Clinician Spotlight: Jill DePass
Internal Family Systems SM (IFS) therapy, developed by Richard Schwartz Ph.D., is more than just a method — it is a paradigm-shifting approach for deeply understanding and appreciating every part of ourselves. The IFS framework encourages a gentle inquiry that allows us to understand ourselves, our families, and our world in a new and holistic way.
This month, The IFS Telehealth Collective is excited to introduce you to Jill DePass, the newest member of our team now accepting clients for Online IFS therapy in California. We had the opportunity to hear from Jill about how she stays grounded in Self energy, her focus on working with clients from diverse backgrounds, and her love of being with her dogs in nature.
Q: What Personal experiences drew you to this field? How did you know this is the career path you wanted to pursue?
JD: I knew before I became a psychiatric nurse that I would probably want to get my PHD in psychology. I had some time in my early 20s when there was a lot of struggling. I found immense help from psychotherapy in my younger years. I knew I wanted to provide that type of support for others. I wanted to pass on the kind of care and affirmation that I received from psychotherapy.
While working as a psychiatric nurse, I enjoyed my relationships with the patients. I wanted to establish longer term relationships and provide more guidance. While working in institutions where individuals did not have families, and reading to people in nursing homes that didn't have people to visit them, I continued to feel into this long term desire to establish relationships with those in need.
Q: How do you stay grounded in Self energy?
JD: I stay grounded in Self energy through hiking and being in nature with my dogs. I totally use that time to reconnect with my parts, to ask my parts how they are doing, and to see if there are any parts that need attention and extra TLC from me. I find that when I'm out in nature, my parts are able to express themselves very freely.
Q: What is it about IFS that speaks to you?
JD: I listened to Dick Schwarz on a podcast. I was so struck by how non-pathologizing he was. I viewed this as a warm and welcoming model. As I did my own IFS work, I found lots of parts carrying burdens. Some of these parts were locked away, and as they were able to release their burdens, I found so much more joy in my life.
Q: What have clients said about what it's like to work with you?
JD: Clients have commented that I am gentle and accepting, and that I hold a safe space for them to talk about their most difficult issues. They find me to be warm, intuitive, and welcoming of all of their parts.
Q: How have your clients benefited from the care you have provided?
JD: My clients have found the ability to befriend their parts and release burdens that they have held for a very long time. I have found this especially true for clients with very young parts that have been locked away. As these parts become unburdened, loved, and accepted by their present selves, they have been able to bring joy and playfulness back into their lives. Also, as clients work with me, I see the emergence of the 8 C’s of the core self: calmness, clarity, compassion, and connectedness to name a few. The one I really lean into is connectedness- encouraging them to connect with their own parts and their own systems. I have found encompassing IFS in your life increases your connectedness to those around you as well.
Q: What specialties and clinical interests do you have?
JD: I'm interested in working with all those wanting to get curious about their parts and struggling with a wide variety of issues. I have experience working with individuals with attachment wounds, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, OCD, and those struggling with addictive processes . I have a special love for working with individuals who are trying to meet the challenges of parenthood especially with special needs children. Additionally, I have both personal and clinician experience working with the LGBTQI community.
Q: What social issues, populations, or presenting problems are you passionate about?
JD: In addition to working with people with lots of different psychological concerns, I have worked with clients from diverse backgrounds, specifically Asian American, African American and Latina populations. I’ve also worked with many individuals from the LGBTQI community. I was grateful to learn more about the impact of culture and society on patients, and how their parts might express themselves in various ways as a result.
Q: Shout-out to any of your parts?
JD: In terms of my own parts, I would like to give special recognition to that part of me that never gave up, that no matter what the challenge regarding my own learning/early life emotional challenges, it persevered. I have a lot of respect, admiration, and love for the part that has guided me through all of my more difficult times.
Q: Outside of your therapeutic work, what do you like to do for fun?
JD: It always comes down to hiking and being with my two dogs in nature. I also really enjoy reading memoirs. I love learning about different individuals – what their struggles have been and how they overcame them. I believe we have a lot to learn from other people and their personal journeys.
Does Jill DePass sound like the right therapist to guide you on your journey? If you are based in California, contact our Client Care Coordinator or call 503-447-3244 to schedule a consultation.
In the meantime, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and to receive a free copy of The Unburdened System Mandala. Don't forget to follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
