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

We all have our ups and downs in life and sometimes life can feel really harsh when we least expect it. Thoughts and memories from your past may be intruding in your current life. You may not feel safe leaving the house due to anxiety or debilitating depression. In therapy, you will learn to stop the panic, stop the racing thoughts, feel less sad and process the parts of your past that continue...
First and foremost I believe that you are the expert on your life, not me. I will begin with openness about what you are bringing to counseling, respect for you and your family, curiosity about who you are and what you believe, as well as accountability to my power in the room. I emphasize the strengths I see in each individual and system and ask that you try on new perspectives and actions tha...
Taking the step to reach out for help and support can be frightening and overwhelming, we commend you for making the move to take care of yourself. At our practice we provide care for individuals, couples, and families that present with a variety of struggles. We want to help you find understanding, growth, and balance in the complex lives we lead in today’s world. Life and relationships can be...
*Currently accepting new clients for online therapy sessions! I enjoy working with individuals, couples, families, children and adolescents. I bring compassion and a playful attitude to the therapy room to allow clients to connect and create meaningful change in their lives. I have experience and interest in working with a variety of clients including those experiencing symptoms of depression,...

Gina Metcalf

San Diego

California

I am here to support and accompany you on your path to healing. I understand the importance of creating a non-judgmental and non-shaming space to allow all of you to be seen, heard, and validated. I am very gentle in my approach and believe in enhancing the mind-body connection through the use of Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, and parts work. Let's work together to create movement towards a health...

Andrew J Joseph

New York

New York

I love working with adults and adolescents who feel stuck for any number of reasons.  My approach to therapy is informed by two main ideas: first, that people are innately wired to heal, and second, that these healing capacities emerge when we feel safe. I’d aim to co-create a safe environment with you, so that you can feel your deepest emotions without being overwhelmed by them. Emotions revea...
I believe every individual has the intrinsic ability to heal and grow. I work with adults and adolescents who are struggling with substance abuse and recovery, depression, anxiety, relationship issues and life transitions. We will collaborate to explore and create meaningful changes, make action plans, work through stigma, and understand how the past pushes into the present. Clients appreciate ...

Samantha Prague

Chicago

Illinois

Our worlds are chaotic, messy and sometimes cruel. As a result it is easy to unknowingly repeat that disorganization in our own lives. My goal to challenge these patterns of behaviors and relationships that may be keeping children, adolescents and emerging adults stuck. My specialty is working with strong personalities who have difficulty communicating their emotions with others, often relying ...
I strive to create an environment where you can explore, engage, and rewrite your life-script. We all live from our own unique scripts, the stories we tell ourselves everyday about who we are, where we come from, and what we're capable of. Sometimes these scripts trap us in behaviors and states of mind that harm us and keep us from living a rich life. In counseling, we engage these bad scripts,...

Alisha R Warren

Chicago

Illinois

I have experience in working with adults and adolescents that have experienced trauma and grief. Majority of the clients I have worked with are uncomfortable with their daily life and are looking to process their past and find a way to move forward. I use humor a lot and tend to have a very direct communication style. I like to find ways to build your network of support, and explore new healthy...

Deborah A Russo

Atlanta

Georgia

I am invested in helping individuals & couples navigate the challenges & milestones that surface in serious dating, pre-engagement, engagement, and married relationships. I am a certified facilitator for several evidence-based relationship-building inventory programs that help reduce vulnerability of a failed relationship. Research shows that most people wait until they are six years into a...
Life is a journey without a clear roadmap. We hit bumps, wrong turns, and flat tires along the way. Worry, sadness, and confusion can be a natural response to these problems we encounter. Sometimes it is difficult to know which direction is the best or even if we want to continue the journey. I am here to help you find your way, to find acceptance, and feel strong enough to face the obstacles t...
Today you are one step closer to becoming the unique person that God has created. Thank you for having the courage to take this step and look into supportive telehealth services -- online counseling, video counseling & phone counseling sessions. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. As telehealth...

LA Cuttler

Durham

North Carolina

( English | ) Assistance in breaking-through emotional blocks that are keeping you from achieving your goals. • Assistance with getting rid of irrational fears that block your success. • Assistance with issues of transition; employment and relationship • Assistance with internalizing recovery for yourself, not for others • An opportunity to be an active participant in your coaching experience •...
Ellen Singer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has specialized in helping couples and families for 35+ years. She trained with Dr. Richard Schwartz in the evidence-based Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapeutic model. She’s also studied and incorporates tools from highly reputable Emotionally Focused Therapy, Gottman Therapy, and Imago Therapy. She sees all couples and specializes in hi...