Internal Family Systems Counseling

"There are no 'bad' parts, and the goal of therapy is not to eliminate parts but instead to help them find their non-extreme roles." - Dr. Richard Schwartz, Creator of IFS

What Is Internal Family Systems Therapy?

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a transformative approach to healing that recognizes we all contain a multiplicity of sub-personalities or "parts." Rather than seeing this inner diversity as problematic, IFS views it as our natural state, each part holding valuable qualities and good intentions, even when their methods might be causing distress.

At the core of IFS is the belief that everyone has a Self with inherent wisdom, compassion, and healing capacity. When our parts feel safe and are properly understood, they relax from extreme roles, allowing your natural Self-leadership to emerge.

The IFS Approach to Healing

IFS offers a clear, non-pathologizing approach to working with your inner system. Rather than trying to eliminate difficult emotions or behaviors, we get curious about the parts behind them:

  • Meeting Your Inner Family - We compassionately identify and get to know the different parts of you, those that protect, those that carry pain, and those with gifts and resources.

  • Understanding Their Purpose - Every part, even those causing distress, has a positive intention. By approaching them with curiosity rather than judgment, we discover what they're trying to accomplish.

  • Accessing Self-Energy - You'll learn to distinguish your core Self from your parts, developing the capacity to approach your inner world with compassion, clarity, and calmness.

  • Healing Through Witnessing - As your Self connects with burdened parts, natural healing occurs through the witnessing and unburdening process unique to IFS.

Benefits of IFS Therapy

IFS provides a framework for addressing a wide range of challenges:

  • Trauma Healing - Process difficult experiences without becoming overwhelmed

  • Anxiety & Depression - Understand and transform the parts that maintain distressing patterns

  • Self-Discovery - Develop deeper self-awareness and internal harmony

  • Relationship Enhancement - Improve connections with others by first improving your relationship with yourself

  • Emotion Regulation - Learn to navigate complex feelings with greater ease and understanding

The IFS approach resonates deeply with both teens and adults. For younger clients, the parallels with popular concepts like those in "Inside Out" make the model immediately relatable. For adults, IFS offers a refreshing alternative to approaches that pathologize difficult emotions, instead honoring the wisdom and protective intent behind all aspects of our experience.

My Integrated Approach

I integrate IFS with somatic awareness and Brainspotting to create a comprehensive healing experience. This combination allows us to work with your system through multiple channels:

  • Cognitive Understanding - Using the IFS framework to make sense of your inner world

  • Bodily Awareness - Noticing how parts manifest in physical sensations and how healing registers in the body

  • Neurobiological Processing - Accessing deeper levels of the brain where parts' patterns and burdens are stored

This integration creates a powerful synergy that honors your whole being—mind, body, and spirit.

What to Expect in IFS Therapy

Our work together begins with helping you identify and get to know your different parts in a safe, compassionate space. As trust builds within your inner system, we can help burdened parts release old beliefs and emotions that no longer serve you.

Sessions might include guided introspection, compassionate dialogue with parts, somatic awareness, and the integration of insights into daily life. Throughout the process, you remain in control, your Self is always the guide and decision-maker.

Many clients report not only relief from specific symptoms but also a profound shift in how they relate to themselves, developing greater internal harmony, self-compassion, and emotional resilience.

Begin Your Healing Journey

Whether you're struggling with specific challenges or simply seeking greater self-understanding, IFS offers a path to deeper connection with yourself and others. Experience the freedom that comes when all parts of you are acknowledged, understood, and welcomed home.

Contact me today to learn how Internal Family Systems therapy can support your unique healing journey.

Contact us

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!