Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists in San Diego, CA
I specialize in working with high functioning professionals seeking personal and professional growth and development. Issues of expertise include professional athletes, leadership development, grief, chronic stress, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, parenting, perfectionism, men's intimacy issues, patterns of addiction, professional burnout and integrating one's spirituality in day to day life. I work from a developmental, depth perspective customized to an individual's unique challenges and goals. I enjoy helping high achieving adults fulfill their personal, professional and relationship potential while creatively addressing areas of challenge.
I specialize in working with high functioning professionals seeking personal and professional growth and development. Issues of expertise include professional athletes, leadership development, grief, chronic stress, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, parenting, perfectionism, men's intimacy issues, patterns of addiction, professional burnout and integrating one's spirituality in day to day life. I work from a developmental, depth perspective customized to an individual's unique challenges and goals. I enjoy helping high achieving adults fulfill their personal, professional and relationship potential while creatively addressing areas of challenge.
You look like you have it together. You handle responsibilities, show up for people, and push through hard things. But inside your nervous system feels like it never truly relaxes.
Many adults I work with are stuck in survival mode after difficult life experiences or trauma. They appear "fine" on the outside, yet inside they feel anxious, burned out, overwhelmed, disconnected, or constantly on edge. Anxiety can keep your body locked in fight or flight, making it hard to slow down, feel safe, or fully be present in your life.
You look like you have it together. You handle responsibilities, show up for people, and push through hard things. But inside your nervous system feels like it never truly relaxes.
Many adults I work with are stuck in survival mode after difficult life experiences or trauma. They appear "fine" on the outside, yet inside they feel anxious, burned out, overwhelmed, disconnected, or constantly on edge. Anxiety can keep your body locked in fight or flight, making it hard to slow down, feel safe, or fully be present in your life.
I work from an integrative approach, drawing from EMDR, CBT, ACT, DBT, and IFS.
Do you feel overwhelmed by your emotions, or like you've learned to shut them down just to get through the day? Maybe you're carrying grief that hasn't fully been processed, or past experiences that continue to show up in your relationships, reactions, or sense of self. You may notice emotional shutdown, withdrawal, or feeling disconnected from others. Many of the men and couples I work with are dealing with trauma, grief, emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, or relational distress. Some are trying to understand how their past shapes how they show up, while others want support in building stability, clarity, and connection.
I work from an integrative approach, drawing from EMDR, CBT, ACT, DBT, and IFS.
Do you feel overwhelmed by your emotions, or like you've learned to shut them down just to get through the day? Maybe you're carrying grief that hasn't fully been processed, or past experiences that continue to show up in your relationships, reactions, or sense of self. You may notice emotional shutdown, withdrawal, or feeling disconnected from others. Many of the men and couples I work with are dealing with trauma, grief, emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, or relational distress. Some are trying to understand how their past shapes how they show up, while others want support in building stability, clarity, and connection.
I work from a trauma focused lens using Internal Family Systems ( IFS), EMDR, Gottman and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) modalities.
Sometimes our best life can feel out of reach. A part of us feels stuck in cognitive or relational patterns that served us at one time, but do not serve us well anymore. We want to make some changes, but we find ourselves stuck. Poet Mary Oliver asked the question, "What will you do with this one wild and precious life?" I'm here to listen as you figure out how you want to answer this question, and to witness the work you need to do to get there. Our best selves, living our best lives, are within reach.
I work from a trauma focused lens using Internal Family Systems ( IFS), EMDR, Gottman and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) modalities.
Sometimes our best life can feel out of reach. A part of us feels stuck in cognitive or relational patterns that served us at one time, but do not serve us well anymore. We want to make some changes, but we find ourselves stuck. Poet Mary Oliver asked the question, "What will you do with this one wild and precious life?" I'm here to listen as you figure out how you want to answer this question, and to witness the work you need to do to get there. Our best selves, living our best lives, are within reach.
COUPLES: Are you struggling with feeling close and connected with your partner or other loved ones? Do you feel like you get caught in the same cycle over little (and big) topics? Do you want to become best friends and lovers again? INDIVIDUALS: Do you want to feel more free to be yourself? More confident in your choices? Perhaps there are some emotional wounds that need healing and/or you need to feel less alone with yourself and with those you love. ALL: Do you want to love and respect the opposite sex (or your own) better? Feel safer in relationships again? It's never too late to uncover your true self and to truly live.
