Start accepting all of you
IFS Therapy in Santa Barbara
Welcome, I’m glad you’re here. I’m a Santa Barbara-based therapist specializing in Internal Family Systems (IFS). I will help you understand the protective parts within you and build compassion for yourself.
About Challis
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in IFS therapy in Santa Barbara
I’m trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS), a non-pathologizing therapeutic model that recognizes the inherent wisdom in each of us to facilitate our own healing. Rather than viewing unwanted behaviors (substance use, anxiety, infidelity, social isolation) as character flaws, we explore them as protective strategies your mind has developed.
Together, we’ll reduce shame and blame around your behaviors or “parts” that are causing you to feel stuck. When these parts feel accepted, heard, and embraced by you, they begin to trust you. With trust and collaboration, even the most stubborn parts are quite willing to adopt new roles. It’s like switching careers, but for defense mechanisms.
Your journey
You’re in the driver’s seat—I’ll be your headlights, guiding you toward the life you want to live.
Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, substance use, relationship challenges, social isolation, or feeling stuck in unhelpful patterns, therapy offers a path forward. Change happens when we understand why we do what we do. And then, we can learn to treat all parts of ourselves with compassion.
Credentials: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) | License #129475 | IFS Level 2 Trained
How IFS therapy works
Understand Your Parts
We explore the different protective “parts” within you—the anxious voice, the critical voice, the part that wants to escape. These aren’t disorders; they’re survival strategies.
Build Compassion
Instead of fighting these parts, we learn to understand and appreciate what they’ve been trying to do for you. This shift from judgment to compassion is transformative.
Create Change
When parts feel heard and accepted, they naturally become willing to change. You’ll develop new, healthier ways of responding to life’s challenges.
Challis Popkey 