Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists in Encinitas, CA
Your bright, creative, loving child isn't themselves lately. You can feel it. Many parents who reach out say something like, "I don't know if this is just a phase or something more," or "He has meltdowns I can't explain and I don't know how to help him." Your child might be holding it together at school and falling apart at home. You may see big meltdowns over small things, worry that won't quit, sleep troubles, or a sadness they can't explain. You're not imagining it and you don't have to figure it out alone.
Your bright, creative, loving child isn't themselves lately. You can feel it. Many parents who reach out say something like, "I don't know if this is just a phase or something more," or "He has meltdowns I can't explain and I don't know how to help him." Your child might be holding it together at school and falling apart at home. You may see big meltdowns over small things, worry that won't quit, sleep troubles, or a sadness they can't explain. You're not imagining it and you don't have to figure it out alone.
You deserve a space where you feel fully seen, accepted, and supported—where your voice matters, your pace is honored, and healing is led by your innate wisdom.
I’m a Taiwanese American & Buddhist therapist who works with second-generation immigrants, people of color, and queer folks navigating the pain of disconnection—from self, from family, and from the world around them. Whether you're carrying intergenerational trauma, struggling with self-worth and self-trust, or moving through the grief of not having had space to simply be—you’re not alone.
You deserve a space where you feel fully seen, accepted, and supported—where your voice matters, your pace is honored, and healing is led by your innate wisdom.
I’m a Taiwanese American & Buddhist therapist who works with second-generation immigrants, people of color, and queer folks navigating the pain of disconnection—from self, from family, and from the world around them. Whether you're carrying intergenerational trauma, struggling with self-worth and self-trust, or moving through the grief of not having had space to simply be—you’re not alone.
I am delighted you are here! My practice was born through my own journey walking the evolutionary path. I have come to know this path as holding duality and paradox, which can only be known through coming down into the body to be felt and sensed rather than understood. I have come to know it as a journey of healing and reclamation, death and rebirth, stillness and movement, feeling deeply and wholly, tenderness and mystifying strength, seeking and trusting, and unlearning, forgetting, and then remembering again.
I am delighted you are here! My practice was born through my own journey walking the evolutionary path. I have come to know this path as holding duality and paradox, which can only be known through coming down into the body to be felt and sensed rather than understood. I have come to know it as a journey of healing and reclamation, death and rebirth, stillness and movement, feeling deeply and wholly, tenderness and mystifying strength, seeking and trusting, and unlearning, forgetting, and then remembering again.
My philosophy of therapy is holistic, meaning that I believe people are made up of many parts: body, soul (mind, emotions, will), and spirit. These parts must function in a balanced relationship in order for us to thrive. How we feel about ourselves and how we view the world affects the quality of our relationships. When we can balance a positive identity with our role in the world while also remaining connected to others, we feel whole. Brokenness can occur if any of these relationships are out of balance. In therapy, I help my clients assess the lack of balance so they can figure out how to get whole again.
My philosophy of therapy is holistic, meaning that I believe people are made up of many parts: body, soul (mind, emotions, will), and spirit. These parts must function in a balanced relationship in order for us to thrive. How we feel about ourselves and how we view the world affects the quality of our relationships. When we can balance a positive identity with our role in the world while also remaining connected to others, we feel whole. Brokenness can occur if any of these relationships are out of balance. In therapy, I help my clients assess the lack of balance so they can figure out how to get whole again.
In my therapy practice, I seek to hold space for clients, the space in which it is safe to explore previously hidden aspects of self. It is my greatest passion in life to see clients heal from the inside out. I see the act of seeking therapy, in order to embark on a path toward personal-growth and greater effectiveness in all aspects of life, as a sign of strength and health. I believe that through acceptance, many issues may be better resolved as they are brought into the light of awareness.
In my therapy practice, I seek to hold space for clients, the space in which it is safe to explore previously hidden aspects of self. It is my greatest passion in life to see clients heal from the inside out. I see the act of seeking therapy, in order to embark on a path toward personal-growth and greater effectiveness in all aspects of life, as a sign of strength and health. I believe that through acceptance, many issues may be better resolved as they are brought into the light of awareness.
