Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists in La Jolla, CA
Not sure where to start? That’s okay. Many of us aren't. We all have a story and I value holding a space for you to honor that story. To process that experience, to rework that negative thought or feeling that causes stagnancy. Stagnancy in love, stagnancy in friendship, in work, and in the desired evolution of self. We all seek to control but what does that mean, and is there space? The deepest form of understanding will come from processing and reprocessing; evaluating and reevaluating an experience until we conclude an awareness of the experience that fits into our new schema, our new direction, our new trajectory.
Not sure where to start? That’s okay. Many of us aren't. We all have a story and I value holding a space for you to honor that story. To process that experience, to rework that negative thought or feeling that causes stagnancy. Stagnancy in love, stagnancy in friendship, in work, and in the desired evolution of self. We all seek to control but what does that mean, and is there space? The deepest form of understanding will come from processing and reprocessing; evaluating and reevaluating an experience until we conclude an awareness of the experience that fits into our new schema, our new direction, our new trajectory.
“We don’t heal in isolation. We heal in connection.”
It’s a pleasure to meet you – even if just here on this page. By coming here, you’ve already shown bravery. It takes courage, I'm honored to walk alongside you.
To bear the unbearable alongside my clients, offering an empathic, relational home where every heart feels seen, supported, and understood. Together, we make sense of challenging moments, explore the inner world, and discover new perspectives that foster growth, balance, and renewed hope.
“We don’t heal in isolation. We heal in connection.”
It’s a pleasure to meet you – even if just here on this page. By coming here, you’ve already shown bravery. It takes courage, I'm honored to walk alongside you.
To bear the unbearable alongside my clients, offering an empathic, relational home where every heart feels seen, supported, and understood. Together, we make sense of challenging moments, explore the inner world, and discover new perspectives that foster growth, balance, and renewed hope.
With a firm belief in the transformative power of self-discovery, I currently specialize in working with emerging adults/college age individuals as well as women and their unique challenges and opportunities faced at different stages of life. My focus is helping my younger clients build inner strength, explore their identities, establish independence, and navigate important life decisions. I also support women related to their career, relationships, health, and personal fulfillment, while also empowering them to embrace their wisdom and strengths.
With a firm belief in the transformative power of self-discovery, I currently specialize in working with emerging adults/college age individuals as well as women and their unique challenges and opportunities faced at different stages of life. My focus is helping my younger clients build inner strength, explore their identities, establish independence, and navigate important life decisions. I also support women related to their career, relationships, health, and personal fulfillment, while also empowering them to embrace their wisdom and strengths.
You may have reached a point where what you’ve been doing is no longer working. Perhaps you feel disconnected from your partner, stuck in recurring conflicts, overwhelmed by life’s demands, grieving a loss, or navigating a significant transition. Maybe you find yourself carrying the weight of everyone else’s needs while quietly wondering what happened to your own. Whatever brings you here, you do not have to navigate it alone. Therapy can help you make sense of what feels overwhelming, reconnect with what matters most, and begin moving toward the life and relationships you want.
You may have reached a point where what you’ve been doing is no longer working. Perhaps you feel disconnected from your partner, stuck in recurring conflicts, overwhelmed by life’s demands, grieving a loss, or navigating a significant transition. Maybe you find yourself carrying the weight of everyone else’s needs while quietly wondering what happened to your own. Whatever brings you here, you do not have to navigate it alone. Therapy can help you make sense of what feels overwhelming, reconnect with what matters most, and begin moving toward the life and relationships you want.
Life can be full of joy and meaning, but it can also leave us feeling uncertain and without a clear way forward. You may be struggling with anxiety, depression, or feeling disconnected from yourself. On the surface, things may look fine, yet deep down something feels off. You are not alone. I offer a safe, supportive space to explore your emotions, uncover patterns that hold you back, and learn to integrate difficult experiences. Together, we’ll work toward a life that feels authentic, connected, and fulfilling.
