Christine Coyle, LCSW-C, Owner
She/Her/Hers
Works with Young Children/Families and Adults
TELEHEALTH AND IN PERSON
HEALING WORK
Therapy with me: I believe that building therapeutic rapport and creating a collaborative relationship are among the most important aspects of therapy. A client working with me may not jump right into what is traditionally considered “therapy” but instead, will spend time working towards a mutual understanding of what works best for them. I allow my clients to decide if the environment I have created feels safe for them to heal. My goal is to provide my clients with time and space to find their voice, identify boundaries that work for them, and to heal from the challenges they may be facing.
My impacting identities that inform my work: I am white, cis-gender, able-bodied, heterosexual female whose identity includes many roles some of which include wife, mother, and therapist. I recognize that growing up with privilege where I was afforded certain opportunities prevents me from fully comprehending the challenges many others have faced. My goal is to engage with humility and offer space to discuss how privilege may impact the therapeutic relationship.
I feel informed and knowledgeable about: I feel informed and knowledgeable about how complex trauma impacts the whole self. Most of my therapy with clients utilizes a blend of Polyvagal Theory and Internal Family Systems (IFS). IFS is a somatic approach that supports clients to get to know their own internal system of parts and differentiate between parts with protective intentions and those young, more vulnerable parts. By developing a stronger sense of Self, clients can lean into living with compassion, confidence, courage, and curiosity. I also have experience working with grief/loss, those going through life transitions, and those wanting stronger boundaries.
I am also aware of how a child’s challenging behavior can impact family functioning. My work with young children and families utilizes Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), is an evidence-based treatment designed to improve the parent-child relationship and reduce disruptive behaviors in young children. PCIT is effective for children ages 2 to 7 and focuses on enhancing positive communication, increasing cooperation, and decreasing behaviors like defiance, aggression, and tantrums. I can also use the Older Child Protocol of PCIT for children ages 8-11 as well as the CALM adaptation to PCIT to treat highly anxious, young children.
I work best with clients who: I work well with client who are looking for a warm, compassionate and straightforward style of feedback. I enjoy working with clients who are open to challenging themselves and are willing to be vulnerable within the therapeutic space as well as parents who are comfortable looking at themselves in order to strengthen their parenting skills and in turn, improving their relationship with their child/ren.
I am not a good clinical fit for clients who: Are struggling with substance use and abuse. I also may not be a good fit for clients who are not ready to dive deeper into their systems and befriend their Parts.
What makes me unique: I am a unique therapist because I work with both children AND adults. I love working with littles and supporting them to build stronger, healthier, and more attached connections with their grownups. I am also passionate about working with adults who may be living with unhealed trauma and who have courageously stepped forward ready to get to know their internal system and heal burdened Parts.
LEARNING AND GROWING
I used to work in an environment where my focus relied heavily on evidence-based and trauma-informed work and while this approach may have been helpful to some, it was likely not the path to healing for others. I now recognize that much of my learning left out the conceptualization of intersectionality; therefore, upholding a longstanding environment of oppression within the field of mental health. I am committed to learning from experts on how best to work towards decolonization of mental healthcare in order to prevent further harm.
Building a private practice from the ground up has taught me so much more about my courage and self worth. Every interaction is an opportunity for a fresh start; and each day, I strive to use my voice assertively, tap into vulnerability, and live more authentically.
I am in the process of becoming certified in Internal Family Systems, a treatment approach that leans on a person’s own experiences and inherent parts to promote healing from within. I completed Level 1 training in May 2023 and Level 2 in May 2024, both through the IFS Institute. I have also spent time in trainings specifically focusing on working with harsh critical parts and on unburdening exiles. Over the summer of 2025, I have begun learning about Intimacy from the Inside Out (IFIO) which is IFS for couples.
I also continue to learn more about Polyvagal Theory, or the “science of feeling safe”. This theory beautifully intersects with IFS as it supports a person’s ability build a regulated nervous system by better understanding shifts within themselves.
FUN FACTS/RESILIENCE BUILDING
My favorite place to vacation is at the beach. It is the place where I have been going since I was little and I hold a deep appreciation for the time I have spent there with my family. I appreciate the waves as a constant reminder of life’s changes. The smells and sounds at the beach wash over me and create more space for a regulated nervous system.
I recently lost my Mom. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to care for her at the end of her life. She taught me how to listen and instill hope which helped shape my personality and led me to a career as a mental health therapist. I treasure time spent with my Dad, 5 siblings and their spouses, 11 nieces and nephews, as well as my own husband and son, who brought the number of grandchildren to 12 which is really special because my Mom always wanted twelve children.
I have lived with anxiety for most of my life and I work with an IFS therapist myself. I am learning to embody vulnerability and cultivate self-compassion to work towards acceptance of all my Parts. Intentionally taking breaks and resting for the sake of resting has not always been easy for me and I am learning to appreciate the importance of self-care so that I am not pouring from an empty cup.
EDUCATION
- West Chester University of Pennsylvania – 2003, Bachelor’s in Social Work
- Widener University – 2007, Master’s in Social Work
CERTIFICATIONS
- Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) – Nationally Certified (Spring 2020)
- IFS Level I Trained, IFS Institute (May 2023)
- IFS Level 2 Trained, IFS Institute (May 2024)
- IFS Level 3 Training, IFS Institute (August 2026)
- IFS Certification (in progress, Fall 2025)
- Introduction to Intimacy from the Inside Out (IFIO, Fall 2025)
- Certified Complex Trauma Professional Level II
- Certified Clinical Tele-mental Health Professional
WHAT I’M CURRENTLY READING…
WHAT I’M PLANNING TO READ NEXT…
- Wild Hope: Healing Words to Find Light on Dark Days by Donna Ashworth
Christine is a board certified supervisor.