I love working with humans of all kinds, messy, brave, over thinkers, feelers, fixers, and dreamers. My ideal client wants to heal, grow, and laugh along the way. No judgment, no scripts, just real talk and real change for individuals, couples, families, and groups of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship issues, or recovery from substance use, therapy with me is a space to slow down, reconnect, and build skills that help you feel more grounded and at peace.
I love working with humans of all kinds, messy, brave, over thinkers, feelers, fixers, and dreamers. My ideal client wants to heal, grow, and laugh along the way. No judgment, no scripts, just real talk and real change for individuals, couples, families, and groups of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship issues, or recovery from substance use, therapy with me is a space to slow down, reconnect, and build skills that help you feel more grounded and at peace.
My work is grounded in a trauma-informed, client-centered approach, with Internal Family Systems ( IFS).
I hold a firm belief in the inherent capacity for growth and transformation present within every individual. In the therapeutic process, I hold space for the possibility of profound change, nurturing a mindset that honors the unique journey of all my clients. I am dedicated to creating a space where every individual can experience the freedom to live fully and authentically. "A love ethic presupposes that everyone has the right to be free, to live fully and well." -bell hooks
My work is grounded in a trauma-informed, client-centered approach, with Internal Family Systems ( IFS).
I hold a firm belief in the inherent capacity for growth and transformation present within every individual. In the therapeutic process, I hold space for the possibility of profound change, nurturing a mindset that honors the unique journey of all my clients. I am dedicated to creating a space where every individual can experience the freedom to live fully and authentically. "A love ethic presupposes that everyone has the right to be free, to live fully and well." -bell hooks
I take a client-centered approach using modalities, including EMDR, Internal Family Systems, DBT and Narrative Therapy.
Searching for a therapist can feel intimidating. You are not alone- whether you are looking for relief from emotional pain, help for your child, or healing from an eating disorder. Perhaps you are seeking healing from trauma that inhibits your daily life, or you are on a journey of self-discovery to find your authentic self. Whatever it is that you’re seeking, you do not have to go through it alone.
I take a client-centered approach using modalities, including EMDR, Internal Family Systems, DBT and Narrative Therapy.
Searching for a therapist can feel intimidating. You are not alone- whether you are looking for relief from emotional pain, help for your child, or healing from an eating disorder. Perhaps you are seeking healing from trauma that inhibits your daily life, or you are on a journey of self-discovery to find your authentic self. Whatever it is that you’re seeking, you do not have to go through it alone.
I work with children, teens, and adults to build coping skills, improve emotional regulation, and create a calmer, more connected home with the use of CBT, Family systems, DBT, and emotion focused therapy.
I work with children, teens, and families struggling with anxiety, big emotions, and behavior challenges like shutdowns, irritability, or defiance. Parents often come in feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to help, I support you in creating a calmer home, improving communication, and strengthening connection. I also work with young adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and identity exploration, including LGBTQ+. My goal is to help your child feel more confident and regulated, while giving you practical tools to support lasting change at home.
I work with children, teens, and adults to build coping skills, improve emotional regulation, and create a calmer, more connected home with the use of CBT, Family systems, DBT, and emotion focused therapy.
I work with children, teens, and families struggling with anxiety, big emotions, and behavior challenges like shutdowns, irritability, or defiance. Parents often come in feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to help, I support you in creating a calmer home, improving communication, and strengthening connection. I also work with young adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and identity exploration, including LGBTQ+. My goal is to help your child feel more confident and regulated, while giving you practical tools to support lasting change at home.
Hello and welcome! I'm Christiana, Christi if you prefer. I’m honored to join you in your therapeutic journey by co-creating a space of safety, empathy, and respect. My approach to therapy is strength-based and meaning-centered. Together, I want to build upon your strengths, grow your sense of self and autonomy, and explore what is most meaningful to you. In short—I want to know what it’s like to be you and I want to celebrate your commitment to yourself, which I know requires a lot of heart. My goal as your therapist is to make you feel seen, heard, and known, where no need goes unaddressed and no feelings are deemed unimportant.
