IFS Therapy in Burlingame, CA
Ready to explore what is happening within? Contact me to arrange a free 15-minute consultation.
What Is IFS Therapy In Burlingame?
Internal Family Systems, or IFS, is a parts-based therapy approach that views the mind as having different parts. It can also pay attention to body sensations. These parts are not separate people or flaws. They are ways of understanding feelings, beliefs, and responses that may have developed to protect you or hold painful experiences.
Some parts may push you to achieve, plan, please others, or stay alert. Others may hold sadness, fear, shame, or unmet needs. We can explore what each part may be trying to do.
IFS also describes a core Self, an inner presence associated with the 8 C’s: calm, clarity, compassion, confidence, courage, creativity, curiosity, and connectedness. In our work, we can approach your parts without judgment and make room for greater self-understanding and self-compassion.
Want to learn whether IFS may fit your needs? Book a free 15-minute consultation.
When Might IFS-Informed Therapy Be Helpful?
Anxiety And Overthinking
A part of you may scan for danger, replay conversations, or prepare for every possible outcome. Exploring this response can help you understand what it is concerned about. If anxiety is affecting your life, you can also learn more about anxiety therapy in Burlingame.
Perfectionism And Self-Criticism
Inner Conflict
Relationship Patterns
Earlier Experiences
Low Mood And Heavy Feelings
These experiences may be explored as part of a wider understanding of your emotional life.
Recognize something here? Get in touch and we can talk about what has been weighing on you.
What Can You Expect During IFS Therapy Sessions?
Our sessions begin with your concerns, questions, and goals. I will not ask you to follow a rigid script or share more than feels manageable. We can begin by understanding your story and what matters most. I will check in about how the work feels and adjust our focus together.
During our work, we may:
- Notice a thought, feeling, reaction, or body sensation that has been showing up.
- Get curious about the part connected with that experience.
- Explore what the part feels, fears, or tries to protect.
- Notice whether other parts have different wishes or concerns.
- Make space for a response grounded in patience and self-compassion.
This is not about forcing parts to disappear. We can take time to understand their concerns and consider what support may help. The pace remains collaborative, and you can let me know when you need to pause or approach something differently.
Have questions about starting? Schedule a free consultation.
My Integrative Approach To IFS Therapy
I draw from IFS-informed exploration alongside Somatic Experiencing, mindfulness, breathwork, and other mind–body practices when appropriate. Paying attention to body sensations can help us notice how an emotion or protective response shows up physically, such as through tension, a held breath, or restlessness.
Depending on what feels useful, our work may include:
- Mindful Attention: Noticing thoughts, feelings, and sensations without rushing to change them.
- Breath Awareness and Relaxation Exercises: Making space to slow down and become more present.
- Gentle Reflection: Exploring what a part may need and how you might respond with care.
- Journaling: Writing between sessions, if helpful, to notice patterns or reflect on what came up.
These practices are options, not requirements. We can decide together what feels relevant. The intention is to support understanding and help your inner system find more balance, without treating any part as an enemy.
Would a mind–body approach feel supportive? Contact me to discuss what you are looking for.
Is IFS The Right Fit For You?
IFS may appeal if you want to understand yourself rather than push difficult feelings away. You may be interested in exploring patterns shaped by earlier experiences, becoming more aware of your needs, or responding to yourself with greater compassion. You do not need to know IFS language or identify every part before beginning.
IFS may not be the right fit for every situation. If it is not, I will say so, and we can talk about other support that may help.
Not sure where to begin? We can use a consultation to talk through your questions.
In-Person IFS Therapy In Burlingame And Online
My physical office is in Burlingame, California, where I offer in-person therapy for adults. I also provide telehealth therapy to clients located in California and Texas. If you are looking for IFS therapy in Burlingame, we can discuss whether meeting in the office or online is a better fit for your circumstances.
In either format, our work is individual and collaborative. We can discuss what brings you to therapy, what you hope to explore, and any questions you have. I will explain my approach and give you space to decide whether moving forward feels right.
Prefer to talk before deciding? Book a free 15-minute consultation.
A Collaborative Relationship Built Around You
I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), and I have worked in mental health since 2003, supporting adults through anxiety, relationships, life transitions, and deeper personal work. My approach is relational and trauma-informed. I value your perspective, respect your choices, and want you to feel able to speak openly without pressure.
I draw on Somatic Experiencing, IFS-informed work, mindfulness, and mind–body practices as appropriate. No single method fits everyone. We can pause, ask questions, and adjust our focus. You remain part of decisions about our work.
Therapy is not about changing who you are or meeting someone else’s idea of progress. It is a place to understand your experiences and relate to yourself with care.
Looking for a therapist who listens and collaborates? I welcome you to get in touch.
Ready For Deeper Calm? Let's Talk
You do not need the right words or a clear plan to ask for support. If you are curious about IFS therapy in Burlingame, book a free 15-minute consultation. We can discuss your needs and whether working together feels right.