COUPLES: Are you struggling with feeling close and connected with your partner or other loved ones? Do you feel like you get caught in the same cycle over little (and big) topics? Do you want to become best friends and lovers again? INDIVIDUALS: Do you want to feel more free to be yourself? More confident in your choices? Perhaps there are some emotional wounds that need healing and/or you need to feel less alone with yourself and with those you love. ALL: Do you want to love and respect the opposite sex (or your own) better? Feel safer in relationships again? It's never too late to uncover your true self and to truly live.
I use EMDR and Internal Family Systems to help individuals and families heal from anxiety, and PTSD.
I specialize in trauma‑informed care using EMDR and Internal Family Systems and offer a collaborative, compassionate space where clients can process past wounds, understand their inner world, build resilience, and move toward lasting change.
I use EMDR and Internal Family Systems to help individuals and families heal from anxiety, and PTSD.
I specialize in trauma‑informed care using EMDR and Internal Family Systems and offer a collaborative, compassionate space where clients can process past wounds, understand their inner world, build resilience, and move toward lasting change.
Lydia-Jamie Shorthill
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CCTP, MA
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I've had rigorous training, certifications and professional experiences in the treatment of trauma, anxiety and depression including Thought Field Therapy (TFT), EMDR, and Internal Family Systems ( IFS).
I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience helping clients throughout California using innovative evidence bases cutting edge intervention to help each client transform from the impact of trauma, anxiety, mood difficulties, stress and grief in a safe and caring environment. Each plan is tailored to the client and their specific needs and wants to help find relief from symptoms and feel more confident. I solely use Telehealth and/or Video Therapy for the therapy process process.
I've had rigorous training, certifications and professional experiences in the treatment of trauma, anxiety and depression including Thought Field Therapy (TFT), EMDR, and Internal Family Systems ( IFS).
I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience helping clients throughout California using innovative evidence bases cutting edge intervention to help each client transform from the impact of trauma, anxiety, mood difficulties, stress and grief in a safe and caring environment. Each plan is tailored to the client and their specific needs and wants to help find relief from symptoms and feel more confident. I solely use Telehealth and/or Video Therapy for the therapy process process.
I use Attachment theory, Relational theory, Gottman methods, Gestalt and IFS informed modalities sprinkled with mindfulness practices to support healing in a holistic space.
You are the strong one. High-achieving, independent, and holding it all together. But underneath, you’re tired of feeling alone, anxious in relationships, or stuck in patterns that don’t serve you. You long for connection, safety, and ease. You want to understand where these patterns come from, heal what’s underneath, and finally feel free to be fully yourself—in relationships and in life. You’re ready for real change, not just coping. Let’s get you there!
I specialize in working with clients who have relationship anxiety (attachment), codependency or hyper independence, marital issues, self esteem issues and inner child wounding.
I use Attachment theory, Relational theory, Gottman methods, Gestalt and IFS informed modalities sprinkled with mindfulness practices to support healing in a holistic space.
You are the strong one. High-achieving, independent, and holding it all together. But underneath, you’re tired of feeling alone, anxious in relationships, or stuck in patterns that don’t serve you. You long for connection, safety, and ease. You want to understand where these patterns come from, heal what’s underneath, and finally feel free to be fully yourself—in relationships and in life. You’re ready for real change, not just coping. Let’s get you there!
I specialize in working with clients who have relationship anxiety (attachment), codependency or hyper independence, marital issues, self esteem issues and inner child wounding.
I’m a licensed therapist who works with adults navigating emotional overwhelm, relationship stress, life transitions, and maintaining their recovery. My work is grounded, collaborative, and focused on helping you build clarity, emotional regulation, and implement change. I work with adults who want support managing emotions, strengthening self-trust, and moving through transitions with more clarity and stability. I’m a good fit if you’re open to self-reflection and ready to make meaningful, sustainable changes.
I’m a licensed therapist who works with adults navigating emotional overwhelm, relationship stress, life transitions, and maintaining their recovery. My work is grounded, collaborative, and focused on helping you build clarity, emotional regulation, and implement change. I work with adults who want support managing emotions, strengthening self-trust, and moving through transitions with more clarity and stability. I’m a good fit if you’re open to self-reflection and ready to make meaningful, sustainable changes.
Are you experiencing low self-esteem, anxiety, feeling stuck in a dark place of depression or addiction? Maybe you are experiencing challenges with feeling too needy in relationships or having difficulty connecting emotionally. Perhaps, you are wanting to be more assertive, have less stress in social situations, and have more confidence at work. Past experiences can strongly influence the way you feel about yourself and the world. Past events can be anything from experiencing emotional/physical/sexual abuse, bullying, emotional neglect, experiencing racial trauma, or not feeling accepted for being LGBTQ+.
