Internal Family Systems (IFS) Psychologists and Therapists in Middle Park, VIC

Photo of Haley Kirk, Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Haley Kirk
Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Middle Park, VIC 3206
I work well with adults experiencing persistent anxiety, low mood, or burnout that feels longstanding and difficult to fully understand. Many describe emotional numbness or overwhelm, heightened vigilance, or a sense of being “on edge” without clear cause. Some recognise that adverse or traumatic experiences — whether in childhood or later in life — have shaped their relationships and self-concept, but struggle to understand how these patterns persist in the present.
I work well with adults experiencing persistent anxiety, low mood, or burnout that feels longstanding and difficult to fully understand. Many describe emotional numbness or overwhelm, heightened vigilance, or a sense of being “on edge” without clear cause. Some recognise that adverse or traumatic experiences — whether in childhood or later in life — have shaped their relationships and self-concept, but struggle to understand how these patterns persist in the present.
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Photo of Dr Markus Lorbergs, Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Dr Markus Lorbergs
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
1 Endorsed
Middle Park, VIC 3206
With 10+ years of experience, I offer a flexible, integrative approach using CBT, EMDR, IFS, and attachment-based methods.
I work with those seeking deeper self-understanding, healing from past experiences, and meaningful personal growth. They may struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, or relationship challenges and want to break free from unhelpful patterns. They seek a safe, supportive space to explore their emotions, build self-awareness, and develop strategies for lasting well-being. Whether they’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, they want guidance that’s flexible, holistic, and tailored to their needs—helping them move toward a more fulfilling, balanced life.
With 10+ years of experience, I offer a flexible, integrative approach using CBT, EMDR, IFS, and attachment-based methods.
I work with those seeking deeper self-understanding, healing from past experiences, and meaningful personal growth. They may struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, or relationship challenges and want to break free from unhelpful patterns. They seek a safe, supportive space to explore their emotions, build self-awareness, and develop strategies for lasting well-being. Whether they’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, they want guidance that’s flexible, holistic, and tailored to their needs—helping them move toward a more fulfilling, balanced life.
0405 862 256 View 0405 862 256
Photo of Natasha Moshinsky, Social Worker, AMHSW
Natasha Moshinsky
Social Worker, AMHSW
Serves Area
I am a Clinical Social Worker and Family Therapist. I specialise in working with children, adolescents, individuals, couples and families. Areas of expertise include trauma, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, school refusal, family relationships, couples therapy, family conflict, parenting and life transitions. I have a particular interest in family therapy to strengthen relationships and to help people build positive patterns of relating to each other. My focus is to build a strong relational connection to be able to support individuals and families to develop insight and identify areas they want to change, manage or develop.
I am a Clinical Social Worker and Family Therapist. I specialise in working with children, adolescents, individuals, couples and families. Areas of expertise include trauma, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, school refusal, family relationships, couples therapy, family conflict, parenting and life transitions. I have a particular interest in family therapy to strengthen relationships and to help people build positive patterns of relating to each other. My focus is to build a strong relational connection to be able to support individuals and families to develop insight and identify areas they want to change, manage or develop.
0493 727 115 View 0493 727 115
Photo of Joanne Dennison - South Yarra Psychology, Psychologist, FAPS
South Yarra Psychology
Psychologist, FAPS
Serves Area
South Yarra Psychology sees clients with a wide range of presenting issues. The practice has a team of highly-qualified psychologists. The practice offers a free 10-minute 'psychologist matching appointment' for new clients (via telephone); to discuss their treatment needs and recommend a psychologist who is best suited to these. Appointments (including the free psychologist matching appointment) can be booked through the practice's online booking system (accessible via www.SYP.au). The website also contains profiles on each of the psychologists, with their specific interests and treatment approaches.
South Yarra Psychology sees clients with a wide range of presenting issues. The practice has a team of highly-qualified psychologists. The practice offers a free 10-minute 'psychologist matching appointment' for new clients (via telephone); to discuss their treatment needs and recommend a psychologist who is best suited to these. Appointments (including the free psychologist matching appointment) can be booked through the practice's online booking system (accessible via www.SYP.au). The website also contains profiles on each of the psychologists, with their specific interests and treatment approaches.
