Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists in San Diego, CA
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Nina Tomkiewicz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
My approach utilizes mindfulness, visualization, and self-compassion practices and is informed by the Internal
Family Systems
model, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, attachment theory, and Non-Violent Communication.
Do you struggle with achieving inner, emotional stability and find yourself having shame spirals? Is it hard for you to be authentic around others, and tend towards people-pleasing or over-focusing on other’s needs? Do you often ruminate on negative thoughts and are self-critical and self-blaming? Sometimes when we struggle during developmentally critical periods of our life, we can adopt strategies to survive that end up limiting or distressing us later in life. These strategies can manifest as symptoms of anxiety and depression and can get in the way of feeling self-assured and connected to others.

Jessica Ann Millanponce
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
The trauma-informed techniques are based on your individual needs and readiness which may include EMDR,
IFS
, Brain-spotting, Flash Technique, Mind/body work, Grounding and tapping.
Hello and welcome! My name is Jessica Millanponce and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I want to start by saying how honored I am that you took the time to learn a little bit about me and my clinical care approach.It is my belief and experience that complex-relationship trauma and attachment injuries show up in our lives and are the catalyst for symptoms that resemble anxiety, depression, dissociation, hyperactivity and various mood disorders. My approach to care is and has to be gentle, self-guided and compassionate as we explore the inner parts of Self that need attention, unburdening and healing.

Graden Tonna
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I'm an Internal
Family Systems
(
IFS
) Clinical Consultant, Certified in
IFS
, trained in IFIO and EMDR (parts 1 & 2).
I am a devoted to helping you find relief from anxiety, anger, depression, shame, or whatever it is that leaves you feeling stuck. This relief can come by being in a relationship where all of you is welcomed and valued, even the parts of you that feel broken, extreme, or judged by yourself or others. Together, we'll get to know what's causing you these symptoms, help change your relationship to these symptoms, and work towards healing whatever wound is at the root. In this process you may find that "you" becomes more clear, and experience a greater freedom to show up in the ways you'd like at work, home, and in your relationships.

Mahtaab Khanjari
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I use techniques from
IFS
, Polyvagal Theory, Mindfulness-Self Compassion, and other evidence-based methods to create a mind, body, soul approach.
Being human is not a simple experience, and reaching out for help along the way can be challenging. If you are reading this and think it’s time to ask for support, I see your courage and confidence and it would be an honor to join your journey. Whether you want to work through harrowing events and memories or learn new coping skills and prioritize your mental health, you deserve a time and place to do that. I intend to hold a warm, non-judgmental space to create an emotionally safe environment for growth, empowerment, and reconnecting with your inner self. I will be there to listen, support, and guide you.

John Brandeis Boesky
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
My specialties include individual psychotherapy, marriage and family therapy, NLP,
IFS
( Internal
Family Systems
), Hypnotherapy, Sports Performance Coaching, and Group Therapy.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Master NLP Practitioner,
IFS
Practitioner, and Sports Psychology Consultant, I LOVE my profession! I am deeply passionate about helping individuals, couples, families, groups, and athletes attain their mental, emotional, relational, and spiritual goals as a result of our work together. I offer my clients my engaged presence, insights, intuition, knowledge, wisdom, and resources to assist them on their personal growth journey. If you’re seeking a guide with a warm lantern to join you on your quest to live your best life, give me a call!!

Jessica Lopez
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I use CBT along with integrative Psychodynamic and
Family Systems
models.
Hi! I'm Jessica. I'm glad you're here. I'm a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, but you might also call me a connection reviver or hope restorer. I’m also a woman of color, Native American, and transplant to San Diego. I help women, men, and non-binary individuals, and couples, who are seeking healing and whole-hearted living through compassionate awareness. Maybe you have come here because you feel stuck and want to improve your life or relationship, or you’re curious as to why you do what you do. Maybe you are having a difficult time with anxiety, depression, or significant life transitions and adjustments.

Ky Ngo Dennis
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I am certified in Neuro Emotional Technique & utilize hypnotherapy, meditation, Internal
Family Systems
and polyvagal theory in my work.
You've tried traditional talk therapy and it hasn't helped you in the ways you had hoped. You're looking for a different approach to creating change in your life and working through past traumas. I specialize in somatic approaches to therapy, which can accelerate our ability to access information from our body and release stuck emotions.

Erin Snemis
Counselor, LPCC
Verified
Verified
I specialize in trauma focused therapy and am trained in EMDR, NARM, and Internal
Family Systems
.
My goal is to help those seeking healing from trauma and regaining better management of mental health challenges. My therapy style is supportive and collaborative. I believe in meeting clients where they are in their journey and personalizing the course of treatment to their specific needs. I provide a nonjudgmental and caring environment that allows clients to comfortably work through their current challenges and reach their goals.

Brian Shin: Hope Therapy Group
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Some of these which I implement are Narrative Therapy, CBT, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Bowen
Family Systems
Therapy.
From the unexpected challenges to finding fulfillment when overcoming a trial, every person deserves to be the hero of their own story. From trauma to mood disorders to relational issues, each challenge is not an isolated event, but a story that is connected to our past, present, and future. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about helping people work through these challenges to come out even stronger, emotionally and mentally. I work with youth, adults, couples, and families to identify how this connection can lead to overcoming challenges and finding healing.

