Zila Phillips, IFS Therapy in Oregon & Florida

Professional Background

Education, License & Certifications

M.A. Community Counseling from Oregon State University

B.A. Psychology from Idaho State University

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

Licensed Professional Counselor FL, #TPMC4007

Licensed Professional Counselor OR, #C3315
Other Training

Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level 1 and Level 2

Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocess (EMDR)

Yoga Calm

My Approach

Human beings are born with an immense capacity for growth, transformation and self-actualization. Life inevitably provides challenges to a smooth path. Often these can be exciting and adventurous detours. Sometimes challenges are overwhelming and can become paralyzing. We can feel stuck in the aftermath of trauma. This can be a terrifying and lonely experience. I believe we all possess an innate wisdom to heal and nurture ourselves. In the therapeutic process it is my honor to support my clients in gaining access to their innate wisdom to heal. Through connection we explore together ways to transform life challenges and traumas of all sorts into opportunities for growth. 

About Me

As a teenager I knew already that I would one day become a counselor. Though my sense of curiosity led me to explore different possibilities early on, this has been an inevitable and amazingly rich path of career and personal development. I obtained a Bachelor's degree in Psychology at Idaho State University in 2003, followed by a Masters in Community Counseling from Oregon State University in 2008. Over the past 20 years I have gained experience in residential, community, school and clinic settings with children, adolescents and adults.

The diversity of presentations and the core commonality that we all have, the need for human connection and the ability to heal within this connection, never ceases to amaze me. 

I was introduced to IFS, uncharacteristically by a physical therapist rather than a mental health therapist like me. This unusual approach sparked a curiosity around how different parts of me manifested physically, the way in which mental, emotions and physical aspects are interrelated and looking at physical “symptoms” from a new and much more compassionate and understanding lense. IFS continues to serve as a conduit for increased self compassion and healing both personally and for my clients with its gentle and supportive approach. 

Born and raised in Brazil, and now having spent over half of my life in the United States, I am grateful for the opportunity to experience a multicultural lifestyle and ability to serve diverse populations. My native language is Portuguese and I provide services in both Portuguese and English. 

In addition to continually learning from a myriad of different sources, I love to travel, read, run, ski, challenge myself learning to surf, spend time in nature, with family and friends, and eat good food!