(03) 9070 5676 View (03) 9070 5676
Photo of George Nelson, Counsellor, ACA-L4
George Nelson
Counsellor, ACA-L4
Serves Area
George is a qualified psychotherapist, coach, clinical counsellor, relationship therapist, educator, speech therapist, voice production and training consultant. George has worked with children, teenagers and adults to help them with communication, speech, voice production and dramatic expression for presentation, (certain clients include news-presenters, actors, reporters and radio announcers). Working with individuals, couples & adolescents, George has developed a specialisation for relationship/couples counselling, family therapy as well as Men’s Health (for men, their partners and families).
George is a qualified psychotherapist, coach, clinical counsellor, relationship therapist, educator, speech therapist, voice production and training consultant. George has worked with children, teenagers and adults to help them with communication, speech, voice production and dramatic expression for presentation, (certain clients include news-presenters, actors, reporters and radio announcers). Working with individuals, couples & adolescents, George has developed a specialisation for relationship/couples counselling, family therapy as well as Men’s Health (for men, their partners and families).
(03) 7302 8896 View (03) 7302 8896

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Henry Fowkes, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Henry Fowkes
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Carlton North, VIC 3054
I integrate other evidence-based and trauma-informed techniques such as Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems, Attachment Theory, and Mindfulness, to support my clients.
I am a PACFA registered Gestalt psychotherapist passionate about change, embodiment, and relationships. My approach is grounded in Gestalt's holistic, non-pathologising philosophy — one that believes in your inherent wholeness, resilience, and interconnectedness. I aim to create a welcoming environment where you can expand your awareness and develop the inner resources needed to meet life's challenges. Drawing on my decade as an Open Floor teacher — a therapeutic movement practice — I foster deeper mind-body awareness. This embodied approach helps address root issues, supporting your healing, growth, and greater agency in life.
I integrate other evidence-based and trauma-informed techniques such as Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems, Attachment Theory, and Mindfulness, to support my clients.
I am a PACFA registered Gestalt psychotherapist passionate about change, embodiment, and relationships. My approach is grounded in Gestalt's holistic, non-pathologising philosophy — one that believes in your inherent wholeness, resilience, and interconnectedness. I aim to create a welcoming environment where you can expand your awareness and develop the inner resources needed to meet life's challenges. Drawing on my decade as an Open Floor teacher — a therapeutic movement practice — I foster deeper mind-body awareness. This embodied approach helps address root issues, supporting your healing, growth, and greater agency in life.
(03) 7003 2161 View (03) 7003 2161
Photo of Courtney Lowther, Psychologist, MSc, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Courtney Lowther
Psychologist, MSc, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Brunswick East, VIC 3057
I draw from a range of therapeutic frameworks and modalities, primarily Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, EMDR, Schema Therapy and mindfulness and tailor my approach to fit the needs and experiences of each client.
I am trained in and have experience providing Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy in a private clinic in Melbourne. At my practice I provide psychedelic integration therapy for individuals who have had experiences with these medicines and are seeking support to help process and integrate these experiences.
I draw from a range of therapeutic frameworks and modalities, primarily Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, EMDR, Schema Therapy and mindfulness and tailor my approach to fit the needs and experiences of each client.
I am trained in and have experience providing Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy in a private clinic in Melbourne. At my practice I provide psychedelic integration therapy for individuals who have had experiences with these medicines and are seeking support to help process and integrate these experiences.
0489 222 632 View 0489 222 632
Photo of Annie Sloss, Psychotherapist, MA, AThR
Annie Sloss
Psychotherapist, MA, AThR
1 Endorsed
Preston, VIC 3072
I enjoy working with all kinds of adults and the multitude of difficulties we humans face in our lives and relationships. But my particular skill is in working with people who believe that what they carry is too complex for anyone to help but somehow keep looking for someone who can. I often attract people who need a therapist who both understands "mental illness" through the psychiatric system lens and sees the "symptoms" people experience not as problems but as unique survival adaptations we do not yet understand. I'm happy to work with people who experience suicidality and dissociation and who want to make sense of psychosis.