Maren Jorgensen
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
5 Endorsed
Verified
5 Endorsed
I use techniques like mindfulness-based CBT, internal
family systems
, and attachment theory to build a framework, but am eclectic in nature-- meaning I use the approach that best suits your needs and is tailored to you as an individual.
I believe that receiving therapy should no longer be taboo. Confiding in others and receiving professional help is something we all do in many facets of our life. Most of us see a doctor or go get our car fixed when we have issues with our physical health or a tire is loose, so why not see a therapist to help improve our mental health?
Not accepting new clients

Jennifer Moynihan, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I offer therapy in a non-judgmental, confidential, and empowering environment. I can provide individual therapy to help you heal from past traumas, gain healthy coping skills to deal with stress, life transitions, and relationship issues, and decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression. Along with my primary modality of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, I integrate Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Internal
Family Systems
Therapy.

Lauren Thibodeau
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified
Verified
Lauren utilizes gender-affirming therapy, experiential, attachment-based interventions, somatic experiencing, and internal
family systems
therapies.
Lauren treats adults, couples, families, and adolescents, and is especially passionate in providing resources and care to the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities. She works with various clients, and while trained in a range of treatment types, she strives to tailor her therapeutic approach to each person and their unique, individual needs.
Waitlist for new clients

Amy Anderson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, BS, MSW, LCSW
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
I've studied and have been trained in various evidence based practices such as Gottman Method, Mindfulness, CBT-TF, DBT, EMDR, and
IFS
.
We all can feel overwhelmed when dealing with life's hurdles. At times, having a safe person to talk things out confidentially- promotes self-reflection, improves personal and relationship outcomes, and emotional depth to overcome any obstacle that presents itself. Life can feel amplified when we harness our authentic values, trust our intuition, embrace emotional regulation & communication skills that allow us to connect deeply. I love working with couples who have experienced trauma, substance use, or burnout re-connect authentically. I'm passionate about helping you feel more invigorated and alive.
Not accepting new clients

Cristina Antonucci
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I hold a trauma-informed approach, drawing upon neuroscience, attachment theory, humanistic, multicultural, internal
family systems
(
IFS
) and existential models of healing.
Life can leave us feeling stuck and disconnected from ourselves and our communities. Often, symptoms are natural reactions to painful circumstances and foreclose access to our innate wisdom and ability to navigate tough situations. I believe in the unique healing journey of each individual and work with you to open space and reconnect with your authentic ways of being. I help folks get curious about their life, get unstuck from difficult patterns, make meaning of life experiences, and ultimately create more choice and freedom.

One Life Therapy: Alice Wu-Cardona, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I work from a trauma focused lens and rely a lot on Internal
Family Systems
, EMDR and Gottman Relationship 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.

Amanda Lance-Sexton
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR-BC
Verified
Verified
I work with children, adolescents, and adults, with a
family systems
, attachment based, whole-person approach to therapy. I believe in the innate ability of each individual to seek health and well being. I have over 20 years of experience working in multiple settings, including community-based mental health clinics, residential treatment settings, hospice and hospital settings, women's shelter, and school-based services. I am currently offering Telehealth sessions, specializing in work with tweens/teens, adults, and couples, as well as parenting support from a peaceful parenting/ attachment-focused lens.

Catharina Kang, PhD
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
I offer a blend of Buddhist psychology, Mindfulness, Somatic Experiencing, Internal
Family Systems
, and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy.
You either walk inside your story and own it or you stand outside it and hustle for your worthiness-B.Brown. Are negative stories keeping you stuck in a habitual pattern of self-defeating thoughts, feelings & behaviors? Are you seeing yourself/others through these limiting lenses? We develop protective parts and can appear highly successful. Yet privately we can be caught up in overthinking, analyzing & worrying without good, lasting solutions. If you need a safe, compassionate space where we can touch into & let go of limiting stories & feelings which keep you from feeling your personal power & freedom, I'd love to hear from you.

Sesen Negash
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Further, I have advanced training in three evidence-based models of psychotherapy ( emotionally focused therapy, internal
family systems
, and EMDR).
Acute and long-standing stress can trigger emotions, thoughts, and reactions that shape our sense of self and our relationships. If you find it increasingly difficult to cope with stressors, stay emotionally regulated, and connect to others, I may be able to help. My approach to therapy is compassionate, culturally responsive, collaborative, and non-pathologizing. Further, I am informed by multiple evidence-based perspectives and believe that societal influences significantly contribute to the way people receive, process, and respond to stress, problems, trauma, and relationships.

Stacy McNeal
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Hi! I'm Stacy, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. I enjoy supporting individuals and couples working through life transitions. I have extensive experience with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, and trauma.
Not accepting new clients

Erica Thompson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC
Verified
5 Endorsed
Verified
5 Endorsed
EMDR &
IFS
offered.
Do you struggle with trusting others or with feelings of not being "enough"? Have you experienced trauma or difficult relationships? Have you ever used substances to numb stress or to distract? Sometimes your brain is your worst enemy. You question your worthiness and your lovability. There is pain from your past that has led you to build up walls to protect yourself from being hurt again. But here you are, done feeling stuck. You want to have deep connections. You want to feel confident and successful.
See more therapy options for
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.