Iris Ulbrich

About Me

I bring a warm, direct, and deeply curious approach to therapy, grounded in the belief that meaningful change begins with understanding the experiences and relationships that have shaped us. I'm especially drawn to working with couples and parents, as well as individuals navigating complex trauma, relationship patterns, and major life transitions; our closest relationships can be both where old wounds show up most strongly and where our most meaningful growth takes place.

Born in Germany and raised in Austria before making California home, I'm fluent in German and bring a multicultural perspective to my work. As an immigrant myself, I understand firsthand how culture, language, family expectations, faith, and belonging shape our sense of self, our relationships, and the way we parent. I completed my clinical training at Covenant House California in Hollywood, working with young adults experiencing homelessness, including survivors of trafficking, LGBTQ+ clients, immigrants, and people from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. That experience deepened my commitment to culturally responsive, affirming care that sees the whole person, not a diagnosis.

I have a particular interest in developmental and relational trauma, helping clients recognize how earlier experiences shape the way we connect with partners, respond to conflict, and show up as parents. My approach is trauma-informed, integrative, and client-centered, drawing from psychodynamic and attachment-based perspectives, Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic approaches, CBT, SFBT, and experiential methods. I've completed Levels 1 and 2 of Brainspotting training, CPTSD I and II certificate training, and foundational training in IFS. Rather than treating coping strategies as symptoms to eliminate, I approach them with compassion and curiosity: exploring how they developed, what they may have protected, and whether they're still serving you today.

For couples who want it, I welcome integrating Christian faith into our work together, alongside the clinical tools above. I also welcome clients of all faith traditions, cultural backgrounds, identities, and beliefs.

I earned my Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, with a concentration in Clinical Psychology, from Touro University Worldwide, graduating with highest honors. I believe therapy is most powerful when you feel deeply understood while also gaining practical tools for lasting change. My goal is to help you better understand yourself and the patterns you bring into your relationships, strengthen connection with the people who matter most, and move toward a life that feels authentically your own.