Dr Jess Pearce
I'm a neurodivergent IFS practitioner
About me
As a child, I was fascinated with human behavior and sought to understand relational rules and patterns. In retrospect, I was clearly autistic, although I wouldn’t be diagnosed until my early 40s. My passion for this subject led me to earn a PhD in Behavioral Ecology: my work focused on social insects and revealed to me the beautiful systems that exist at all levels of nature. Although I ultimately left research because of autistic burnout, I reconnected with systemic dynamics upon my discovery of Internal Family Systems (IFS), a therapeutic approach that has been essential in my cPTSD healing journey. Residing at this unique intersection, I've come to realize that our internal systems are as vibrant and well protected as any bee or ant colony. Depending on the moment, our systems may experience the same amazing cohesiveness, polarizing power struggles, strong alliances, and the fierce protection of the vulnerable.
I'm Level 2 trained in IFS. I’ve also taken specialized IFS training courses focused on affirming neurodifferences, working with neurodivergent individuals, using IFS as a tool for liberation, appreciating extreme parts related to food and the body, and healing cPTSD with IFS.
I'm committed to providing neuroaffirming support in accordance with the following principles (inspired by Flower et al. 2025): (1) a commitment to continued learning, (2) providing safety to be one's neurodivergent self, (3) identifying communication preferences, (4) authenticity and humility in practice, (5) validation of lived experiences, (6) neurodivergence-informed and person-centered support, (7) genuine acceptance of neurodivergence.
Neurodivergence
Credit: @livedexperienceeducator
Kassiane Asasumasu, a multiracial multiply neurodivergent activist coined the term neurodivergence, which simply refers to brain/nervous system functioning that differs from societal norms. Neurodivergence can be innate, as in the case of autism, or acquired, as in the case of traumatic brain injury. Many of us are multiply neurodivergent like Asasumasu. Taking an IFS perspective encourages us to move away from often-dehumanizing diagnostic categories and compels us to become interested in the unique relationship that we experience between our neurological profile and internal family structure. All systems are approached with compassion, curiosity, patience, and presence.
Like natural systems, our internal systems are shaped by forces from within and without. IFS is one of the rare models to take a non-pathologizing approach in addressing the burdens we carry because of our personal experiences (e.g., childhood trauma), external forces (e.g., racism, sexism, LGBTQIA+phobia, ableism, fatphobia), and their interactions. Better understanding how my internal system came into the world and was forged by life experiences has been tremendously healing. I was inspired by own journey to become trained in IFS (Level 2), and I would be honored to help you navigate this winding path.
Credit: chenspec, pixabay
Services
I am an IFS practitioner based in Europe, and I offer 1-hr online sessions to clients around the world in English or French. It is also possible to do 90-min sessions upon request. I strongly believe that mental health services should be accessible to all, which is why I apply equity pricing (choose a tier below or anything in between). I also have a limited number of pay-what-you-can slots. In addition to providing neurodivergence-adapted IFS therapy, I also help clients prepare for and integrate experiences during altered states of consciousness (whether micro or macro).Tier 1
50 euros/dollars per session
Choose this option if you have limited resources and could benefit from support.
Tier 2
100 euros/dollars per session
Choose this option if you are able to pay for therapy for yourself.
Tier 3
150 euros/dollars per session
Choose this option if you experience financial privilege, meaning you can pay for yourself and have a little extra to help support someone else.
My colleague Emma Goldman-Sherman (bravespace.online) and I also offer a pay-what-you-can Neuroaffirming Focused Parts Work Group on the second Saturday of each month. You can register by entering your email below:
Let's chat
You can schedule a free 30-min discovery call with me here. You can also reach out to me by email, connect with me on Bluesky, or try out a neuroaffirming meditation by Emma and I on Insight Timer. I look forward to getting to know you.
