About Forest Benedict, LMFT
A Place to Reconnect With Yourself
Many people come to therapy after years of holding everything together.
You may be outwardly capable, thoughtful, and self-aware, yet still feel anxious, ashamed, emotionally exhausted, disconnected, or stuck in patterns you cannot seem to change.
Maybe parts of you long for closeness, freedom, confidence, and peace, while other parts shut down, overthink, avoid, people-please, or protect you from being hurt again.
Therapy can be a place where you no longer have to perform, manage everything alone, or fight against yourself.
It can be a space where you slow down, listen inwardly, and begin relating to yourself with more compassion, honesty, and clarity.
My Background
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with over 16 years of clinical experience and a Certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapist.
Throughout my career, I have worked in multiple clinical settings, which has given me a broad perspective on trauma, shame, anxiety, relationship patterns, emotional disconnection, religious wounds, sexuality, and the many ways people learn to survive.
Earlier in my career, I also served as a Program Director, where I led other clinicians and supported the development of therapeutic programs.
In addition to my clinical work, I have also:
- worked with many therapists as therapy clients over the years
- trained and consulted with therapists
- taught in a Master’s-level graduate program for future therapists
- contributed writing to a textbook for therapists
- facilitated groups, trainings, and retreats focused on personal growth and healing
These experiences have shaped the way I work with clients: with depth, compassion, honesty, and respect for the complexity of each person’s inner world.
My Personal Commitment to the Work
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is not just something I practice professionally. It has also been central to my own healing journey.
Over the years, I have done extensive personal IFS therapy, which continues to shape the way I understand the inner world and the process of healing.
This personal work matters deeply to me because I believe therapists who have done their own inner work bring a different level of presence, humility, and compassion to the people they serve.
I know how vulnerable it can feel to turn toward the parts of yourself that carry fear, shame, grief, anger, longing, or protection. I also know how powerful it can be when those parts are finally met with care instead of judgment.
I am LGBTQIA+ and trans-affirming, neurodivergent-affirming, and welcome clients across all sexual orientations, gender identities, and relationship structures.
My practice is also sex-positive and welcomes open conversations about sexuality, desire, shame, intimacy, and relationship diversity.
Who I Work With
I work with adults who want therapy that goes deeper than symptom management.
You may be navigating:
- anxiety, overwhelm, or emotional exhaustion
- shame, self-criticism, low self-worth, or feeling like something is wrong with you
- trauma, religious trauma, or painful family conditioning
- relationship patterns that keep repeating
- disconnection from your body, desire, creativity, or inner truth
- high sensitivity or deep emotional attunement to others
- sexuality, intimacy, or sexual shame
- burnout from caregiving, helping, parenting, leadership, or therapeutic work
- a desire for deeper personal growth and self-understanding
Many of the people I work with are highly reflective, sensitive, intuitive, and deeply committed to growth. Some are therapists or helping professionals. Others are people who have simply reached a point where their old ways of coping no longer feel sustainable.
You do not have to be in crisis to begin therapy.
Sometimes therapy begins because a part of you knows there is more life, freedom, connection, or truth available than you are currently able to access.
My Approach
My work is grounded in Internal Family Systems (IFS), a compassionate and transformative approach that helps people develop a deeper relationship with their inner world.
IFS therapy helps us:
- understand the protective roles different parts of us play
- listen to anxiety, shame, avoidance, anger, numbness, and self-criticism with curiosity
- heal wounded parts that carry pain and trauma
- reconnect with the calm, compassionate presence at the center of who we are
In our work together, you can expect a thoughtful, collaborative process that honors your pace, your complexity, and your lived experience.
I do not see symptoms as enemies to defeat. I see them as signals from parts of you that are trying to help, protect, or communicate something important.
Together, we can begin to understand what those parts need and help your system move toward more trust, connection, and inner freedom.
Therapy for Therapists and Helping Professionals
My clients come from various backgrounds. I also value specifically working with therapists, coaches, healers, and helping professionals.
If you are a therapist, you may be carrying unique pressures:
- compassion fatigue or burnout
- the emotional weight of clients’ stories
- the isolation of private practice
- the challenge of turning off “therapist mode”
- the desire to continue your own personal growth
- the need for a place where you are not responsible for holding everything together
Working with therapists is some of the most meaningful work I do. I understand how complex and demanding this profession can be, and how important it is to have a space where you get to be fully human.
What Colleagues Say
“Forest is a gifted IFS therapist. He is dedicated to his own healing, which makes him available to support yours. I highly recommend Forest.”
-Cristal Java, LMH
“Forest is a deeply caring, deeply feeling individual. He puts time and energy into being the best therapist for his clients, and provides a welcoming vibe for anyone looking to become their best selves. For a great IFS therapist, look no further!”
-Karen Huckaby, LMFT
“Forest is a warm, professional and very skilled therapist. As a colleague I appreciate his deep empathy for people and for all the care he puts into his work.”
-Anne Gustafson, LMFT, PhD
“I highly respect Forest’s work as a colleague. He brings a professional and competent presence to his work. Clients feel cared for and can resonate with his easygoing and compassionate style. I highly recommend Forest as a therapist.“
-Heidi Monuteaux, MA, LMHC, LCPC, CSAT
Podcast Interviews & Professional Conversations
I’ve shared perspectives on therapy, Internal Family Systems, sexuality, healing, religious trauma, and therapist growth through conversations on several mental health and therapy podcasts, including:
• Your Therapist Needs Therapy – Internal Family Systems with Forest Benedict
• The Parts that Long & the Parts that Hide: IFS, SEX, & HEALING with Forest Benedict
• Religious Trauma, Sex Addiction, & IFS with Forest Benedict
Professional Consultation
In addition to therapy, I also offer consultation for therapists who are interested in deepening their understanding of Internal Family Systems or exploring clinical questions in a supportive and collaborative space.
Let’s See If We’re a Good Fit
If you are looking for therapy that is compassionate, honest, depth-oriented, and rooted in Internal Family Systems, I invite you to reach out.
I offer a free 15-minute consultation so we can talk about what you are looking for and see whether working together feels like a good fit.