Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists in Pleasant Hill, CA
Mindful Path Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 (Online Only)
To support this, I pride myself on offering real-life tools to help people overcome barriers and achieve their goals, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS) Parts Work, Mindfulness, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
In the best of conditions, orienting ourselves towards personal growth is challenging and requires focus, dedication, and support. During major life events, staying on this mindful path can become overwhelming and we may find ourselves unable to find our bearings. For over 12 years, I have helped clients navigate difficult life transitions, such as recovery from addiction, overcoming trauma, healing from grief, cultivating healthy relationships, and achieving developmental milestones.
To support this, I pride myself on offering real-life tools to help people overcome barriers and achieve their goals, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS) Parts Work, Mindfulness, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
In the best of conditions, orienting ourselves towards personal growth is challenging and requires focus, dedication, and support. During major life events, staying on this mindful path can become overwhelming and we may find ourselves unable to find our bearings. For over 12 years, I have helped clients navigate difficult life transitions, such as recovery from addiction, overcoming trauma, healing from grief, cultivating healthy relationships, and achieving developmental milestones.
I incorporate CBT, DBT, Rogerian, Solution-Focused, IFS and Psychodynamic approaches while maintaining a mindfulness of the family system my clients have and/or are a part of.
My name is Katerina Stafford, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have been providing therapeutic services for over 20 years and specialize in individual, adolescent, and adult clients, focused on personal growth, healing from trauma, and co-occurring mental health and substance use diagnoses. I am an LGBTQIA+ ally and fluent in Spanish. I am a client-centered therapist and believe that each client knows their own journey and needs.
I incorporate CBT, DBT, Rogerian, Solution-Focused, IFS and Psychodynamic approaches while maintaining a mindfulness of the family system my clients have and/or are a part of.
My name is Katerina Stafford, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have been providing therapeutic services for over 20 years and specialize in individual, adolescent, and adult clients, focused on personal growth, healing from trauma, and co-occurring mental health and substance use diagnoses. I am an LGBTQIA+ ally and fluent in Spanish. I am a client-centered therapist and believe that each client knows their own journey and needs.
Kathy Macchi
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, #101014
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Including Hakomi (a mindfulness based psychotherapy), CBT, Internal Family Systems, Psychodynamic, EMDR, and a trauma informed approach.
I offer strategies and tools for College age students and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, self-harming behavior, and trauma. My highest aim as your therapist is to co-create a lasting and genuine healing relationship, one where you feel supported to express yourself authentically and make the changes necessary in your life to live, love and work wholeheartedly. My warm, genuine and practical approach allows us to move through difficult times and gain clarity about yourself and your relationships . All are welcome in my office and I see clients from 18 on up.
Including Hakomi (a mindfulness based psychotherapy), CBT, Internal Family Systems, Psychodynamic, EMDR, and a trauma informed approach.
I offer strategies and tools for College age students and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, self-harming behavior, and trauma. My highest aim as your therapist is to co-create a lasting and genuine healing relationship, one where you feel supported to express yourself authentically and make the changes necessary in your life to live, love and work wholeheartedly. My warm, genuine and practical approach allows us to move through difficult times and gain clarity about yourself and your relationships . All are welcome in my office and I see clients from 18 on up.
Jackie Alvarado
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, APCC, PPS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 (Online Only)
With a trauma-focused lens, coupled with my awareness and sensitivity of culture/cultural backgrounds/cultural traditions, I work with modalities such as mindfulness, various breath-work techniques/exercises, somatic experiencing (SE), Hakomi Body Based Therapy, Existential Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Narrative Therapy, and EMDR.
Are you a parent who would like to get your child support? Are you questioning life transitions and searching for support? Are you experiencing grief/loss? Do you want to strengthen your relationships? Are you struggling with addiction? Are you an educator experiencing work stress or chronic stress? If you've answered yes to any of these questions, you're in the right place! I am an LMFT working in both the Bay and Sacramento areas. As a graduate of St. Mary's College of California, I have the expertise to support and guide you towards symptom relief and live a life full of gratitude and tranquility.
