Internal Family Systems therapy encourages people to embrace all parts of themselves, even the difficult ones. Its goal is to help people achieve balance and harmony within themselves.
IFS states that people do not have “bad” parts. Instead, they experience difficulty embracing all aspects as simultaneously affecting one another. IFS seeks to name and understand these parts and ultimately balance the factors that work toward self-growth.
Life experiences can encourage the various parts of the self to become out of balance, forcing the system into a less-than-harmonious operating state. Your IFS counselor will help you recognize these parts of yourself, inquire as to why you think they might be off-balance, and then assist you in balancing them.
People with a wide range of mental health concerns can benefit from IFS, but it is particularly effective for those who have dealt with traumatic experiences.
If you are someone who feels lost and is trying to make sense of the pain you’re feeling. I want you to know you are not alone. There is hope and help available to you. Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, questions about spirituality, chronic illness, relationship issues, codependency, family conflict, or emotional disturbances having a safe place to land can make a difference. My...
Marissa is a private practice therapist, public speaker, and support group leader specializing in eating disorders, body dysmorphia, self-esteem, depression, and anxiety in adolescents and adults. Marissa maintains a nonjudgmental and safe space to help facilitate clients in creating the change they seek in their lives. Marissa is passionate about providing quality therapy specifically geared...
( English | 中文 ) Are you struggling with overwhelming emotions, negative self-talks, and reactions/behaviors that have landed you in the dire situation over and over again, but not sure how to get out of the cycle? As first-generation immigrants and children of immigrants, we understand the perseverance and tenacity it takes to thrive or just survive in the Bay Area. Many adults and couples w...
I welcome individuals and partners of all backgrounds and life experiences into this shared work, with specific interest and experience in the areas of anxiety, depression, trauma, grief work, life transitions and existential inquiries. I honor wherever you are on your journey and believe in cultivating space, and curiosity as we navigate this path together. Much of the work I gravitate towards...
My therapeutic style is a holistic approach of understanding the mind, body, and spirit connection by incorporating Internal Family Systems (IFS) strategies when necessary. I foster self-awareness and motivation within my clients, and support emotional understanding, which allow you to manifest growth and change. I am transparent and will appropriately self-disclose to help you through a “stuck...
Therapy is a powerful tool for self exploration and discovery. Each of us have a story to tell and therapy can offer creative ways to help you understand your stories, your self, and your relationships in a new lens. My approach provides clients with the opportunity to draw on the connections and patterns between the past and present. As we deepen our awareness, we are given the power to break ...
When people feel better, they do better. This is true for children, adults and couples. And in families, when one person is doing better, everyone is better. You may be feeling overwhelmed or dissatisfied at home, school, work, or in an important relationship. You may be feeling like your life is not going how you had hoped or expected. Your child or teen may be struggling at home or school. ...
I believe in each client’s innate wisdom - the ability to know how to heal themselves and restore balance to the body, mind and spirit. I will use my knowledge, experience and intuition to accompany you on your journey to find/strengthen your connection to yourself and receive the answers that follow, creating healing from the inside out. I will be present with you and provide a safe space free...
With over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents and adults, I provide therapy to address a variety of life issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship troubles and parenting issues. My orientation is an integration of CBT, DBT, EMDR, and Psychodynamic approaches with an emphasis on the mind and body connection, always presented with warmth, empathy and without...
Talking is not always the best approach to therapy-especially if you are someone who struggles with opening up or finding words for your feelings. Working creatively allows you to move past blocks and defenses to release old patterns and create the life you want to be living. Whether you have a specific issue, feel stuck or overwhelmed, or are curious to explore yourself more, a creative approa...
( English | 中文 ) Overwhelmed with the fear of not being good enough? Worrying about how to build and maintain relationships? Feeling stuck, even though you're trying so hard to move forward? Difficulties in life are painful and frustrating. However, these challenging moments can also be the “trailheads” leading to a self-discovery path. The essential goal of my work is to help you discover,...
Welcome! Thank you for taking time out of your day to focus on your needs. Self-care is the best care and I am here to help you meet your desired goals. My name is Kierra and I am eager to partner with you so we can begin working on your version of your best self. My social work career was focused on Children and Families. However, since receiving my state license, I have worked with all age...
It is not always easy to reach out to a stranger for help, yet you know you are ready to make a change in your life. My focus is on helping clients by understanding systemic or external factors that may impact your relationship with yourself and others. With that understanding we then work together to use that understanding to influence how we treat ourselves and engage the world around us....
I can help you change your relationship with your partner, your family, a friend, or yourself! People are often challenged by difficult emotions or challenging relationships. Instead of facing this task head on, you may distract yourself with unhealthy habits like over-drinking, improper eating, excessive social media or video game playing. While these techniques may help in the moment, they ca...
If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, a challenging transition, loss, trauma, or relationship issues, call me for a free 20 minute psychotherapy consultation. Along with being a licensed marriage family therapist, I am also a certified hypnotherapist. I am compassionate, and skilled to help you move through your path of healing. My sessions are through HIPPA compliant "TeleMentalHealt...