Life can be full of joy and meaning, but it can also leave us feeling uncertain and without a clear way forward. You may be struggling with anxiety, depression, or feeling disconnected from yourself. On the surface, things may look fine, yet deep down something feels off. You are not alone. I offer a safe, supportive space to explore your emotions, uncover patterns that hold you back, and learn to integrate difficult experiences. Together, we’ll work toward a life that feels authentic, connected, and fulfilling.
My approach is centered on curiosity, possibility, and celebrating each individual’s unique story. I work with clients using narrative therapy, informed by feminist and queer theory, to understand how systems and power dynamics shape your experiences. My work is also attachment-based and trauma-focused, paying attention to how your relationships, past and present, affect your sense of safety and connection. I aim to help you explore and strengthen the parts of yourself that may be struggling to come to the surface.
My approach is centered on curiosity, possibility, and celebrating each individual’s unique story. I work with clients using narrative therapy, informed by feminist and queer theory, to understand how systems and power dynamics shape your experiences. My work is also attachment-based and trauma-focused, paying attention to how your relationships, past and present, affect your sense of safety and connection. I aim to help you explore and strengthen the parts of yourself that may be struggling to come to the surface.
My integrative approach combines relational psychodynamic therapy with evidence-based techniques like CBT, DBT, CPT, IFS, and EMDR therapy.
Everyone deserves the opportunity to heal, feel safe in their body, and create a life that feels meaningful and connected. I am a licensed clinical psychologist providing in-person therapy in San Diego, CA, and teletherapy for clients in California, Colorado, New York, and Illinois. I work with adults and young adults navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, emotion dysregulation, relationship challenges, eating disorders, and body image concerns, helping them build insight, resilience, and lasting change.
My integrative approach combines relational psychodynamic therapy with evidence-based techniques like CBT, DBT, CPT, IFS, and EMDR therapy.
Everyone deserves the opportunity to heal, feel safe in their body, and create a life that feels meaningful and connected. I am a licensed clinical psychologist providing in-person therapy in San Diego, CA, and teletherapy for clients in California, Colorado, New York, and Illinois. I work with adults and young adults navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, emotion dysregulation, relationship challenges, eating disorders, and body image concerns, helping them build insight, resilience, and lasting change.
I utilize IFS, ACT, ERP, psychodynamic and narrative therapy in my work as an individual therapist.
Do intrusive or distressing thoughts feel impossible to let go of? Do you find yourself engaging in behaviors to ease anxiety, quiet your thoughts, or prevent "bad things" from happening? Maybe perfectionism, people-pleasing, or anxious/avoidant attachment keeps you feeling stuck and makes it difficult to live the life you want. You may be exploring your sexuality or gender identity while navigating family relationships, acceptance, and the challenges of living in a heteronormative society. Or perhaps you and your partner want to strengthen communication, rebuild connection, or adjust to a new stage in your relationship.
I utilize IFS, ACT, ERP, psychodynamic and narrative therapy in my work as an individual therapist.
Do intrusive or distressing thoughts feel impossible to let go of? Do you find yourself engaging in behaviors to ease anxiety, quiet your thoughts, or prevent "bad things" from happening? Maybe perfectionism, people-pleasing, or anxious/avoidant attachment keeps you feeling stuck and makes it difficult to live the life you want. You may be exploring your sexuality or gender identity while navigating family relationships, acceptance, and the challenges of living in a heteronormative society. Or perhaps you and your partner want to strengthen communication, rebuild connection, or adjust to a new stage in your relationship.
My goal as a psychotherapist is to work with my clients to help them heal from their pain, make positive changes in their lives, and improve their sense of well-being. My background includes working with people of all ages and backgrounds, and extensive experience treating anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, stress management, life transitions, school stress, relationship issues, pre and post-partum concerns, and caregiver stress. I provide individual, couples, family and group therapy.
