Clinician Spotlight: Zila Phillips
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.
The IFS Telehealth Collective is delighted to introduce you to Zila Phillips who is now accepting clients in Oregon. We had the opportunity to sit down with Zila for a chat about how she supports clients in gaining access to their innate wisdom to heal.
Q: How would you describe your approach in working with clients?
ZP: In general terms, I come from the perspective that I’m here as a supporter in helping clients access their innate wisdom- what they already have inside of them. I believe clients are the experts in their own life — that they have everything they need to grow and heal inside of them. I believe the therapist is the point of connection to help the clients work through their own blocks.
Q: Do you have a favorite TED talk or podcast?
ZP: One TED talk that often comes to mind is Angela Duckworth. Angela talks about grit and achievement in children. In addition to her TED talk, her literature is also very motivational. It is not so much about healing, but about moving forward and growing and developing a healthy way. I believe that is a compliment to this practice. Angela also has a podcast, No Stupid Questions, where she answers everyday questions from a psychological lens.
Q: How would you describe your professional background? Do you have any specific areas of interest?
ZP: For most of my career I have worked with clients that have gone through trauma. For many years I worked with kids and over the last five years, my focus has shifted to adolescents and adults. I have worked as a social worker in child welfare, juvenile detention facility, and the county outpatient clinic. In 2013, I started my private practice. I became a private practitioner full-time in 2016.
Q: Can you share something about how your personal journey led you to become an IFS therapist?
ZP: I learned about IFS in 2018 from a friend who is a physical therapist. She was taking level 1 IFS training and learning how to integrate working with different parts of clients while doing bodywork. I was curious about the mind-body connection on the other side of the spectrum. I see a lot of clients with physical pain that has experience with bodyworkers but are seeking more results with a fully holistic approach. IFS is a modality that allows us to offer more tools to work with those who have physical ailments potentially correlated to emotional issues.
Q: What parts do you find that clients have a hard time relating to (or appreciating or connecting with)?
ZP: The anxious parts. Anxiety is uncomfortable for a lot of people, including myself. We can have a difficult time embracing or getting curious about what that part is trying to say because it is so uncomfortable.
Q: What is your go-to method of accessing Self-energy?
ZP: I have a meditation practice that is absolutely not perfect, but my goal is to hone in on that. Outside of that structure, in my day-to-day, I really like to have things I say to myself, acknowledging a part with “I know you are trying to tell me something, if I don’t understand yet, I hear that it is important”. Acknowledge and breathe.
Q: Finish this sentence: Therapy is for you when…
ZP: …ever you want to. When you are willing, interested, and motivated to actively engage in a process that will help you grow in some way.
Q: If you weren’t a therapist, what career might you have?
ZP: Definitely something still in the human services. I have had a strong pull since I was 13 to social and human services. Clear moments that I wanted to explore. I can't imagine a career that doesn’t involve getting to know and support the human psyche.
Q: Favorite Quote?
ZP: “Wherever you are, be there totally.” -Eckhart Tolle
Q: Can you share a fun fact about yourself?
ZP: I grew up in Brazil in a large family. I only have two sisters, but my mom has 6 siblings and my father has 9 siblings. My grandma is an extreme matriarch. Christmas was ALWAYS at her house (this was known to those married into our family, too). It was a 2-day celebration, very cohesive. Other holidays, like New Year, could be anywhere else. I was the first one to leave and spend Christmas abroad while I was an exchange student in high school. I remember on Christmas Eve everyone formed a line for me to virtually chat with them all one by one. It was brief, but a way to connect. Many family members live all over now, but I was the first to cause this shift.
Q: What is your favorite way to play?
ZP: Dancing. I love Latin dancing. Traveling, dancing, playing in the water. I also love outdoor activities like skiing and running.
Does Zila Phillips sound like the right therapist to guide you on your journey? If you are based in Oregon, contact our Client Care Coordinator or call 503-447-3244 to schedule a consultation.
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