With a trauma-focused lens, coupled with my awareness and sensitivity of culture/cultural backgrounds/cultural traditions, I work with modalities such as mindfulness, various breath-work techniques/exercises, somatic experiencing (SE), Hakomi Body Based Therapy, Existential Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Narrative Therapy, and EMDR.
Are you a parent who would like to get your child support? Are you questioning life transitions and searching for support? Are you experiencing grief/loss? Do you want to strengthen your relationships? Are you struggling with addiction? Are you an educator experiencing work stress or chronic stress? If you've answered yes to any of these questions, you're in the right place! I am an LMFT working in both the Bay and Sacramento areas. As a graduate of St. Mary's College of California, I have the expertise to support and guide you towards symptom relief and live a life full of gratitude and tranquility.
Jacqueline Susan Cooper
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
My ideal client takes many different forms and they are all individualized. My client is suffering and I see it as my role to reduce human suffering so that it is no longer unbearable. I provide both short term (goal oriented), and long term (perhaps, more Existential and Gestalt based) therapy. I'm not going to change your personality, why would I? That makes you the unique individual that you are. My goal is to adjust and provide strategies for eliminating harmful behaviors that cause suffering and an inability to live in peace with oneself and with others.
My ideal client takes many different forms and they are all individualized. My client is suffering and I see it as my role to reduce human suffering so that it is no longer unbearable. I provide both short term (goal oriented), and long term (perhaps, more Existential and Gestalt based) therapy. I'm not going to change your personality, why would I? That makes you the unique individual that you are. My goal is to adjust and provide strategies for eliminating harmful behaviors that cause suffering and an inability to live in peace with oneself and with others.
Emily Linaman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Hello! My name is Emily Linaman and I want to help you work with your strengths, and identify behaviors and patterns that may hold you back from growing into the best version of yourself. Old habits die hard, especially when they are related to past trauma survival skills and other coping mechanisms that no longer serve you. As I earn your trust, I hope we can explore how certain behaviors and habits lead to numbing out, depression, dissociation, isolation, self-sabotage and self-harm. Together, we can explore defense mechanisms, the functions they serve, and try out new coping skills to release you from the past and set you free.
Hello! My name is Emily Linaman and I want to help you work with your strengths, and identify behaviors and patterns that may hold you back from growing into the best version of yourself. Old habits die hard, especially when they are related to past trauma survival skills and other coping mechanisms that no longer serve you. As I earn your trust, I hope we can explore how certain behaviors and habits lead to numbing out, depression, dissociation, isolation, self-sabotage and self-harm. Together, we can explore defense mechanisms, the functions they serve, and try out new coping skills to release you from the past and set you free.
Kamaria Erin Wells
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 (Online Only)
How would you like to diversify your healing process? As I walk alongside you on your healing journey, I will offer a plethora of modalities to support and deepen your process. In addition to talk therapy, art, writing, somatic attunement, breathwork, and sound healing will be available. I work with all ages, providing a safe space to address racism, colorism, ablism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, and transphobia. I can also support you with anxiety, grief, depression, feelings of overwhelm, CPTSD, PTSD, identity matters, life transitions, couples therapy, and family therapy.
How would you like to diversify your healing process? As I walk alongside you on your healing journey, I will offer a plethora of modalities to support and deepen your process. In addition to talk therapy, art, writing, somatic attunement, breathwork, and sound healing will be available. I work with all ages, providing a safe space to address racism, colorism, ablism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, and transphobia. I can also support you with anxiety, grief, depression, feelings of overwhelm, CPTSD, PTSD, identity matters, life transitions, couples therapy, and family therapy.