My goal as a psychotherapist is to work with my clients to help them heal from their pain, make positive changes in their lives, and improve their sense of well-being. My background includes working with people of all ages and backgrounds, and extensive experience treating anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, stress management, life transitions, school stress, relationship issues, pre and post-partum concerns, and caregiver stress. I provide individual, couples, family and group therapy.
You may feel stuck in negative thought patterns, overwhelmed by anxiety, intrusive thoughts, unresolved trauma, or struggle with food and body image. You’re seeking emotional balance, a stronger connection to yourself, daily resilience, and relief from anxiety or depression. You don’t need to have everything figured out to start. Healing begins when you feel safe, seen, and supported. Together, we'll reduce symptoms, explore root causes, and create change. You deserve clarity, peace, and the freedom to thrive.
What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us," Ralph Waldo Emerson.
You may feel stuck in negative thought patterns, overwhelmed by anxiety, intrusive thoughts, unresolved trauma, or struggle with food and body image. You’re seeking emotional balance, a stronger connection to yourself, daily resilience, and relief from anxiety or depression. You don’t need to have everything figured out to start. Healing begins when you feel safe, seen, and supported. Together, we'll reduce symptoms, explore root causes, and create change. You deserve clarity, peace, and the freedom to thrive.
What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us," Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Life is a rollercoaster, full of ups and downs and unexpected outcomes. It is a journey we learn to navigate with a combination of our personal strengths, fears, profound life experiences, values and beliefs. During the most difficult times, our beliefs, opinions and attitudes are challenged and this has a significant impact on our mind and body. By taking the first big step and being open to working with me, I will be providing a safe, non judgmental, kind and empathetic client centered relationship with you. We will work on difficult relationships, challenging experiences and transitions in your life, one step at a time.
Life is a rollercoaster, full of ups and downs and unexpected outcomes. It is a journey we learn to navigate with a combination of our personal strengths, fears, profound life experiences, values and beliefs. During the most difficult times, our beliefs, opinions and attitudes are challenged and this has a significant impact on our mind and body. By taking the first big step and being open to working with me, I will be providing a safe, non judgmental, kind and empathetic client centered relationship with you. We will work on difficult relationships, challenging experiences and transitions in your life, one step at a time.
I'm an integrative therapist, drawing from multiple modalities such as ACT, CBT, IFS, Hakomi, Gestalt, and mindfulness.
I can help reduce anxiety, stress, grief, and trauma effects and support you through life transitions to find greater meaning, purpose, and passion. My strengths-based approach operates on the belief that people can initiate positive changes with the right support. While therapy varies, I work efficiently and with care to alleviate symptoms quickly. Change and healing come from insight and action in an environment of trust, safety, compassion, and connection. I’m here to meet you where you are and guide you toward your goals.
I'm an integrative therapist, drawing from multiple modalities such as ACT, CBT, IFS, Hakomi, Gestalt, and mindfulness.
I can help reduce anxiety, stress, grief, and trauma effects and support you through life transitions to find greater meaning, purpose, and passion. My strengths-based approach operates on the belief that people can initiate positive changes with the right support. While therapy varies, I work efficiently and with care to alleviate symptoms quickly. Change and healing come from insight and action in an environment of trust, safety, compassion, and connection. I’m here to meet you where you are and guide you toward your goals.
My treatment specialty includes Internal Family Systems ( IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help heal psychological wounds that are blocking you from living an enriched and empowered life.
I have worked at all levels of care for the treatment of substance addictions and mental health problems that include residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and currently outpatient. I have published research in the areas of neuropsychological functioning of alcohol addiction and the treatment effectiveness of CBT for depression.
My treatment specialty includes Internal Family Systems ( IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help heal psychological wounds that are blocking you from living an enriched and empowered life.
I have worked at all levels of care for the treatment of substance addictions and mental health problems that include residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and currently outpatient. I have published research in the areas of neuropsychological functioning of alcohol addiction and the treatment effectiveness of CBT for depression.