Are you experiencing low self-esteem, anxiety, feeling stuck in a dark place of depression or addiction? Maybe you are experiencing challenges with feeling too needy in relationships or having difficulty connecting emotionally. Perhaps, you are wanting to be more assertive, have less stress in social situations, and have more confidence at work. Past experiences can strongly influence the way you feel about yourself and the world. Past events can be anything from experiencing emotional/physical/sexual abuse, bullying, emotional neglect, experiencing racial trauma, or not feeling accepted for being LGBTQ+.
My mission is to gently help others turn toward their pain and brokenness instead of running from it. I support individuals through self-compassion therapy, helping them learn to sit with difficult emotions—even the overwhelming ones. By embracing these emotions, we begin the healing process. As we heal, we make peace with the past, invite joy into the present, and slowly start to feel whole again—reconnecting with our true selves and others with deeper understanding, empathy, and self-awareness.
My mission is to gently help others turn toward their pain and brokenness instead of running from it. I support individuals through self-compassion therapy, helping them learn to sit with difficult emotions—even the overwhelming ones. By embracing these emotions, we begin the healing process. As we heal, we make peace with the past, invite joy into the present, and slowly start to feel whole again—reconnecting with our true selves and others with deeper understanding, empathy, and self-awareness.
Therapeutic Specialties: Anxiety, Depression, Life transitions, Spirituality, Stress, Trauma, Self-Esteem/Identity Work, Somatic focused work, and IFS.
I believe you have everything you need within you, and I'm here with you. My practice is focused in an experiential process. Taking a collaborative approach to helping you on your journey. When we can fully be in the moment, our body’s ability to notice and process the world around us in safety can beautiful and transformative.
Therapeutic Specialties: Anxiety, Depression, Life transitions, Spirituality, Stress, Trauma, Self-Esteem/Identity Work, Somatic focused work, and IFS.
I believe you have everything you need within you, and I'm here with you. My practice is focused in an experiential process. Taking a collaborative approach to helping you on your journey. When we can fully be in the moment, our body’s ability to notice and process the world around us in safety can beautiful and transformative.
Victoria Grutz Neurodivergence-Informed Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
San Diego, CA 92117
Hi there! Thanks for stopping by. My name is Victoria (she/her) and I am a neurodivergent (Autistic and ADHD) therapist who is deeply passionate about working with adult individuals, couples, polycules, and families in both the neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ communities. I work from a social justice-oriented lens, acknowledging systems of oppression that exist to serve some while creating barriers to well-being for many others. I particularly enjoy working with clients as they navigate experiences with late-diagnoses, gender identity exploration, anxiety, existential questions, relational and sexual difficulties, and life transitions.
Hi there! Thanks for stopping by. My name is Victoria (she/her) and I am a neurodivergent (Autistic and ADHD) therapist who is deeply passionate about working with adult individuals, couples, polycules, and families in both the neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ communities. I work from a social justice-oriented lens, acknowledging systems of oppression that exist to serve some while creating barriers to well-being for many others. I particularly enjoy working with clients as they navigate experiences with late-diagnoses, gender identity exploration, anxiety, existential questions, relational and sexual difficulties, and life transitions.
Therapy can be a place to heal, develop resiliency, and find relief from struggles. As an associate marriage and family therapist, I am committed to providing a compassionate and safe space where individuals, couples, and families can come to understand the cycles and patterns that are holding them back.
Therapy can be a place to heal, develop resiliency, and find relief from struggles. As an associate marriage and family therapist, I am committed to providing a compassionate and safe space where individuals, couples, and families can come to understand the cycles and patterns that are holding them back.
I integrate sex therapy, trauma-informed psychotherapy, the Gottman Method, EFT/ IFS parts work, somatic/body-centered practices, and nervous system regulation tools.
I help individuals and couples in CA, CT, and TX navigate intimacy concerns, low desire, sexual anxiety, relationship conflict, and the impact of trauma on sex, intimacy, and emotional connection. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling confused, stuck, or disconnected from their bodies or partners—and wanting something to change, even if they’re not sure where to start.
I integrate sex therapy, trauma-informed psychotherapy, the Gottman Method, EFT/ IFS parts work, somatic/body-centered practices, and nervous system regulation tools.
