Inward Healing Therapy

Inward Healing Therapy We provide treatment for teens and young adults dealing with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and childhoo

✨ “We must reveal ourselves at the deepest level in order to find out how lovable we really are… our safety actually lie...
08/28/2025

✨ “We must reveal ourselves at the deepest level in order to find out how lovable we really are… our safety actually lies in letting down our mask. But we cannot do this when we’re constantly afraid of being judged.” — Marianne Williamson

Letting yourself be fully seen — your feelings, fears, and desires — can be terrifying, especially if you grew up with childhood trauma or complex PTSD.

If, like me, you experienced constant criticism, comparison, or the feeling that nothing you did was ever good enough, you start to lose sight of who you truly are. You become who others want you to be. And one day, you wake up wondering:

Who am I, really? What do I even like? How do I want to show up in the world?

For years, I wore my trauma like armor — outspoken, reactive, protective. But that wasn’t the real me. Beneath the anxiety and expectations, there was someone softer, truer, and worthy of love.

Peeling back those layers took time. My turning point started when I left home for college. I threw myself into school, partied too much, made plenty of mistakes — and learned from every single one. Slowly, I began uncovering my authentic self.

Here’s what helped me most:
1. Understanding my trauma — seeing how it shaped my self-worth and relationships.

2. Processing it — actually talking about the things I kept buried deep down and letting others support me.

3. Building emotional maturity — learning to own my mistakes, connect with empathy, and set boundaries without losing myself.

Therapy was my foundation, but integration — applying what I learned in real life — was where the real healing happened. Along the way, I also found powerful tools in Brainspotting, breathwork, journaling, reading, plant medicine, music, and community.

If you take anything from my story, let it be this: you are not your trauma. You can unlearn, heal, and meet yourself again — maybe for the first time.

Therapists are human too. I’ve been where you are. And I’m here to remind you: your most authentic self is worth meeting. 💛

Learn more: https://inwardhealingtherapy.com/blog/fostering-genuine-friendships-part-2-a-guide-on-managing-anxious-and-avoidant-attachment

🌅 Schedule your free consultation and let’s start your friendship reset.

I used to think something was wrong with me for struggling to make and keep close friendships as an adult.I’ve since lea...
08/21/2025

I used to think something was wrong with me for struggling to make and keep close friendships as an adult.

I’ve since learned that many of us weren’t taught how to build emotional closeness, especially if we grew up with unstable or critical relationships.

So instead, we overthink. We shut down. We sabotage.

What I’ve realized is this:
💛 Your friendships are often a mirror of your inner world.

When I prioritized healing, growth, and alignment… I started attracting people on that same path.

Some friendships changed. Some faded. And some deepened beautifully.

And honestly, that’s okay.

If you’re working on becoming the kind of friend you wish you had, you’re already doing the work.

Keep going. 🌅

Learn more: https://inwardhealingtherapy.com/blog/want-to-make-genuine-friendships-how-to-start

How does this resonate with you?Do you find it hard to acknowledge your accomplishments, accept compliments, or practice...
08/14/2025

How does this resonate with you?

Do you find it hard to acknowledge your accomplishments, accept compliments, or practice affirmations? If so, you probably struggle with allowing yourself to feel good about yourself and struggle with confidence. But that’s ok because there are tools and people ready to support you.

If you’d like to read more about this check out our blog on our website I’ll add the link below.

Learn more: https://inwardhealingtherapy.com/blog/do-you-ever-have-thoughts-that-youre-not-good-enough

Ever wish therapy felt more inclusive, like someone really sees your whole story?Meet Michelle Balisi, LMFT, our license...
06/27/2025

Ever wish therapy felt more inclusive, like someone really sees your whole story?

Meet Michelle Balisi, LMFT, our licensed therapist and a truly thoughtful presence in our practice. Michelle creates a safe, affirming space for every part of you: your culture, your identity, your emotions, and your body.

She recently completed advanced training in Complex PTSD from a Somatic Perspective with Dr. Arielle Schwartz, deepening her trauma-informed approach to healing.

Here’s what you can expect when working with her:
🌿 A warm, respectful space that honors your full identity
🌿 A mind–body approach that helps you connect and heal
🌿 A therapist who truly understands the impact of intersectional experiences

Michelle is currently accepting private pay clients, and she can also support you with out-of-network insurance reimbursement if that’s part of your plan.

If you're curious about working with her or just want to learn more, we're here to chat.

