Clinician Spotlight - Thomas “Teddy” Knebel, LMSW
Four Corners Counseling & Well-Being has skilled, experienced, and compassionate therapists, and we want to share some of what makes them special! Teddy specializes in Internal Family Systems, Trauma healing, Couples counseling , Anxiety and depression; life transitions; relationship difficulties; Self-compassion and mindfulness.
What helps you feel calm in life?
As an Enneagram Type Nine, the “Peacekeeper”, I am generally calm. Just a little walk helps, preferably outside and in the sunshine. I find that these walks give me perspective, space to reflect, and time to regulate my nervous system. Afterwards, I can turn back to my parts and better support them.
What modalities are you drawn to using in the therapy room?
IFS all day! It is quite comprehensive and compassionate. Learning and experiencing this mode of therapy as a client is what gave me the confidence to pursue my long-held desire to support people in this way.
What is your style of therapy?
When practicing IFS, I enjoy being flexible to the person I am supporting. I can maintain a pragmatic focus, offer humble leadership around a conflict, or encourage lots of space to gently explore subtle somatic signals in new ways, depending on what feels right to you. I’m happy to encourage curiosity towards an inner voice who is used to being brushed aside, or to speak directly to an inner critic. I have learned IFS with a somatic focus, and I’m equally happy to support connections to your intellectual parts. Your faith or spiritual beliefs are welcome in our work, whenever it feels right to you.
What is one interesting thing you learned during the pandemic?
Virtual therapy is as effective as in person therapy. This awareness empowered me to cast a broader search, and ultimately find a therapist that was a better fit for the deep work that I was seeking.
What is one piece of advice that you would give someone who is struggling?
Call a trusted friend/family member, or call me. I am available to support you.
Tea or coffee?
Still coffee 100%, no sugar needed. My current obsession this summer is cold brew by the Wandering Bear. It has caramely tones that I love! For hot coffee, my favorite is Rise Up’s Maryland blend. As someone who grew up on the Eastern Shore, I take great pride that they are local coffee roasters. I do my best to drink the caffeinated good stuff responsibly and stop drinking coffee before the late afternoon. Studies show a notable correlation with longevity. I also enjoy checking out new cafes while exploring the DMV area.
What’s your favorite quote or mantra you can’t live without?
I have a few quotes that have resonance with me. The first is “No justice, no peace.” This has not been an easy truth as my internal system has prioritized internal and external peace, and my parts found a few effective ways to push for peace. Still, if a conflict or injustice is ignored rather than faced, sustainable harmony is not possible. I’ve observed this in my inner system, in my personal life, and in national groups and systems.
The second is “You are the universe looking at itself from billions of points of view that come and go.” ~Alan Watts
And if you enjoy reflecting on quotes, Bob Falconer, an IFS teacher and author published a collection of them called When You Are Going Through Hell...Keep Going.
What are three "fun facts" about you?
My favorite footwear are sandals! I even wear them as the weather gets cooler. I appreciate how easy breezy they are to put on and off.
As an adult, I started dabbling in lifting weights. I enjoy it and believe in the physical and emotional benefits. Though, I still have a body built for lounging!
I’m a survivor of many, many, many losses and failures, and I’m still going strong. As I do my own inner work, I notice my self-leadership growing allowing for more freedom and choice. This has brought more possibilities in my daily life and relationships.
Are there any books, magazines, newsletters, podcasts or websites you would recommend?
Good Inside as a book and a podcast by Dr. Becky Kennedy. She offers wonderful parenting support via an IFS perspective.
“Self-Led in Bed” is a podcast from Patricia Rich that brings an IFS lens to sexuality and related topics.
As for fiction, anything by Miranda July is whimsical and interesting. I recently enjoyed the novel We Were the Universe by Kimberly King. It is about a woman grieving the loss of a family member while parenting her young daughter. For nonfiction, I found Poverty by Matthew Desmond to be compelling and highly informative.
Learn more about Teddy’s formal education and work bio and schedule a consultation below.
