IFS Therapy in San Diego, CA and Virtually Across California
If you live in California and are looking for online IFS therapy, welcome!
Internal Family Systems, or IFS, is a non-pathologizing therapy approach based on the idea that we aren't just one fixed self. Instead, we all have different “parts” of us, each with its own thoughts, feelings, and perspectives.
When we experience internal conflict, like the kind that happens when you are struggling with disordered eating or the size or shape of your body, IFS helps you understand which “parts” are involved and how some parts may be working against each other.
For example, there may be a part of you that wants to reject diet culture while another part is still afraid of gaining weight. Or you might identify a part that wants to trust your body and another that is constantly thinking about what you should or shouldn't eat.
IFS therapy helps you stop identifying as someone who is "doing something wrong" and cultivate a more inclusive relationship with yourself. One where all of you is welcome.
San Diego is a city of contrasts, from the relaxed beach vibes to the vibrant energy of downtown. America’s Finest City offers countless opportunities for connection, growth, and exploration, but for women struggling with food and body image, not everything is as picture-perfect as it may seem. You may have spent years fighting your body through chronic dieting or binge-restrict cycles. Maybe you struggle with compulsive eating or a relentlessly critical inner voice about food and weight.
One of my specialties is Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS). This therapy approach is based on the idea that we are not one single, fixed self. Instead, we are made up of multiple "parts,” and each part has its own perspective, feelings, and specific job to do. When we experience internal conflict, IFS helps us understand which parts are involved and how each one is trying to help. In our work together, we will focus on understanding these different parts and using deepened self-awareness to develop greater compassion with yourself.
For example, there may be a part of you that wants to reject diet culture while another part is still afraid of gaining weight. Or you might identify a part that wants to trust your body and another that is constantly thinking about what you should or shouldn't eat. IFS therapy helps you stop identifying as someone who is "doing something wrong" and cultivate a more inclusive relationship with yourself. One where every part of you is welcome.
IFS for Difficult Relationships With Food and Your Body
Even if you don’t quite meet the criteria for an “eating disorder,” you may still struggle with disordered eating or have a difficult relationship with food. These struggles can be exacerbated by the constant messaging you receive from ads and society about what you should eat and what your body should look like.
These messages are so pervasive that they can become what we call a “part”: an internal voice that speaks to you from a single-minded perspective.
By seeing your parts for what they are and untangling them from who you are, you can begin to see and treat yourself with more compassion. You may also find yourself feeling less controlled by the tape in your head telling you what is “good” and “bad.”
IFS May Be a Good Fit if You Are a Woman Who:
Feels like different parts of you are constantly pulling you in different directions
Knows that diet culture is harmful but still finds herself stuck in its rules
Has a complicated or painful relationship with food
Spend a lot of time thinking about your body, weight, or what you “should” eat
Feels shame or guilt around eating
Wants to understand your patterns instead of judging yourself for them
Is looking for therapy that doesn't center weight loss or changing your body
How I Use IFS as a Therapist for Women with Body Image Issues
As a therapist, I approach sessions in a way that feels collaborative rather than hierarchical. I'm not the expert on your life. You are. My role is to help you get curious about what's happening inside and make sense of the patterns that keep showing up.
I take food and body struggles seriously as real suffering, not vanity or lack of willpower. This is a space where your body gets to be what it is while we work on what actually hurts.
Expect to be met with curiosity rather than judgment, including about the parts of you that feel hardest to show.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer in-person therapy sessions?
I offer online therapy sessions only. This option offers more flexibility to fit your schedule and lets you meet me from a space that feels private and comfortable to you. I'm available Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Can I do a trial session?
I offer an initial consultation so you can meet me, ask questions, and get a feel for whether I am a good fit for you. I’m happy to share more about my approach and what you can expect from working together so you can decide with confidence.
How many therapy sessions do I need?
The length of therapy depends on what you're struggling with, what you'd like to work on, and what you hope to get from therapy. Many clients begin with weekly sessions. Over time, we can adjust the frequency based on your specific needs and goals.
Learn About My Specialties
Intuitive Eating
IFS / Parts Work