Hello. My name is Steve Gray, and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have extensive experience working with individuals, couples, and families that are having challenges related to alcoholism, other addictions, co-dependency, conflict, violence, mental illness, and individual or systemic relational issues. I am a pragmatic, empathetic, approachable counselor. I am very familiar with, am a member of, and strongly support 12 Step recovery programs. I am very familiar with local addiction and co-dependency treatment entities. I believe that personal and spiritual redemption are available to us all.
Hello. My name is Steve Gray, and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have extensive experience working with individuals, couples, and families that are having challenges related to alcoholism, other addictions, co-dependency, conflict, violence, mental illness, and individual or systemic relational issues. I am a pragmatic, empathetic, approachable counselor. I am very familiar with, am a member of, and strongly support 12 Step recovery programs. I am very familiar with local addiction and co-dependency treatment entities. I believe that personal and spiritual redemption are available to us all.
Christine Wells Cooper
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
I consider it an honor to walk with you as you navigate the challenges and obstacles that life has thrown your way. My passion is working with individuals who have experienced trauma, struggle with anxiety, feel stressed, are having relationship problems, or are experiencing depression. Working with adults, I am able to support you with life challenges in your relationship or work, coping with loss, aging, parenting, and any number of events that might be causing you to feel anxious, worried, or at a crossroads in life.
I consider it an honor to walk with you as you navigate the challenges and obstacles that life has thrown your way. My passion is working with individuals who have experienced trauma, struggle with anxiety, feel stressed, are having relationship problems, or are experiencing depression. Working with adults, I am able to support you with life challenges in your relationship or work, coping with loss, aging, parenting, and any number of events that might be causing you to feel anxious, worried, or at a crossroads in life.
Jesse Tichenor
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Ease. Connection. Purpose. Joy. These are the birthright of every human. When they’re hard to find, therapy can help. I have seen again and again that even the deepest wounds and most entrenched stagnation can give way—with the right kinds of skilled support—to growth, transformation, and flourishing. Whether you struggle with depression, anxiety, burnout, addiction, PTSD, relational conflict, self-doubt, or just want to live with more vitality and authenticity, I would be honored to accompany you in your journey. I particularly love assisting social justice leaders to embody the wellness they strive to make possible for others.
Ease. Connection. Purpose. Joy. These are the birthright of every human. When they’re hard to find, therapy can help. I have seen again and again that even the deepest wounds and most entrenched stagnation can give way—with the right kinds of skilled support—to growth, transformation, and flourishing. Whether you struggle with depression, anxiety, burnout, addiction, PTSD, relational conflict, self-doubt, or just want to live with more vitality and authenticity, I would be honored to accompany you in your journey. I particularly love assisting social justice leaders to embody the wellness they strive to make possible for others.
Katherine Jewett
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
What if?. . . . What if you didn’t have to feel as though you had to hold all of those balls in the air by yourself? . . . .What if those stomach dropping, throat clenching, heart racing thoughts didn’t have to keep you up at night?. . . . What if you could figure out how to manage those difficult emotions rather than feel overwhelmed by them? What if your history didn’t have to equal your future story? I’ve got you covered! I'll help you to understand how your past got you to this place and how to use that information to connect the dots, figure things out, and design a new and better story going forward.
What if?. . . . What if you didn’t have to feel as though you had to hold all of those balls in the air by yourself? . . . .What if those stomach dropping, throat clenching, heart racing thoughts didn’t have to keep you up at night?. . . . What if you could figure out how to manage those difficult emotions rather than feel overwhelmed by them? What if your history didn’t have to equal your future story? I’ve got you covered! I'll help you to understand how your past got you to this place and how to use that information to connect the dots, figure things out, and design a new and better story going forward.