Lonniel holds a Master’s in Marriage & Family Therapy and is dual licensed in California and Nevada. With 7+ years of experience, he specializes in trauma, EMDR, grief, and co-occurring disorders. His background spans community mental health, behavioral health, and integrated care. Lonniel takes a holistic, client-centered approach, helping clients address root causes while building practical skills. He’s known for being direct, supportive, and collaborative. Outside of work, he enjoys family time, sports, and traveling.
Lonniel holds a Master’s in Marriage & Family Therapy and is dual licensed in California and Nevada. With 7+ years of experience, he specializes in trauma, EMDR, grief, and co-occurring disorders. His background spans community mental health, behavioral health, and integrated care. Lonniel takes a holistic, client-centered approach, helping clients address root causes while building practical skills. He’s known for being direct, supportive, and collaborative. Outside of work, he enjoys family time, sports, and traveling.
Brittany Nicole James-Vilavanh
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, MS
3 Endorsed
La Jolla, CA 92037
My approach is eclectic and collaborative, incorporating AEDP, IFS, attachment theory, and somatic techniques to support clients and encourage growth.
Has survival mode kept you in a constant loop of feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and disconnected? Do you struggle to communicate, and understand your partner, or are you feeling burnt-out and demotivated due to limited work-life balance. These are common feelings we encounter in a world where we are conditioned to prioritize productivity, ignore passion and self abandon. Therapy provides the space to slow down and give yourself the care, compassion and curiosity that you deserve. While identifying patterns in thinking and behaviors that limit your ability to show up authentically and experience all that life has to offer.
My approach is eclectic and collaborative, incorporating AEDP, IFS, attachment theory, and somatic techniques to support clients and encourage growth.
Has survival mode kept you in a constant loop of feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and disconnected? Do you struggle to communicate, and understand your partner, or are you feeling burnt-out and demotivated due to limited work-life balance. These are common feelings we encounter in a world where we are conditioned to prioritize productivity, ignore passion and self abandon. Therapy provides the space to slow down and give yourself the care, compassion and curiosity that you deserve. While identifying patterns in thinking and behaviors that limit your ability to show up authentically and experience all that life has to offer.
Interpersonal relationships are powerful contributors to our overall health. Our intimate partner relationships, family relationships, work or peer relationships tend to affect us in meaningful ways. When our relational lives are strong and connected we feel satisfied, empowered, hopeful, and more confident. When our relational lives are hurting, we feel anxious, sad, pained, frustrated, and left not knowing what to do to improve it. I work with my clients to address the heart of their stressors working toward tangible results with lasting effects. I work collaboratively & passionately to create a safe, responsive, and supportive environment to address your needs.
Interpersonal relationships are powerful contributors to our overall health. Our intimate partner relationships, family relationships, work or peer relationships tend to affect us in meaningful ways. When our relational lives are strong and connected we feel satisfied, empowered, hopeful, and more confident. When our relational lives are hurting, we feel anxious, sad, pained, frustrated, and left not knowing what to do to improve it. I work with my clients to address the heart of their stressors working toward tangible results with lasting effects. I work collaboratively & passionately to create a safe, responsive, and supportive environment to address your needs.
Using evidence-based practices, such as: CBT, DBT, EMDR and IFS, relationships can improve - no matter where you are on your parenting journey.
Are you tired of things being so tough with your kids? You can see that your child or teen is struggling, but you're not sure what to do to help. They may be having difficulties at school or with friends. Or it may be that things feel out of control at home. You try so hard to help things get better, but it feels like things are just stuck. Maybe you've noticed that your reactions are way bigger than you want them to be. Something happens to trigger you and you lose your temper, and then you feel so guilty. Or it seems overwhelming because you listen to so many parenting professionals, but still don't have a clear path forward.
Using evidence-based practices, such as: CBT, DBT, EMDR and IFS, relationships can improve - no matter where you are on your parenting journey.