Hello and welcome! I'm Christiana, Christi if you prefer. I’m honored to join you in your therapeutic journey by co-creating a space of safety, empathy, and respect. My approach to therapy is strength-based and meaning-centered. Together, I want to build upon your strengths, grow your sense of self and autonomy, and explore what is most meaningful to you. In short—I want to know what it’s like to be you and I want to celebrate your commitment to yourself, which I know requires a lot of heart. My goal as your therapist is to make you feel seen, heard, and known, where no need goes unaddressed and no feelings are deemed unimportant.
You've done the work. Read the books, talked to friends, maybe even tried therapy before. And still, you find yourself in the same patterns: in conflict with a partner, caught in old family dynamics, or alone with anxiety that won't quit or depression that pulls you under. Underneath that frustration is usually a desire: for closeness, for understanding, for relationships that feel like home.
I work with individuals, couples, and families using ISTDP, an experiential approach that goes beneath coping strategies to the patterns shaping how you relate to yourself and the people you love.
Let's find out what's been in the way.
You've done the work. Read the books, talked to friends, maybe even tried therapy before. And still, you find yourself in the same patterns: in conflict with a partner, caught in old family dynamics, or alone with anxiety that won't quit or depression that pulls you under. Underneath that frustration is usually a desire: for closeness, for understanding, for relationships that feel like home.
I work with individuals, couples, and families using ISTDP, an experiential approach that goes beneath coping strategies to the patterns shaping how you relate to yourself and the people you love.
Let's find out what's been in the way.
In our therapy sessions, I employ a variety of methods including Internal Family Systems ( IFS), Somatic Experiencing (SE), Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and more.
I specialize in assisting individuals with trauma, addiction, and life transitions. My practice integrates modern psychological techniques with traditional healing methods to foster emotional regulation and resilience. I aim to transform unhealthy coping mechanisms into strengths that support personal growth and fulfillment. I focus on nurturing the mind, body, and spirit—guiding clients through personal challenges and turning them into opportunities for growth. I believe in empowering you to discover and strengthen your inner resilience, facilitating not just recovery but a profound journey toward self-discovery and lasting change.
In our therapy sessions, I employ a variety of methods including Internal Family Systems ( IFS), Somatic Experiencing (SE), Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and more.
I specialize in assisting individuals with trauma, addiction, and life transitions. My practice integrates modern psychological techniques with traditional healing methods to foster emotional regulation and resilience. I aim to transform unhealthy coping mechanisms into strengths that support personal growth and fulfillment. I focus on nurturing the mind, body, and spirit—guiding clients through personal challenges and turning them into opportunities for growth. I believe in empowering you to discover and strengthen your inner resilience, facilitating not just recovery but a profound journey toward self-discovery and lasting change.
I work with people who struggle with significant emotional and behavioral issues that cause them to feel disconnected from others. The people I work with often begin therapy feeling confused and hopeless about how they feel and behave in their closest relationships. They may understand something is wrong, that they are not living the life they want and having the type of relationships they long for, but nothing they find online or in self-help books seems to get to the core of what they're experiencing. They feel its time to start exploring themselves more personally with a professional.
I work with people who struggle with significant emotional and behavioral issues that cause them to feel disconnected from others. The people I work with often begin therapy feeling confused and hopeless about how they feel and behave in their closest relationships. They may understand something is wrong, that they are not living the life they want and having the type of relationships they long for, but nothing they find online or in self-help books seems to get to the core of what they're experiencing. They feel its time to start exploring themselves more personally with a professional.
I provide counseling for children, teens, adults, families, and groups navigating anxiety, grief and loss, relationship challenges, school or work stress, caregiving, parenthood, and questions of identity and purpose.
