A question about IFS can begin with your experience
Trauma and PTSD by video across California.
Questions About IFS and Individual Therapy
You may recognize different pulls inside yourself: wanting to move forward while another part of you is wary, or knowing you need rest while feeling driven to keep going. You may also have heard of Internal Family Systems and simply want to understand the name.
Holly Whitmore lists IFS among her approaches to individual work with anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem and life transitions.
Maybe this sounds familiar
01
You want to understand Holly's approach.
02
Different needs feel in conflict.
03
You prefer a plain-language explanation.
04
You want room to give feedback about the process.
01 · Understand
Ask for an explanation in ordinary language
You do not need to learn a model's vocabulary before a consultation. Ask Holly what using IFS might look like in sessions and how she decides whether it fits a person's concerns. The explanation should connect to your goals rather than require you to adopt a label immediately.
A named approach is one part of provider fit. You can also ask how the clinician works when a person does not connect with a particular exercise or way of describing their experience.
02 · Practice
Keep goals and feedback in the conversation
You can discuss what you hope will become different in daily life and how you will review whether the work is useful. That might involve your relationship with self-criticism, uncertainty or another concern you bring to care.
This page does not diagnose internal experiences or promise a result from IFS. Assessment, suitability and treatment choices belong in direct work with the clinician. You can use the consultation to ask questions without committing to a specific method.
03 · Choose Your Next Step
Match the approach to the person
The trauma service includes Dina Abdelaal, Misty Goldenberg, Emily Chen, Aidé Merito and Holly Whitmore. A particular approach, language or area of experience may guide your questions, but suitability needs a direct clinical conversation.
Ask about pacing, assessment and how feedback is handled. You do not need to share details of traumatic experiences in an ordinary web form. The consultation can establish the appropriate process for further information.
A therapist who fits you
These clinicians offer the related service. Availability and the right approach for your situation are part of the consultation.
Fees in brief
We are in network with Aetna (PPO and EPO plans only), Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Optum and Blue Shield of California. Not every clinician is in network with every plan.
Seeing someone out of network? We provide superbills you can submit for reimbursement.
Rates and insuranceLicensed therapist
$180
per telehealth session
For adults, couples, children or families
Associate therapist
$150
per telehealth session
For adults, couples, children or families
Questions before you begin
Do I need to believe a particular model before starting therapy?
You can ask how the clinician explains and uses their approach, and discuss what does or does not resonate. Fit includes being able to raise those questions openly.
How do I ask about this service?
Tell the practice the broad kind of support you are seeking, your language preference and whether you have a clinician in mind. Fit, availability and any fee or insurance arrangement need to be confirmed before an appointment.
A small first step
Start with a free 15 minute phone consultation to discuss provider fit, availability and the next step. Keep personal and health details out of an ordinary website inquiry. Ongoing sessions are offered by video within California.
Explore Trauma and PTSDKeep exploring
Starting Trauma Therapy at Your Pace
You may want support for something that happened while also feeling unsure about talking about it.
When Past Experiences Affect Relationships
You may notice that trust, closeness or conflict brings up reactions that feel difficult to understand.
Make room for a different conversation
Start with a free 15 minute phone consultation. We'll help you consider provider fit and next steps.