Clinician Spotlight: Victoria Eagle, PsyD
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 thrilled to introduce you to our newest team member, licensed psychologist Victoria Eagle, PsyD., who is accepting new clients in California.
In this interview, Victoria fills us in on how she approaches IFS therapy with clients and how it has helped her personally. Find out how Victoria accesses Self-energy and has fun in the process!
Q: How would you describe your IFS approach in working with clients?
Victoria Eagle: I continuously work with my own parts so that I can show up as the most compassionate and curious witness and guide that I can be. As I establish a foundation with a new client, I’m attentive to their personal pace, language, and their unique story. I genuinely believe that there are no bad parts of a person, no matter how extreme or intense some of them can be. From this lens, I approach each part that I encounter with genuine openness and interest and support the client in doing the same. I thoroughly enjoy all of the wonderful complexities that make up each person’s dynamic personality, and it is such a joy to witness as clients begin to shine this light on themselves as well!
Q: Are there any particular parts of you to whom you’d like to give a shout-out?
VE: Yes. I have a rugged self-sufficient part who believes she has to do everything herself. This part has come a long way through my own IFS journey and now trust my internal Self more to lead, as well as to trust more in others to show up.
Q: Regarding your professional background, do you have any specific areas of interest?
VE: I am a clinical psychologist trained in working with childhood trauma and the child-parent dynamic. I’ve always enjoyed working with parents in relation to the ways their children trigger deep vulnerability within themselves. It seems that no matter how much book knowledge or training a person has, kids of all ages seem to be parents’ greatest teachers. Kids show us the depth of our emotional wounding in profound ways. I love the moments when parents begin to recognize this and make the conscious choice toward compassionate healing.
Q: Is there anything from your personal history that led to your becoming an IFS therapist?
VE: As a young person, I witnessed relationships around me falling apart. I set out on a professional quest to help children in a similar situation. When I found IFS, I discovered the incredible way in which each person has an internal capacity to help the young parts of themselves from within and, in doing so, change the course of their lives. It was truly a remarkable discovery and one of which I am thrilled to share with all of those I work with.
Q: What makes IFS special to you?
VE: Utilizing IFS as a treatment modality has been a breath of fresh air for me professionally. It has shown me ways to integrate spirituality into my work, which previously felt more disconnected. For the first time in my career, I feel that my work is actually providing self-care, as I am continuously working to align myself with more Self-energy throughout each session.
Q: Finish this sentence: Therapy is for you when…
VE: …you are curious about getting to know yourself better.
Q: Do you have a favorite TED Talk or Podcast?
VE: I listen to The One Inside, an Internal Family Systems Podcast, an easy and informative dialogue about all things IFS. A recent TED Talk of interest is titled “How Every Child Can Thrive By Five,” presented by a 7-year old girl, discussing how meaningful connection with a young child has the capacity to literally change brain development.
Q: Favorite Book(s)/ Therapy Resource(s)?
VE: You Are the One You’ve Been Waiting For by Richard Schwartz, Ph.D. It’s a great book for anyone working through interpersonal issues, which probably applies to nearly everyone at some point in their lives.
Q: What is your go-to method for accessing Self-energy?
VE: I play with my children, meaning my actual kids. As zen masters of the present moment, they are always there to recalibrate me toward playfulness, joy in life, and all of the many small wonders of the world.
Q: Care to share a fun fact about yourself?
VE: I have two horses, three goats, and three chickens, along with a livestock guardian dog who all keep me very busy when I am not working or spending time with my children.
Q: Favorite Quote?
VE: “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”― Maya Angelou
Does Victoria Eagle, PsyD sound like the right fit to guide you in befriending your wounded parts and identifying your Self energy? If you are based in California, contact our Client Care Coordinator or call 503-447-3244 to schedule a consultation.
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