Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, IFS Level 2 trained
Your Pilot Light
I was finishing up a 10 mile training run in New York City, sweaty and smiling, when a doorman stopped me and asked, “That’s your pilot light, huh?” I asked him what he meant. His response:
“A pilot light is that passion inside you that’s always been burning. When you give it gas, it warms the whole house.”
Named after the Challis National Forest, I grew up exploring Idaho’s mountains, valleys, and rivers. I understand the profound positive effects of outdoor experience on physical and mental health. My pilot light is spending time outdoors and moving my body—and I’m passionate about helping you reconnect with yours.
I offer in person sessions at my office in downtown Santa Barbara. I work with adults, couples and teens. Click below to learn more about my offerings.
My Approach
I am Level 2 trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS), a therapeutic modality that views you with compassion rather than pathology. Instead of fighting unwanted behaviors, we explore them as protective strategies your mind developed to keep you safe.
Together, we’ll build compassion toward the parts of you that aren’t serving you anymore. When these parts feel accepted, heard, and understood, they naturally become willing to change. This is where real transformation happens.
Challis Popkey 