Are you tired of things being so tough with your kids? You can see that your child or teen is struggling, but you're not sure what to do to help. They may be having difficulties at school or with friends. Or it may be that things feel out of control at home. You try so hard to help things get better, but it feels like things are just stuck. Maybe you've noticed that your reactions are way bigger than you want them to be. Something happens to trigger you and you lose your temper, and then you feel so guilty. Or it seems overwhelming because you listen to so many parenting professionals, but still don't have a clear path forward.
I specialize in trauma and attachment-focused therapy using EMDR, Internal Family Systems ( IFS), and a holistic, nervous-system-informed approach.
You've worked hard to build a good life, but something still feels off. Maybe you can't stop overthinking, or you keep ending up in the same exhausting patterns no matter how much you try. Maybe you feel disconnected, burned out, or like your emotions run the show in ways you don't understand. You know you're capable. You just can't figure out why certain things keep happening, or why peace feels so out of reach. Many have already tried to "fix" themselves and still feel stuck. What they're carrying has deeper roots: childhood wounds, relational trauma, and nervous system patterns built for survival that no longer serve them.
I specialize in trauma and attachment-focused therapy using EMDR, Internal Family Systems ( IFS), and a holistic, nervous-system-informed approach.
You've worked hard to build a good life, but something still feels off. Maybe you can't stop overthinking, or you keep ending up in the same exhausting patterns no matter how much you try. Maybe you feel disconnected, burned out, or like your emotions run the show in ways you don't understand. You know you're capable. You just can't figure out why certain things keep happening, or why peace feels so out of reach. Many have already tried to "fix" themselves and still feel stuck. What they're carrying has deeper roots: childhood wounds, relational trauma, and nervous system patterns built for survival that no longer serve them.
Did you grow up being the strong one—the peacekeeper, the caretaker, the child who learned to put everyone else's needs before your own? If you were raised by emotionally immature or narcissistic caregivers, you may still find yourself people-pleasing, overthinking, struggling with boundaries, or feeling disconnected from who you really are. Whether you're healing from childhood or relational trauma, narcissistic abuse, codependency, navigating a major life transition, or reconnecting with your sense of self, therapy can help you move beyond survival and begin creating a life that feels more aligned with who you are.
Did you grow up being the strong one—the peacekeeper, the caretaker, the child who learned to put everyone else's needs before your own? If you were raised by emotionally immature or narcissistic caregivers, you may still find yourself people-pleasing, overthinking, struggling with boundaries, or feeling disconnected from who you really are. Whether you're healing from childhood or relational trauma, narcissistic abuse, codependency, navigating a major life transition, or reconnecting with your sense of self, therapy can help you move beyond survival and begin creating a life that feels more aligned with who you are.
I specialize in couples therapy and marriage counseling, helping partners understand the patterns keeping them disconnected and build the kind of secure, lasting bond they're looking for.
My approach draws on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Gottman-informed methods two of the most extensively researched approaches in couples therapy. I work with couples navigating communication breakdown, emotional distance, affair recovery, the anxious-avoidant cycle, and premarital preparation. I also offer faith-integrated care for Christian couples who want their values honored in the therapeutic process.
I specialize in couples therapy and marriage counseling, helping partners understand the patterns keeping them disconnected and build the kind of secure, lasting bond they're looking for.
My approach draws on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Gottman-informed methods two of the most extensively researched approaches in couples therapy. I work with couples navigating communication breakdown, emotional distance, affair recovery, the anxious-avoidant cycle, and premarital preparation. I also offer faith-integrated care for Christian couples who want their values honored in the therapeutic process.
See more therapy options for La Jolla
Nearby Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists Searches for La Jolla
- Cardiff
- Cardiff By The Sea
- Coronado
- Del Mar
- Encinitas
- La Mesa
- National City
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- San Diego
- Santee
- Solana Beach
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.