causing ourselves and others pain, such as when we are led by anger or when we shut down.” Kopald helps people increase their sense of core self, a place of compassion, understanding and courage. He notes, “Things go more smoothly when self is in the driver’s seat.”

Kopald holds a Ph.D. in organization management with a specialization in leadership and a master’s degree in education. He says, “My research focused on creating psychological safe places for people to have a voice in organizations.” He is also certified in Montessori education for children.

Kopald states, “I found Internal Family Systems while I was going through a divorce about 10 years ago, and just by learning about the model, my stress eased considerably. As a practitioner, I used IFS with children and parents in education settings, and more and more I realized that this is what I was meant to do; help people find peace through building compassion for themselves and for others. IFS is a tool that allows us to understand ourselves in a deep way and to understand what parts of us take over when we are being our best self.”

“IFS has taught me that anytime I am not feeling centered, curious, or compassionate, I have a part that is taking over and I am seeing the world through that lens. When I am in Self, I feel connected to something larger than me,” he says. “The message is always clear: connectedness and kindness are always better. I believe that our natural state is one of peace and connectedness. When we let other parts of us drive, like fear, we act in hurtful ways to ourselves and others.”

He explains, “I help people increase their sense of courage, compassion and understanding of themselves and others. My ultimate vision is to do my part to help repair the world, one person at a time. When I am centered, I have the ability to be present with people and hold space in a deep and empathic way. I am a natural creative and a die-hard optimist.”

In choosing a coach, Kopald advises, “I think people should visit various types of people who coach or provide other types of support, and then choose the person that feels right to them. I offer a free introductory session for that reason. People I work with tend to want to live somewhat differently than they do now, with less stress, more engaged or to live life more thoroughly. This work helps people see how they are stuck and offers an opportunity to be more connected to life and to others.”

The Arbor Wellness Center is located at 2350 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor. For more information, call 734-395-3319 or visit SethKopald. com.