With more than 20 years of counseling and teaching experience, I take a holistic, personalized approach focused on emotional awareness, mindfulness, practical coping tools, healthy communication, and nervous system regulation.
I provide counseling for children, teens, adults, families, and groups navigating anxiety, grief and loss, relationship challenges, school or work stress, caregiving, parenthood, and questions of identity and purpose.
With more than 20 years of counseling and teaching experience, I take a holistic, personalized approach focused on emotional awareness, mindfulness, practical coping tools, healthy communication, and nervous system regulation.
So many of us find ourselves trapped, caught in unhealthy cycles and relationship patterns, hopeless but wanting change. I want to come alongside you, helping you find insight into those patterns and discover the healing truths about yourself. This moment of insight opens up the possibility of change, allowing you to live your best self in all relationships. Psychotherapy is important to me because it works! I have witnessed psychotherapy bring about the transforming journey from a place of hopelessness to place of freedom in my own life and in the lives of my clients.
So many of us find ourselves trapped, caught in unhealthy cycles and relationship patterns, hopeless but wanting change. I want to come alongside you, helping you find insight into those patterns and discover the healing truths about yourself. This moment of insight opens up the possibility of change, allowing you to live your best self in all relationships. Psychotherapy is important to me because it works! I have witnessed psychotherapy bring about the transforming journey from a place of hopelessness to place of freedom in my own life and in the lives of my clients.
Using EMDR, Internal Family Systems ( IFS), and other trauma-informed methods, I help clients understand their past and reshape their future.
Now accepting new clients! My ideal client is a person who feels stuck—whether in a difficult relationship, a season of anxiety and depression, or as someone navigating the impact of past trauma. They might be grappling with emotional wounds from childhood or facing the challenges of being in or leaving a destructive relationship. What they deeply desire is to feel heard, understood, and empowered to make positive changes in their life. They want to heal from the pain that has kept them stuck and to rediscover their own strength and worth.
Using EMDR, Internal Family Systems ( IFS), and other trauma-informed methods, I help clients understand their past and reshape their future.
Now accepting new clients! My ideal client is a person who feels stuck—whether in a difficult relationship, a season of anxiety and depression, or as someone navigating the impact of past trauma. They might be grappling with emotional wounds from childhood or facing the challenges of being in or leaving a destructive relationship. What they deeply desire is to feel heard, understood, and empowered to make positive changes in their life. They want to heal from the pain that has kept them stuck and to rediscover their own strength and worth.
I'm a somatic therapist who specializes in EMDR. The thing that sparks the most joy for me as a therapist is being the catalyst for positive change. A guide to help individuals find peace within themselves. I love being able to shed light on shadows that might have been overlooked, helping individuals and couples make permanent changes in order for them to reach their full potential, and live their best life. I believe that through our own introspection and deep work we can unlock a world of opportunities.
I'm a somatic therapist who specializes in EMDR. The thing that sparks the most joy for me as a therapist is being the catalyst for positive change. A guide to help individuals find peace within themselves. I love being able to shed light on shadows that might have been overlooked, helping individuals and couples make permanent changes in order for them to reach their full potential, and live their best life. I believe that through our own introspection and deep work we can unlock a world of opportunities.
You may be navigating relationship challenges or in the midst of grief and loss, or really interested personal development, and I am here to support you. I'm currently about halfway through my certification with Terry Real's "Relational Life Therapy" and have excitement for sharing these valuable relationship lessons and tools! My goal is always to create an atmosphere of warmth where clients feel safe knowing that not only are they not being judged, but they are genuinely cared for. My style includes lots of laughter and focus on nurturing the positives and strengths in your self and relationships.
You may be navigating relationship challenges or in the midst of grief and loss, or really interested personal development, and I am here to support you. I'm currently about halfway through my certification with Terry Real's "Relational Life Therapy" and have excitement for sharing these valuable relationship lessons and tools! My goal is always to create an atmosphere of warmth where clients feel safe knowing that not only are they not being judged, but they are genuinely cared for. My style includes lots of laughter and focus on nurturing the positives and strengths in your self and relationships.