I enjoy working with all kinds of adults and the multitude of difficulties we humans face in our lives and relationships. But my particular skill is in working with people who believe that what they carry is too complex for anyone to help but somehow keep looking for someone who can. I often attract people who need a therapist who both understands "mental illness" through the psychiatric system lens and sees the "symptoms" people experience not as problems but as unique survival adaptations we do not yet understand. I'm happy to work with people who experience suicidality and dissociation and who want to make sense of psychosis.
0403 973 368 View 0403 973 368
Photo of Michael Dods, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA Endorsed
Michael Dods
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA Endorsed
1 Endorsed
Northcote, VIC 3070
I have also completed introductory training in a number of other modalities including Internal Family Systems and Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy.
I work in a relational and psychodynamically informed way with anxiety, depression, anger issues, relationship issues, chronic/persistent health conditions, grief and loss, significant life decisions, psychedelic or spiritual integration and with patients who have a history of trauma. My post graduate research was in men's health and ecopsycholology.
I have also completed introductory training in a number of other modalities including Internal Family Systems and Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy.
I work in a relational and psychodynamically informed way with anxiety, depression, anger issues, relationship issues, chronic/persistent health conditions, grief and loss, significant life decisions, psychedelic or spiritual integration and with patients who have a history of trauma. My post graduate research was in men's health and ecopsycholology.
(03) 7003 2393 View (03) 7003 2393
Photo of Niloo Danaei, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Niloo Danaei
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
1 Endorsed
Camberwell, VIC 3124
I'm a Melbourne-based Clinical Psychologist and IFS therapist with over 10 years of experience supporting adults who are experiencing complex trauma (CPTSD), anxiety, depression, burnout, loss and grief, chronic physical/mental health conditions (including chronic fatigue, persistent depression and PMDD), and life transitions (including perimenopause and menopause).
I have backgrounds in both social work and clinical psychology, I offer a warm, compassionate, client-centred, and trauma-informed approach. I believe that many emotional struggles are understandable responses to life experiences and I work collaboratively with individuals to create healing, recovery, self-awareness, meaningful change and growth.
I'm a Melbourne-based Clinical Psychologist and IFS therapist with over 10 years of experience supporting adults who are experiencing complex trauma (CPTSD), anxiety, depression, burnout, loss and grief, chronic physical/mental health conditions (including chronic fatigue, persistent depression and PMDD), and life transitions (including perimenopause and menopause).
I have backgrounds in both social work and clinical psychology, I offer a warm, compassionate, client-centred, and trauma-informed approach. I believe that many emotional struggles are understandable responses to life experiences and I work collaboratively with individuals to create healing, recovery, self-awareness, meaningful change and growth.
(03) 7003 2071 View (03) 7003 2071
Photo of Christine E Marsden - Quatro Wellbeing Couples Therapy , Psychotherapist, MSc, ANZAP
Quatro Wellbeing Couples Therapy
Psychotherapist, MSc, ANZAP
Serves Area
Conversational Model, Attachment Theory, Internal Family Systems ( IFS), Emotionally Focussed Therapy (EFT), Gottman Model for Couples Therapy.
Christine Marsden at Quatro Wellbeing is dedicated to provide a safe and supportive space for you to explore your health path. She works with couples and individuals. She trained as a relational psychoanalytic psychotherapist. This means she works with you from the inside out. To help you gain awareness of what informs your patterns, your life journey and life story and influences. Her work helps you reach a place where you understand what you want to change, build or strengthen.
Conversational Model, Attachment Theory, Internal Family Systems ( IFS), Emotionally Focussed Therapy (EFT), Gottman Model for Couples Therapy.
Christine Marsden at Quatro Wellbeing is dedicated to provide a safe and supportive space for you to explore your health path. She works with couples and individuals. She trained as a relational psychoanalytic psychotherapist. This means she works with you from the inside out. To help you gain awareness of what informs your patterns, your life journey and life story and influences. Her work helps you reach a place where you understand what you want to change, build or strengthen.
(07) 5241 1417 View (07) 5241 1417
Photo of Kat Maguire, Counsellor, MA, PACFA
Kat Maguire
Counsellor, MA, PACFA
Thornbury, VIC 3071
Influenced by Psychodynamic, IFS, Narrative, Gestalt, EFT and Depth Enquiry (EMDR), Kat tailors her methods to each client's unique needs.