I help individuals and couples in CA, CT, and TX navigate intimacy concerns, low desire, sexual anxiety, relationship conflict, and the impact of trauma on sex, intimacy, and emotional connection. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling confused, stuck, or disconnected from their bodies or partners—and wanting something to change, even if they’re not sure where to start.
Are you struggling with substance use or disordered eating habits? Or maybe you need some guidance on self-esteem or relationship issues? It's okay to not be okay, and I'm here to help you through whatever life has brought your way. I believe in treating each these issues from a whole person perspective, and will work with you to enrich all areas of your well-being. Through openhearted and compassionate communication, we will create a safe space for you to mindfully explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and identify which among them no longer serve you.
Are you struggling with substance use or disordered eating habits? Or maybe you need some guidance on self-esteem or relationship issues? It's okay to not be okay, and I'm here to help you through whatever life has brought your way. I believe in treating each these issues from a whole person perspective, and will work with you to enrich all areas of your well-being. Through openhearted and compassionate communication, we will create a safe space for you to mindfully explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and identify which among them no longer serve you.
Are you feeling the pressures of stress, or anxiety in your day to day? Are there unresolved issues impacting your relationships? Or have you been struggling & feel that now is the time to get support? You don't have to do this alone, please let me help. Life's challenges can come from previous trauma, changes in family structure, life transitions, or a host of other themes. We'll work through those together, by making our sessions uniquely yours, allowing growth through confronting the threat of stress, anxiety (and any other problem which may make you feel stuck) while developing healthier coping strategies.
Are you feeling the pressures of stress, or anxiety in your day to day? Are there unresolved issues impacting your relationships? Or have you been struggling & feel that now is the time to get support? You don't have to do this alone, please let me help. Life's challenges can come from previous trauma, changes in family structure, life transitions, or a host of other themes. We'll work through those together, by making our sessions uniquely yours, allowing growth through confronting the threat of stress, anxiety (and any other problem which may make you feel stuck) while developing healthier coping strategies.
I use a combination of Internal Family Systems ( IFS) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) in order to explore how different "parts" of you have gotten in the way of you trying to heal as well as address behaviors.
Being human is hard. It's not easy to navigate, especially if you are facing depression, addiction, anxiety, trauma, or any other challenges that might come up for you. That's where I come in. I’m committed to walking alongside you with compassion and respect, creating a safe space that recognizes both the pain you’ve carried and the resilience you bring.
I use a combination of Internal Family Systems ( IFS) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) in order to explore how different "parts" of you have gotten in the way of you trying to heal as well as address behaviors.
Being human is hard. It's not easy to navigate, especially if you are facing depression, addiction, anxiety, trauma, or any other challenges that might come up for you. That's where I come in. I’m committed to walking alongside you with compassion and respect, creating a safe space that recognizes both the pain you’ve carried and the resilience you bring.
One of Mo’s specialties is focusing on the mind-body connection. This is done with somatic exercises. Mo always starts off each session with a grounding exercise. She loves using body scans with clients to bring awareness to their bodies. Our body has so much wisdom and we can use it as a tool to know if something is feeling off or feels right. Most of the time after a traumatic experience we may lose touch with our body, part of the trauma work is being able to reconnect with what our body is telling us and listening to it with grace and understanding.
One of Mo’s specialties is focusing on the mind-body connection. This is done with somatic exercises. Mo always starts off each session with a grounding exercise. She loves using body scans with clients to bring awareness to their bodies. Our body has so much wisdom and we can use it as a tool to know if something is feeling off or feels right. Most of the time after a traumatic experience we may lose touch with our body, part of the trauma work is being able to reconnect with what our body is telling us and listening to it with grace and understanding.
You may find yourself feeling stuck in painful relational patterns, overwhelmed by emotion, or disconnected from yourself. Perhaps you’re navigating betrayal, life transitions, or tension in your marriage. You want clarity, steadiness, and a deeper understanding of why you react the way you do. More than coping, you want growth, healthier relationships, and a stronger, more grounded version of yourself.
You may find yourself feeling stuck in painful relational patterns, overwhelmed by emotion, or disconnected from yourself. Perhaps you’re navigating betrayal, life transitions, or tension in your marriage. You want clarity, steadiness, and a deeper understanding of why you react the way you do. More than coping, you want growth, healthier relationships, and a stronger, more grounded version of yourself.
See more therapy options for San Diego
Nearby Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists Searches for San Diego
- Bonita
- Chula Vista
- Coronado
- Del Mar
- El Cajon
- La Jolla
- La Mesa
- Lakeside
- National City
- Poway
- Santee
- Spring Valley
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.