Have you tried traditional talk therapy and felt like something was missing? Did it seem like you were talking in circles, or reached a plateau? Did it feel too rigid or surface level? Many clients come to me after having done traditional talk therapy and now they want to go deeper. So many issues like codependency, addiction, and persistent anxiety and depression are rooted in subconscious beliefs and patterns rooted in childhood pain. My work is unique because we address your subconscious mind and nervous system, in addition to cognitive process, to help you heal the past in order to move forward.
Have you tried traditional talk therapy and felt like something was missing? Did it seem like you were talking in circles, or reached a plateau? Did it feel too rigid or surface level? Many clients come to me after having done traditional talk therapy and now they want to go deeper. So many issues like codependency, addiction, and persistent anxiety and depression are rooted in subconscious beliefs and patterns rooted in childhood pain. My work is unique because we address your subconscious mind and nervous system, in addition to cognitive process, to help you heal the past in order to move forward.
We practice using ACT, IFS, CBT, DBT, EMDR and Brainspotting.
You're feeling overwhelmed, disconnected or stuck in patterns that aren't working. Maybe your teen is anxious, your child is struggling with bullying, your relationship feels strained, or food and body image are taking up too much space. You want relief, clarity, stronger relationships, and tools that actually work. Your kids want to feel calmer more confident, and more connected at home, at school and in their relationships. We are a group practice in Encinitas serving children, teens, adults, couples families throughout North County San Diego. We blend evidence-based therapy with warm human connection.
We practice using ACT, IFS, CBT, DBT, EMDR and Brainspotting.
You're feeling overwhelmed, disconnected or stuck in patterns that aren't working. Maybe your teen is anxious, your child is struggling with bullying, your relationship feels strained, or food and body image are taking up too much space. You want relief, clarity, stronger relationships, and tools that actually work. Your kids want to feel calmer more confident, and more connected at home, at school and in their relationships. We are a group practice in Encinitas serving children, teens, adults, couples families throughout North County San Diego. We blend evidence-based therapy with warm human connection.
See more therapy options for Encinitas
Nearby Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists Searches for Encinitas
- Cardiff
- Cardiff By The Sea
- Del Mar
- Escondido
- La Jolla
- Oceanside
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- San Diego
- San Marcos
- Solana Beach
- Vista
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists
What is Internal Family Systems therapy?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a type of talk therapy that focuses on sub-personalities, or “families,” within a person, which may be made up of wounded parts and unpleasant emotions like anger and shame. These sub-personalities can come into conflict with each other and with an individual’s core Self, leaving the person feeling detached from positive traits such as the “8 C’s” of confidence, calmness, creativity, clarity, curiosity, courage, compassion, and connectedness. By healing a patient’s wounded parts, a therapist aims to restore balance and bring on positive change.
How does Internal Family Systems therapy work?
An IFS therapist will work with a patient to identify their particular sub-personalities, recognize the emotions powering them, and release them. By doing so, the patient should become more able to address any underlying problems their sub-personalities may have been trying to protect them from. Ultimately, a patient discovers ways to manage internal and external conflicts on their own, through techniques such as relaxation exercises, journaling, and making charts depicting the relationships between their core Self and their distinct parts.
Does Internal Family Systems therapy work?
IFS therapy has been shown to help people address conditions such as depression, anxiety, panic, fears and phobias, trauma, and substance use disorders. Some research has also found that it can help individuals deal with symptoms of physical health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, such as pain, everyday functioning, depressive feelings, and low self-compassion. There are some conditions for which IFS treatment, specifically discussions of one’s “parts,” may be less appropriate, such as schizophrenia or other states that involve psychosis or paranoia.
How long does Internal Family Systems therapy take?
As with most forms of talk therapy, there is no set duration or end point for IFS therapy. After becoming comfortable with a therapist and the core concepts of IFS, some patients quickly make progress. While experiences vary, most will find that it is a relatively longer-term therapy, involving months and sometimes years of sessions.