Kat Maguire is a clinically registered psychotherapist specialising in trauma-informed individual therapy for adults. Approaching her clients with a focus on understanding rather than labelling or diagnosing, Kat believes in delving into each individual's unique story with a nonjudgmental curiosity. With a distinctive mix of humour and warmth, she establishes a secure environment for clients to explore their inner and outer worlds with vulnerability.
Influenced by Psychodynamic, IFS, Narrative, Gestalt, EFT and Depth Enquiry (EMDR), Kat tailors her methods to each client's unique needs.
Kat Maguire is a clinically registered psychotherapist specialising in trauma-informed individual therapy for adults. Approaching her clients with a focus on understanding rather than labelling or diagnosing, Kat believes in delving into each individual's unique story with a nonjudgmental curiosity. With a distinctive mix of humour and warmth, she establishes a secure environment for clients to explore their inner and outer worlds with vulnerability.
(03) 7003 2952 View (03) 7003 2952
Photo of Belinda Xagremenakos - Be Ok Therapy Services, Social Worker, AMHSW
Be Ok Therapy Services
Social Worker, AMHSW
Ashburton, VIC 3147
I offer compassionate, confidential counselling, with evidence-based therapy tailored to your needs. I provide a calm, supportive space where you can explore what’s going on, feel heard, and work toward meaningful change — whether you're struggling with anxiety, low mood, stress, trauma, relationships, or life transitions. My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to your needs. I draw on evidence-based therapies such as CBT, ACT, DBT, mindfulness, Schema therapy and trauma-informed practice, and I work in a way that’s respectful, practical and focused on your strengths.
I offer compassionate, confidential counselling, with evidence-based therapy tailored to your needs. I provide a calm, supportive space where you can explore what’s going on, feel heard, and work toward meaningful change — whether you're struggling with anxiety, low mood, stress, trauma, relationships, or life transitions. My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to your needs. I draw on evidence-based therapies such as CBT, ACT, DBT, mindfulness, Schema therapy and trauma-informed practice, and I work in a way that’s respectful, practical and focused on your strengths.
(03) 8771 4574 View (03) 8771 4574
Photo of Cecile Boganin, Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Cecile Boganin
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Malvern, VIC 3144
I provide a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore uncomfortable thoughts and emotions, reinforce their inner strengths, and develop a strong sense of identity through evidenced based therapies such Internal Family System ( IFS), Schema Therapy, EMDR, CBT, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Somatic therapies among others.
I am a Clinical Psychologist, EMDR consultant and board approved supervisor. I gained extensive experience working across the public and private mental health sectors, in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I enjoys working with late adolescents and adults who experience a range of emotional and psychological concerns, such as anxiety, depression, trauma and childhood/complex trauma, dissociation, grief, self-harm and personality disorders. I am passionate about helping clients understand themselves in relation to challenging/triggering circumstances and difficult past experiences.
I provide a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore uncomfortable thoughts and emotions, reinforce their inner strengths, and develop a strong sense of identity through evidenced based therapies such Internal Family System ( IFS), Schema Therapy, EMDR, CBT, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Somatic therapies among others.
I am a Clinical Psychologist, EMDR consultant and board approved supervisor. I gained extensive experience working across the public and private mental health sectors, in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I enjoys working with late adolescents and adults who experience a range of emotional and psychological concerns, such as anxiety, depression, trauma and childhood/complex trauma, dissociation, grief, self-harm and personality disorders. I am passionate about helping clients understand themselves in relation to challenging/triggering circumstances and difficult past experiences.
(03) 8771 5974 View (03) 8771 5974
Photo of Rachel Lee Higgins - Holistic Therapist, MSc
Holistic Therapist
Verified Verified
Monbulk, VIC 3793
I help you move forward by blending ACT, Family Systems Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy with the grounding wisdom of my many years in earth-centred practice and my own life values.
If you are a woman who has experienced trauma or grief and now feels lost within yourself or the world. Overwhelming emotions—grief, exhaustion, shame, anger, or numbness—leave you disconnected, struggling with identity, self-love, and daily life. You long for a safe space to process what happened, feel understood, regain a sense of control and hope, and rediscover who you are. These struggles bring you to therapy seeking gentle support to heal, feel grounded again, and move toward peace and renewal.