💬 Learn more about Michelle: https://inwardhealingtherapy.com/our-team/michelle-balisi

🌿 Learn more about our practice and approach: https://inwardhealingtherapy.com/

💭 Ever feel uneasy when you're apart from your partner - even just for a little while?You’re not “too needy” or “clingy....
06/20/2025

💭 Ever feel uneasy when you're apart from your partner - even just for a little while?

You’re not “too needy” or “clingy.” What you might be feeling is separation anxiety in relationships - and it’s more common than you think.

This kind of anxiety can show up as constant worry, trouble focusing, needing frequent reassurance, or imagining worst-case scenarios. And while it’s tough, there are ways to manage it and feel more secure.

Here’s what can help:
🌱 Understand the root - past losses or inconsistent caregiving can fuel today’s anxiety
🧠 Recognize the signs - emotional overwhelm, restlessness, and physical tension when apart
🛠️ Use simple tools - deep breathing, grounding, check-in plans with your partner
🤝 Build trust over time - open conversations, shared routines, healthy independence
🧑‍⚕️ Reach out when needed - therapy can offer safe guidance and lasting relief

You’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure this out all by yourself.

✨ Learn more in this gentle guide: https://inwardhealingtherapy.com/blog/separation-anxiety-in-relationships-understanding-it-and-finding-peace-together

💔 Feeling the weight of rising hate and division in the world? You’re not alone.In times like these, it’s easy to feel o...
06/18/2025

💔 Feeling the weight of rising hate and division in the world? You’re not alone.

In times like these, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, heartbroken, or even numb. But even in the face of rising hate, there are quiet stories of resilience, everyday acts of courage, and communities choosing connection over fear.

Hope doesn’t mean ignoring what’s wrong - it means finding strength within and between us to keep going.

Here’s what helps us hold onto that hope:
🧡 Listening deeply to those most impacted - their stories guide the way forward
✊ Standing together - community solidarity interrupts hate and builds safety
🌱 Practicing care - tending to our own mental health helps us stay grounded
📚 Learning and unlearning - understanding the roots of hate helps us disrupt it
🕯️ Honoring resilience - remembering that we’ve survived hard things before, and we will again

You are part of a larger story - one where love, healing, and justice continue to rise, even when it’s hard.

✨ Read the full blog here: https://inwardhealingtherapy.com/blog/resilience-and-hope-community-responses-to-rising-hate

🌱 Ever feel lost trying to help an adult child who’s struggling with depression?You’re not alone. Many parents quietly w...
06/17/2025

🌱 Ever feel lost trying to help an adult child who’s struggling with depression?

You’re not alone. Many parents quietly wonder how to support their grown kids without overstepping or making things worse. It can be hard to know when to step in, what to say, or how to balance care with respect for their independence.

Here’s a gentle truth: even small, thoughtful actions can make a big difference.

✨ Simple ways to support:
1. Listen without judgment — it builds trust
2. Encourage professional help when needed — it shows you care
3. Support their independence — it helps them regain confidence
4. Take care of yourself too — your well-being matters

If you’re feeling unsure, I wrote a guide that covers:
📌 How to spot signs of depression
📌 Ways to open safe, honest conversations
📌 Balancing support with respect for independence
📌 Practical tips for daily life, crisis moments, and recovery

👉 Read the full blog on our website – link in bio.

You’re doing your best, and that matters. Let’s walk this path together, one gentle step at a time. 💚

Ever notice that tiny, critical voice in your head and wonder why it sounds just like Mom?If you grew up with a narcissi...
06/14/2025

Ever notice that tiny, critical voice in your head and wonder why it sounds just like Mom?

If you grew up with a narcissistic mother, you’re not alone. Around 6% of parents show narcissistic traits, and the children they raise often carry self-doubt, anxiety, and people-pleasing far into adulthood.

Here are three gentle truths I cover in today’s post:
✅ Your memories are valid. Gaslighting can’t rewrite your story.
✅ Boundaries beat battles. Saying “no” (or going low-contact) protects your peace.
✅ Re-parenting heals. Small acts of self-compassion rebuild the identity you were never allowed to own.

I unpack each step, plus the “grey-rock” method and a trauma-informed therapy called Brainspotting, in my latest blog. It’s a calm read that might bring a spark of clarity.

👉 Read the full blog on our website – link in bio.

Take your time with this. Healing is possible, and you deserve to find peace.