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Mindful Path Counseling
Jackie Alvarado
Pyar Khatri
Annie Leah Lesny
Daryn Stier
Makenna Robery (Clements)
I work with couples, groups, and individuals. Do you isolate, feel misunderstood, or have difficult connecting to others? Do you ever feel like no matter how hard you try - you can't catch a break? Have you been told you are "too sensitive" or "too intense"? Do you want to hide parts of yourself? Do you want to build more connection in your relationships? Do you find you and your partner continuing to argue about the same things? You are not alone. Often times our old wounds and experiences get in the way of living.
I work with couples, groups, and individuals. Do you isolate, feel misunderstood, or have difficult connecting to others? Do you ever feel like no matter how hard you try - you can't catch a break? Have you been told you are "too sensitive" or "too intense"? Do you want to hide parts of yourself? Do you want to build more connection in your relationships? Do you find you and your partner continuing to argue about the same things? You are not alone. Often times our old wounds and experiences get in the way of living.
Maya Attia, LMFT 139693, is a sex-positive, LGBTQ+ affirming, polyamory, kink, and BDSM-friendly therapist. She offers space to express, explore, and learn about your whole self to find ease and greater satisfaction in life. My approach is humanistic and tender. I facilitate conversations that inspire insight and change. I enjoy using the practical tools from cognitive behavioral therapy, ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy), and other modalities, but at my core, I am relational.
Maya Attia, LMFT 139693, is a sex-positive, LGBTQ+ affirming, polyamory, kink, and BDSM-friendly therapist. She offers space to express, explore, and learn about your whole self to find ease and greater satisfaction in life. My approach is humanistic and tender. I facilitate conversations that inspire insight and change. I enjoy using the practical tools from cognitive behavioral therapy, ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy), and other modalities, but at my core, I am relational.
Pyar Khatri
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
We are unfortunately not born with a manual on how to live life. It’s unpredictable complexities jolt us out of the path we had so carefully planned for ourselves, and leave us in a place of feeling lost. These obstacles can appear in various ways; parenting, relationships, work, loss, violence and sometimes do not appear at all except for a knot in our stomach. What does one do when the next step is not clear? It is in these moments of uncertainty where I can be of help. There is no right or wrong reason, or person, for therapy; it is an opportunity to put life on pause for an hour, while we work together to uncover the next step.
We are unfortunately not born with a manual on how to live life. It’s unpredictable complexities jolt us out of the path we had so carefully planned for ourselves, and leave us in a place of feeling lost. These obstacles can appear in various ways; parenting, relationships, work, loss, violence and sometimes do not appear at all except for a knot in our stomach. What does one do when the next step is not clear? It is in these moments of uncertainty where I can be of help. There is no right or wrong reason, or person, for therapy; it is an opportunity to put life on pause for an hour, while we work together to uncover the next step.
Welcome! My therapy practice offers services to families, adults, teens and children looking for guidance and support. I provide a blend of psycho-education, skill-building, deep listening and analyzation, client-centered reflection, and creative arts healing opportunities. I utilize evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and EFT. I also bring in elements of more traditional psychodynamic practices, and existential, spiritual & meaning-making inquiries. I believe that each client deserves a customized approach, based on their needs and desires.
Welcome! My therapy practice offers services to families, adults, teens and children looking for guidance and support. I provide a blend of psycho-education, skill-building, deep listening and analyzation, client-centered reflection, and creative arts healing opportunities. I utilize evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and EFT. I also bring in elements of more traditional psychodynamic practices, and existential, spiritual & meaning-making inquiries. I believe that each client deserves a customized approach, based on their needs and desires.
Annie Leah Lesny
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
I specialize in trauma-informed therapy for anxiety, depression, relational issues, childhood and lifespan trauma, and more. I understand that sometimes psychotherapy is sought out in a very challenging time of life, and I am here to offer support through that. I have specialized experience working with creatives of all kinds, in being a singer myself. With experience focusing on young adults as well, I offer guidance for the process of individuation that occurs during these formative years. I enjoy working with clients of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, gender identities, sexualities, and other intersectional identities.
