San Diego Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy
Do you feel like different parts of yourself are constantly in conflict? Maybe one part of you desperately wants to heal while another part feels stuck in old patterns. Or maybe you just notice a sense of inner turmoil and want to feel at peace with yourself. Regardless, you’re not alone, and therapy can help.
I'm Amber Monroe, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of experience helping individuals navigate trauma, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. Through Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, I help clients in San Diego develop a compassionate relationship with all parts of themselves so they can heal from painful experiences and cultivate a sense of inner harmony.
Whether you're an adult navigating life transitions or a college-aged individual exploring your identity, I can help you understand the deeper patterns beneath your struggles, from perfectionism and people-pleasing to difficulty setting boundaries or trusting others.
If you're curious about how IFS therapy might help you find greater peace and balance in your life, I'd love to connect with you for a free consultation to explore whether we might be a good fit.
If we’re not the right fit, I invite you to connect with one of the providers listed below. I created this resource so you can get the support you’re looking for, even if that’s not with me.
Highly recommended San Diego IFS therapists
These referrals are sourced from the official directory on the IFS Institute website.
1. Dr. Kendhal Hart
IFS therapy can help with all kinds of challenges, including obsessive-compulsive disorder. If you’re looking for a provider with expertise in this area, Dr. Hart is a Level 3-trained IFS therapist and clinical psychologist who specializes in treating OCD.
2. Anne Barber, LCSW
If you’re seeking an IFS therapist with expertise in neurodiversity, consider Anne. She is a Level-1 trained therapist who specializes in supporting people with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and other forms of neurodiversity.
3. Jillian Early, LCSW
The days, weeks, and months after welcoming a baby can be a particularly tender time, even if you’ve never struggled with your mental health before. Jillian’s practice specializes in perinatal mental health, so her practice could be a good fit if you’re a new or expecting mom in need of specialized support.
4. Marshall Huggins, APCC
While our practice is open to people of all gender identities, some people may feel more comfortable working with a male clinician. If this sounds like you, consider Marshall. He is a Level-1 trained IFS therapist who specializes in treating men’s issues, among other areas like anxiety, trauma, and depression.
5. Ji Eun Ko
Similarly, some folks may specifically be looking for a therapist with an intimate understanding of the lived experience of Asian Americans. Ji Eun Ko is a Level-3 trained IFS therapist whose practice focuses on supporting Asian American mental health.
FAQs about IFS therapy
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Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is based on the understanding that we all have different "parts" within us. These include Manager parts (like the perfectionist or people-pleaser) that try to control situations to keep you safe, Exile parts that carry old wounds and painful emotions, and Firefighter parts that spring into action when exiles get triggered (like binge eating, substance use, or dissociation).
At your core is the Self—the calm, curious, compassionate leader within you. IFS helps you access this Self energy to heal wounded exiles and help protective parts relax, creating internal harmony rather than constant conflict.
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Ultimately, IFS therapy can help you understand yourself better. You’ll gain insight into why you feel stuck in certain patterns and where certain emotions or behaviors come from. You’ll also develop a greater empathy for the important roles that all of your parts play, discovering how to accept yourself as you are rather than work against yourself.
This compassionate approach often leads to reduced anxiety, improved relationships, better emotional regulation, and a stronger sense of your authentic self. Many clients find relief from eating disorder behaviors, trauma responses, and relationship difficulties as they develop healthier internal relationships.
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It’s difficult to ascribe numbers to healing, but in my experience as an IFS therapist, I’ve seen firsthand how effective it can be in helping people navigate trauma, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.
What makes IFS particularly powerful is its focus on self-compassion and internal healing, which tends to create lasting change rather than temporary symptom management. The success of IFS often depends on your readiness to approach your inner world with curiosity rather than judgment, and having an experienced therapist to guide this delicate process.
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The IFS therapy process typically begins with developing awareness of your different parts and the roles they play in your life. Early sessions focus on building safety and trust, both with me and within yourself.
As we progress, you'll learn to access your Self energy—that calm, curious, compassionate core within you. We'll work with protective parts that may have been working overtime, helping them relax as we address underlying wounds.
The process is often surprisingly gentle (though accessing the intense emotions held by exiled parts can be intense at times), as parts naturally begin to shift when they feel truly seen and understood rather than judged or forced to change.
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My approach to IFS is gentle, collaborative, and trauma-informed. I often combine IFS with other methods, like EMDR and somatic awareness to help you connect with your body's wisdom alongside your internal parts. We'll work at your pace to identify protective parts, understand their important roles, and gradually access the calm, curious energy of your Self.
I also believe that relationships are the foundation for healing, so I create a safe space where all parts of you are welcome. Together, we'll help burdened parts express pain while strengthening your natural capacity for self-compassion.
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You might be a good fit for my practice if you're drawn to understanding the deeper patterns behind your struggles rather than just managing symptoms. I work best with clients who are curious about their inner world, willing to approach their parts with compassion, and ready to do meaningful healing work.
If you value a therapist who combines clinical expertise with genuine warmth, and you're seeking lasting change rather than quick fixes, we may work well together. During our free consultation, we can explore whether my approach aligns with your healing goals and personal style.
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Getting started is simple—reach out for a free consultation where we can discuss your needs and see if we're a good match. During this call, I'll learn about what brings you to therapy and answer any questions about IFS or my approach.
If we decide to work together, we'll schedule your first session where we'll begin exploring your internal landscape at whatever pace feels comfortable. Know that there's no pressure to dive deep immediately—we'll build trust and safety first, allowing your natural healing process to unfold organically.