What is Internal Family Systems Therapy?

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Internal Family Systems therapy encourages people to embrace all parts of themselves, even the difficult ones. Its goal is to help people achieve balance and harmony within themselves.

IFS states that people do not have “bad” parts. Instead, they experience difficulty embracing all aspects as simultaneously affecting one another. IFS seeks to name and understand these parts and ultimately balance the factors that work toward self-growth.

Life experiences can encourage the various parts of the self to become out of balance, forcing the system into a less-than-harmonious operating state. Your IFS counselor will help you recognize these parts of yourself, inquire as to why you think they might be off-balance, and then assist you in balancing them.

People with a wide range of mental health concerns can benefit from IFS, but it is particularly effective for those who have dealt with traumatic experiences.

Therapists Who Specialize in IFS Therapy

Amita K. Patel

New York

New York

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Casey Peterson

Minneapolis

Minnesota

I believe that every person has the potential within themselves to make the changes they need to live their happiest life. My hope is to create a safe space for you to explore, heal, and tell your story. My goal will always be to work alongside you and help you on your path to get to that place, whatever that may look like for you. I take a humanistic and person-centered approach to therapy, an...
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Mrs. Inkrote is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor. She has experience working with a multitude of mental health specialties to include: anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, acute stress disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, learning disorders, autism, and grief. For 25 years Mrs. Inkrote worked with developmentally disabled individuals in day program and...
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You’ve been brave for so long, but are at a point of weariness. Life has been difficult and lacks the joy that you desire. Your relationships are unfulfilling. You often feel alone and overwhelmed. You have a fear of truly being seen, although you long to be known and loved. Deep down, you have moments of hopelessness. You've heard about self-care and self-compassion, but are not quite sure wha...

Sheila Rad

San Jose

California

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Karima Shamma is not currently taking new clients. Life satisfaction hinges on the quality of past & current relationships because we grow in relationship with others. This is what therapy is all about. I work with adults, adolescents, college and transitional-aged to unearth the roots of inner distress, expand awareness, curiosity, energy and empowerment. Life is not rigid, it flexibly ebbs &...
I love to take an integrated approach to working with people and seeing people in the context of all aspects of their lives. As a queer, nonbinary transgender person I am passionate about intersectional social justice and working towards a world in which everyone is treated with respect and dignity. I enjoy working with people from all backgrounds, however, I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+...
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I've found that it can make a life-changing difference to feel understood, supported, and empowered as we face fear, stress, painful circumstances, daunting challenges and pursue our greatest hopes. I was honored to work with children, pre-teens, and teens and their families for years in community mental health. I've also worked with individual adults from other countries. I enjoy helping my...
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