I specialize in trauma-informed therapy for anxiety, depression, relational issues, childhood and lifespan trauma, and more. I understand that sometimes psychotherapy is sought out in a very challenging time of life, and I am here to offer support through that. I have specialized experience working with creatives of all kinds, in being a singer myself. With experience focusing on young adults as well, I offer guidance for the process of individuation that occurs during these formative years. I enjoy working with clients of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, gender identities, sexualities, and other intersectional identities.
Kimberly Kerlin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, C-PMH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 (Online Only)
Our earliest experiences of life form the foundation for the rest of our life. I work with adults struggling to heal old wounds and reduce anxiety and conflict in their lives. Whether you're finding your own childhood experiences being triggered by your child's or partner's behavior today; a working parent attempting to balance competing needs of your workplace, partner, or child; feeling overwhelmed by life transitions (ie. divorce, loss of a loved one, new job, etc), suffering from perinatal anxiety or depression, or someone who has experienced a trauma or distressing memory and wants to be free of its grip, I welcome you.
Our earliest experiences of life form the foundation for the rest of our life. I work with adults struggling to heal old wounds and reduce anxiety and conflict in their lives. Whether you're finding your own childhood experiences being triggered by your child's or partner's behavior today; a working parent attempting to balance competing needs of your workplace, partner, or child; feeling overwhelmed by life transitions (ie. divorce, loss of a loved one, new job, etc), suffering from perinatal anxiety or depression, or someone who has experienced a trauma or distressing memory and wants to be free of its grip, I welcome you.
When life gets overwhelming and stressful, do you have a supportive way to work things through? My clients tell me that they feel deeply listened to and understood in the work we do together. Whether as a therapist or a coach, my style is warm and highly interactive. I will guide you with a gentle approach so that you discover more of your wholeness and create solutions that are fully your own. Imagine yourself feeling comfortable in your own skin and sustained in making your life fit you. I am here to provide you with the support you deserve so that you can make positive changes you so deeply desire.
When life gets overwhelming and stressful, do you have a supportive way to work things through? My clients tell me that they feel deeply listened to and understood in the work we do together. Whether as a therapist or a coach, my style is warm and highly interactive. I will guide you with a gentle approach so that you discover more of your wholeness and create solutions that are fully your own. Imagine yourself feeling comfortable in your own skin and sustained in making your life fit you. I am here to provide you with the support you deserve so that you can make positive changes you so deeply desire.
Adriana S. Russell MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
I work with a large number of presenting issues including managing depression, anxiety and stress, improving communication in primary relationships, improved self care and self soothing, healing from addictions and codependency and trauma; dealing with grief and loss, including pet loss. I can assist you in how to self assert in a healthy and productive manner. I work with adult individuals and couples. I am 12 step supportive, work with relapse prevention and people wanting to intensify their recovery work. I am trained as an Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist. Please see my website: www.adrianarussell.com
I work with a large number of presenting issues including managing depression, anxiety and stress, improving communication in primary relationships, improved self care and self soothing, healing from addictions and codependency and trauma; dealing with grief and loss, including pet loss. I can assist you in how to self assert in a healthy and productive manner. I work with adult individuals and couples. I am 12 step supportive, work with relapse prevention and people wanting to intensify their recovery work. I am trained as an Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist. Please see my website: www.adrianarussell.com
Arielle Vale
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 (Online Only)
It is brave of you to seek therapy. It is not easy and choosing a therapist and taking the time to find the right space takes time and effort as you look to find the right fit for your personal journey. It is courageous to start this journey! I enjoy working with creative and artistic people who have experienced trauma in their past.
It is brave of you to seek therapy. It is not easy and choosing a therapist and taking the time to find the right space takes time and effort as you look to find the right fit for your personal journey. It is courageous to start this journey! I enjoy working with creative and artistic people who have experienced trauma in their past.
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Nearby Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists Searches for Pleasant Hill
See More Internal Family Systems (IFS) TherapistsInternal 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.