How We Treat
Parts-based therapy for trauma and inner conflict with licensed clinicians, in person in San Pedro and virtually across California.
Internal Family Systems, or IFS, is a parts-based model of the mind developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz. It begins with the idea that the mind is naturally made up of parts, distinct inner voices and reactions, alongside a core Self that is calm, curious, and compassionate. Some parts carry old pain, and others work hard to protect us from feeling that pain. In IFS, healing comes from getting to know these wounded and protective parts and building a trusting relationship with them, led from Self rather than from fear.
IFS is a good fit when you feel divided, self-critical, or weighed down by the past.
Working gently with the parts that carry old pain and fear.
Long-standing wounds that shape how you protect yourself today.
Anxiety, harsh self-criticism, and feeling pulled in two directions.
Sessions are gentle and curious, never a matter of forcing anything away.
Your therapist helps you turn toward a part you notice, maybe an anxious part or a self-critical one.
Rather than push it away, you get curious about what the part is feeling and worried about.
You listen to what the part is trying to do for you, often protecting a younger, hurt part underneath.
As the part feels heard and trusts you to lead, it begins to ease and no longer has to work so hard.
Over time you spend more time in Self, and the parts that once ran the show feel less driven and more at ease.
Coastwise clinicians trained in IFS often combine it with other trauma approaches and talk therapy, depending on what you need. When you reach out, we match you to a therapist whose training fits your goals.
IFS works well both in the room and over secure video. See us in San Pedro or work with a clinician anywhere in California.
Internal Family Systems, or IFS, is a parts-based model of the mind developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz. It views the psyche as made up of distinct parts, along with a core Self that is calm, curious, and compassionate. Healing comes from getting to know your wounded and protective parts and building a trusting relationship with them from Self.
Parts are the different inner voices and reactions we all carry. Some carry pain or fear from the past, and others work hard to protect us, sometimes through criticism, control, or numbing out. IFS helps you understand what each part is trying to do for you, rather than fighting against it.
No. IFS is well suited to trauma and complex PTSD, and it also helps with anxiety, harsh self-criticism, and the inner conflict of feeling pulled in two directions. Many people use it to feel less at war with themselves.
Yes. IFS translates well to secure video. The work is internal and relational, so it does not depend on being in the same room. We offer it in person in San Pedro and virtually across California.
We work with insurance, and many clients use their benefits toward therapy with us. Call (424) 536-3002 to learn how your insurance can help cover the cost of therapy.
Call us for a free consultation and we will match you to a clinician trained in IFS.
Call (424) 536-3002 Get Started