Justin Wilford, PhD

Yes Collective Cofounder, IFS Practitioner, & Group Facilitator

I’m passionate about helping people find more connection, healing, and growth in their lives. As a professional Level 2 IFS practitioner, I guide leaders in business and the healing professions through personalized Internal Family Systems-based practices that help them access their highest wisdom and truest selves. My approach, called the OPEN Method (Observe, Process, Express, Nurture), blends evidence-based practices including IFS, mindfulness, breathwork, and authentic relating to drive deep self-discovery and lasting emotional wellness.

My passion for this work was ignited when my four-year-old son was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2011, leading me and my wife to cofound Maxlove Project, a nonprofit that has helped over 20,000 families affected by childhood cancer. A recovering academic with PhDs in geography (UCLA) and public health (UC Irvine), I bring both scholarly rigor and lived experience to my practice. When I'm not coaching or designing wellness programs, you can find me facilitating ecstatic dance events in Savannah, Georgia, spending time with my family, and exploring how personal transformation creates ripple effects in our communities.