I help you move forward by blending ACT, Family Systems Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy with the grounding wisdom of my many years in earth-centred practice and my own life values.
If you are a woman who has experienced trauma or grief and now feels lost within yourself or the world. Overwhelming emotions—grief, exhaustion, shame, anger, or numbness—leave you disconnected, struggling with identity, self-love, and daily life. You long for a safe space to process what happened, feel understood, regain a sense of control and hope, and rediscover who you are. These struggles bring you to therapy seeking gentle support to heal, feel grounded again, and move toward peace and renewal.
(03) 5905 9407 View (03) 5905 9407
Photo of John Windschuttle, Psychotherapist, MA, ACA-L2
John Windschuttle
Psychotherapist, MA, ACA-L2
Carlton, VIC 3053
I’m a psychotherapist and counsellor with seven years’ experience working primarily with trauma, phobias, anxiety, self-esteem issues, relationship difficulties, and longstanding emotional patterns. I also support men’s mental health, LGBTQ+ clients, and clients wishing to integrate spiritual or mindfulness perspectives into therapy.
I’m a psychotherapist and counsellor with seven years’ experience working primarily with trauma, phobias, anxiety, self-esteem issues, relationship difficulties, and longstanding emotional patterns. I also support men’s mental health, LGBTQ+ clients, and clients wishing to integrate spiritual or mindfulness perspectives into therapy.
0451 184 127 View 0451 184 127
Photo of Johan Torsteinsrud - Human Puzzles Counselling & Supervision Services, Counsellor, PACFA
CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Goal Setting, Gestalt Therapy, Transactional Analysis, Existential Therapy, Mindfulness-based Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Brainspotting, Internal Family Systems, and Creative Therapy.
My name is Johan Torsteinsrud, and my private practice is called Human Puzzles. I am a PACFA-certified professional counsellor who works mostly with international clients, with over ten years of experience in helping people from all walks of life find their way through life’s many challenges. My counselling sessions are conducted online. This provides a convenient and safe way for people to access support without the added stress of travelling to an office. I strive to create a safe space for all genders, races, cultures, bodies, sexual orientations, family constellations, and relationships.
CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Goal Setting, Gestalt Therapy, Transactional Analysis, Existential Therapy, Mindfulness-based Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Brainspotting, Internal Family Systems, and Creative Therapy.
My name is Johan Torsteinsrud, and my private practice is called Human Puzzles. I am a PACFA-certified professional counsellor who works mostly with international clients, with over ten years of experience in helping people from all walks of life find their way through life’s many challenges. My counselling sessions are conducted online. This provides a convenient and safe way for people to access support without the added stress of travelling to an office. I strive to create a safe space for all genders, races, cultures, bodies, sexual orientations, family constellations, and relationships.
(02) 9100 0570 View (02) 9100 0570
Photo of Anna Badcock - Canterbury Counselling & Psychotherapy, Psychotherapist, MC, PACFA
Canterbury Counselling & Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, MC, PACFA
Camberwell, VIC 3124
Hello, my name is Anna and I offer a warm, judgement free space where you feel heard, respected and understood. I take a trauma-informed, person centred approach, and at the heart of my work is the genuine belief that every person has the capacity for growth, resilience and healing. The therapeutic tools I use are drawn from evidence based practices and tailored to suit your individual needs and the pace at which you feel ready. I support both adults and young people who are facing mental health challenges, or who simply feel a bit 'stuck', to develop insight, resilience and practical skills for lasting change.
Hello, my name is Anna and I offer a warm, judgement free space where you feel heard, respected and understood. I take a trauma-informed, person centred approach, and at the heart of my work is the genuine belief that every person has the capacity for growth, resilience and healing. The therapeutic tools I use are drawn from evidence based practices and tailored to suit your individual needs and the pace at which you feel ready. I support both adults and young people who are facing mental health challenges, or who simply feel a bit 'stuck', to develop insight, resilience and practical skills for lasting change.
