In this episode, I sit down with Caryn Gutman, an Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist who works with clients in Cedarhurst and the Five Towns, both virtually and in person. We explore the fascinating overlap between therapy and nutrition work, and how compassionate, non-judgmental approaches can help people heal their relationships with food, body image, and themselves.
Caryn shares her journey into the therapy world, explaining how she discovered her passion for helping others at just seventeen years old. After considering careers in law and fashion design, she ultimately pursued therapy and trained in Internal Family Systems through IFS Israel. She also brings experience from working in domestic violence and foster care before specializing in IFS.
We talk about the core principles of Internal Family Systems Therapy, a model developed by Richard Schwartz, which views the mind as made up of different “parts.” Caryn explains how protective parts — like perfectionism, calorie counting, or rigid food rules — often develop to shield deeper emotional pain. Rather than fighting these parts, IFS invites curiosity, compassion, and understanding.
Our conversation also touches on Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and how modern trauma therapies allow people to heal without needing to repeatedly verbalize or relive painful experiences. Caryn explains how healing can happen internally, with the therapist providing a witnessing presence that supports the process.
As a dietitian, I also reflect on the parallels between therapy and nutrition counseling. We discuss the importance of meeting clients where they are, avoiding black-and-white thinking around food and health, and recognizing when collaboration between therapists and dietitians can better support clients.
This episode highlights how powerful it can be when professionals approach healing with curiosity, humility, and compassion rather than judgment.
What Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is and how it works
The role of “protector parts” in behaviors like dieting or perfectionism
Why trauma healing doesn’t always require retelling painful stories
The overlap between therapy and intuitive eating work
The importance of staying within professional scope and collaborating across fields
How compassion and curiosity can transform the healing process
Caryn Gutman is an IFS therapist serving clients in Cedarhurst and the Five Towns area, offering both in-person and virtual therapy. She integrates Internal Family Systems and other trauma-informed approaches to help clients understand their internal world and move toward healing.
Caryn Guttman-Weber is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who worked in the mental health field for 13 years and in private practice for over 8 of them. She has years of experience working with individuals, couples and families across a variety of settings. Caryn utilizes a mixture of approaches in her practice including: IFS, Family Systems Therapy, and Attachment based therapy. She created a premarital counseling education program. She also has experience facilitating groups including parenting and adolescent groups. Caryn is very invested in helping pre-teens, adolescents and adults with many issues they deal with such as: sudden changes in behavior, self-esteem , trauma, relational challenges and learning and appreciating all the parts of one’s self. Caryn regularly attends trainings to continue her education while practicing , she has trained at the IFS Israel institute and the Ackerman Institute for the Family. She is committed to helping individuals, families, and couples in the community face the many challenges that can arise.
If you’re ready to stop dieting and finally feel peaceful around food, I’d love to support you.
You can learn about working with me one-on-one or download my free resources at gilaglassberg.com.
Everything is there to help you take the next step in healing your relationship with food.