“Why does feeling abandoned hurt so much—even years later?” If you’ve ever wrestled with that question, you’re not alone...
06/11/2025

“Why does feeling abandoned hurt so much—even years later?”
If you’ve ever wrestled with that question, you’re not alone.

Abandonment depression isn’t just a passing sadness—it’s a deep, lasting pain that can shape your relationships, your self-worth, and your sense of safety. Whether it began in childhood or emerged after repeated loss, these emotions are real—and they matter.

This blog gently walks you through:
✅ What abandonment depression is (and what it’s not)
✅ Common signs you may be experiencing it
✅ Why it starts, how it shows up in relationships
✅ Practical steps to start healing and reclaim your peace

Read the full post here: https://inwardhealingtherapy.com/blog/understanding-abandonment-depression-causes-symptoms-and-ways-to-heal

💬 Save or share if this could support someone you know.

You don’t have to carry this pain alone—support is possible, and healing is within reach. When you're ready, we're here to walk beside you.

Ever feel like you're the “grown-up” in your relationship with your parents? Like you're constantly managing their moods...
06/09/2025

Ever feel like you're the “grown-up” in your relationship with your parents?

Like you're constantly managing their moods—or tiptoeing to keep the peace?

If this hits home, you might be dealing with emotionally immature parents.

It’s not talked about enough, but it’s more common than you think.
Emotionally immature parents often struggle to handle their feelings, and that can leave you feeling unseen, unheard, or emotionally drained.

But here’s the good news:
✅ You can set boundaries.
✅ You can protect your peace.
✅ And you can start healing—even if they never change. 🌿

I just shared a new blog post that breaks it all down in a simple, kind way.

Honest and compassionate guidance on understanding emotional immaturity—and caring for yourself along the way. 💛

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, confused, or guilty around your parents—this is for you.

Read the full post here: https://inwardhealingtherapy.com/blog/how-to-deal-with-emotionally-immature-parents-practical-tips-for-healing-and-setting-boundaries

You deserve clarity, calm, and connection. On your terms.

🌿 “Can I go to urgent care for anxiety?” If you've ever asked yourself this in a moment of panic—you’re not alone.Anxiet...
06/07/2025

🌿 “Can I go to urgent care for anxiety?”

If you've ever asked yourself this in a moment of panic—you’re not alone.

Anxiety can show up fast, and when it does, knowing where to turn matters. While urgent care isn’t a long-term solution, it can offer short-term relief when symptoms feel too intense to manage alone. Think of it as a temporary landing place when you need help now but aren’t in immediate danger.

You’ll learn more about:
✅ When urgent care is a good option
✅ What kind of support you can expect
✅ When it’s time to go to the ER instead
✅ What happens after urgent care—and why that next step matters

Sometimes the hardest part is knowing where to start. If you’re in that space right now, take a breath. You’re doing the best you can.

🖇️ Read the full blog: https://inwardhealingtherapy.com/blog/can-i-go-to-urgent-care-for-anxiety-your-guide-to-seeking-help

💬 Save or share if this could help someone you know
💛 You don’t have to do this alone

✨ If you’re looking for compassionate, grounded support beyond the moment—therapy might be your next step. When you're ready, I’m here to walk with you.

If you’re dealing with an eating disorder, it’s not just about food.A lot of the time, it’s about emotions—big ones like...
06/05/2025

If you’re dealing with an eating disorder, it’s not just about food.
A lot of the time, it’s about emotions—big ones like shame, stress, sadness, or feeling out of control.

That’s where DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) can really help. It gives you real skills to manage urges, ride out tough moments, and feel more in control—without relying on bingeing, purging, or restricting to cope.

Skills like:
🧘 Mindfulness (noticing urges before they spiral)
🧊 Distress tolerance (getting through hard moments without making things worse)
💛 Emotion regulation (understanding what you’re feeling and why)
🗣️ Interpersonal effectiveness (speaking up, setting boundaries, asking for help)

Research shows DBT helps reduce symptoms and improve emotional balance. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about learning new ways to get through hard stuff.

You can read the full guide here 👉 https://inwardhealingtherapy.com/blog/dialectical-behavior-therapy-for-eating-disorders

And if you’re curious about what this could look like in your own life, I offer DBT therapy at Inward Healing Therapy. No pressure—just a space to explore what healing might feel like for you.

You’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure it out all by yourself.

Address

9528 Miramar Road #1280
San Diego, CA
92126

Opening Hours

Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+14085160363

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