So, Who Am I?

Hello, I’m Palesa, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and trained Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist.

I specialize in working with high-performing adults who struggle with anxiety, panic, attachment wounds, and relationship patterns rooted in childhood experiences.

Many of my clients are intelligent, driven, and self-aware — yet internally overwhelmed, reactive, or exhausted from managing everything on their own.

My work focuses on helping you heal at the root — not just cope.

My Approach

I practice from a humanistic, trauma-informed lens, grounded in Internal Family Systems (IFS).

IFS understands that the mind is made up of different parts — anxious parts, protective parts, perfectionistic parts, wounded younger parts. Rather than pathologizing these parts, we approach them with curiosity and compassion.

In our work together, we will:

• Identify the parts driving anxiety or panic

• Heal attachment wounds and abandonment fears

• Reduce emotional reactivity

• Strengthen your internal sense of calm and confidence

• Help you access what Dr. Richard Schwartz describes as the 8 C’s of Self:
  Curiosity, Calm, Compassion, Connectedness, Creativity, Confidence, Courage, and Clarity

This is structured, depth-oriented therapy — not passive conversation.

What It’s Like to Work With Me

Clients describe our work as:

• Grounded

• Insightful

• Direct but compassionate

• Safe yet growth-oriented

I provide unconditional positive regard — while also gently challenging you toward psychological flexibility and emotional integration.

You are the expert in your own life.
My role is to guide, reflect, and help you access the parts of yourself that already hold wisdom and resilience.

Our First Session

In our first meeting, we focus on building connection and trust.

I take time to understand:

• Your history

• Your attachment experiences

• Your current stressors

• The internal patterns shaping your relationships

• The parts of you that feel most activated

This allows us to move intentionally and effectively.

Why I Do This Work

I believe that every person has inherent worth — and that beneath anxiety, perfectionism, or emotional reactivity is a system that once worked very hard to survive.

When those parts are understood rather than silenced, real healing happens.

You don’t need to become someone new.

You need space to integrate who you already are.

If You’re Ready

If you are a high-achieving adult who:

• Feels internally anxious despite external success

• Struggles with relationship insecurity

• Wants deeper healing, not just coping tools

• Is ready for thoughtful, structured therapy

I would be honored to work with you.

Book your first IFS session with me