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Photo of Jocelyn Louise Andrew, Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Jocelyn Louise Andrew
Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Sandringham, VIC 3191
I am accredited as a Clinical Psychologist, Counselling Psychologist and Family Systems Therapist.
I have 35 years experience as a clinical psychologist with older adolescents, adults & couples. I have advanced training in EMDR, hypnosis & many therapeutic frameworks including CBT, Schema Therapy, IFS & Gottman to individualise your therapy. I work effectively with PTSD, CPTSD (eg childhood trauma), grief, perinatal & other depression, generalised anxiety, phobias, panic and perfectionism in OCD and BDD. My approach is warm & embedded in mindfulness and attachment theory. The therapeutic relationship between you and I is the vehicle of change. I respect your vulnerability & trust. My goal is to empower you with my skills.
I am accredited as a Clinical Psychologist, Counselling Psychologist and Family Systems Therapist.
I have 35 years experience as a clinical psychologist with older adolescents, adults & couples. I have advanced training in EMDR, hypnosis & many therapeutic frameworks including CBT, Schema Therapy, IFS & Gottman to individualise your therapy. I work effectively with PTSD, CPTSD (eg childhood trauma), grief, perinatal & other depression, generalised anxiety, phobias, panic and perfectionism in OCD and BDD. My approach is warm & embedded in mindfulness and attachment theory. The therapeutic relationship between you and I is the vehicle of change. I respect your vulnerability & trust. My goal is to empower you with my skills.
(03) 8771 4248 View (03) 8771 4248
Photo of Lindy Spanger, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Lindy Spanger
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Caulfield South, VIC 3162
I am a Soul Centred Psychotherapist and Supervisor with over 20 years experience. You may be experiencing big life transitions, relationship issues or old negative patterns and beliefs that are getting in the way leaving you feeling stuck and overwhelmed. Deciding to come to therapy can feel like such a relief getting To share your story and be heard without judgment in a supportive environment. Therapy can really help to bring about change and healing allowing you to make sense of those old negative patterns making it possible to respond to yourself and to life in a way the works better for the whole of who you are now.
I am a Soul Centred Psychotherapist and Supervisor with over 20 years experience. You may be experiencing big life transitions, relationship issues or old negative patterns and beliefs that are getting in the way leaving you feeling stuck and overwhelmed. Deciding to come to therapy can feel like such a relief getting To share your story and be heard without judgment in a supportive environment. Therapy can really help to bring about change and healing allowing you to make sense of those old negative patterns making it possible to respond to yourself and to life in a way the works better for the whole of who you are now.
(03) 7003 2360 View (03) 7003 2360
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists
What is Internal Family Systems therapy?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a type of talk therapy that focuses on sub-personalities, or “families,” within a person, which may be made up of wounded parts and unpleasant emotions like anger and shame. These sub-personalities can come into conflict with each other and with an individual’s core Self, leaving the person feeling detached from positive traits such as the “8 C’s” of confidence, calmness, creativity, clarity, curiosity, courage, compassion, and connectedness. By healing a patient’s wounded parts, a therapist aims to restore balance and bring on positive change.

How does Internal Family Systems therapy work?
An IFS therapist will work with a patient to identify their particular sub-personalities, recognize the emotions powering them, and release them. By doing so, the patient should become more able to address any underlying problems their sub-personalities may have been trying to protect them from. Ultimately, a patient discovers ways to manage internal and external conflicts on their own, through techniques such as relaxation exercises, journaling, and making charts depicting the relationships between their core Self and their distinct parts.

Does Internal Family Systems therapy work?
IFS therapy has been shown to help people address conditions such as depression, anxiety, panic, fears and phobias, trauma, and substance use disorders. Some research has also found that it can help individuals deal with symptoms of physical health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, such as pain, everyday functioning, depressive feelings, and low self-compassion. There are some conditions for which IFS treatment, specifically discussions of one’s “parts,” may be less appropriate, such as schizophrenia or other states that involve psychosis or paranoia.

How long does Internal Family Systems therapy take?
As with most forms of talk therapy, there is no set duration or end point for IFS therapy. After becoming comfortable with a therapist and the core concepts of IFS, some patients quickly make progress. While experiences vary, most will find that it is a relatively longer-term therapy, involving months and sometimes years of sessions.