Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists in Shelby County, AL
When treating clients, I pull from Somatic psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems/Inner Child Work, DBT tools, and others.
Do you have anxiety, addiction, complex trauma, grief, women's issues, or AuDHD/ADHD? Or do you consider yourself to be neurodivergent? Do you often struggle in interpersonal relations? Let an experienced Licensed Professional Counselor meet you where you are and begin to explore those areas of concern causing difficulty. We will work to develop healthy, and obtainable changes. I offer a safe space where you can be yourself, with no judgement and no bias. I provide all-inclusive services to individuals beginning at 14 years old, and couples. Counseling can lead you to develop a healing path. Call or email today!
When treating clients, I pull from Somatic psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems/Inner Child Work, DBT tools, and others.
Do you have anxiety, addiction, complex trauma, grief, women's issues, or AuDHD/ADHD? Or do you consider yourself to be neurodivergent? Do you often struggle in interpersonal relations? Let an experienced Licensed Professional Counselor meet you where you are and begin to explore those areas of concern causing difficulty. We will work to develop healthy, and obtainable changes. I offer a safe space where you can be yourself, with no judgement and no bias. I provide all-inclusive services to individuals beginning at 14 years old, and couples. Counseling can lead you to develop a healing path. Call or email today!
In addition to standard psychotherapy I am trained in IFS Internal Family Systems, EMDR for trauma Psychedelic assisted therapy and ketamine therapy.
If white knuckling, self shaming, and pulling yourself up by your bootstraps worked, you’d be “cured” a billion times over. It doesn’t. At least not for me or people whose brains are different. Our minds race and it feels impossible to turn off and rest. Sometimes we use substances or other behaviors in a harmful way just to get through the day. There’s more to life out there. A more peaceful and meaningful life is possible. We need to go deeper and get to the root of things. I’ll go with you. Unable to take insurance
In addition to standard psychotherapy I am trained in IFS Internal Family Systems, EMDR for trauma Psychedelic assisted therapy and ketamine therapy.
If white knuckling, self shaming, and pulling yourself up by your bootstraps worked, you’d be “cured” a billion times over. It doesn’t. At least not for me or people whose brains are different. Our minds race and it feels impossible to turn off and rest. Sometimes we use substances or other behaviors in a harmful way just to get through the day. There’s more to life out there. A more peaceful and meaningful life is possible. We need to go deeper and get to the root of things. I’ll go with you. Unable to take insurance
I take an eclectic approach to therapy, primarily utilizing Person-Centered Therapy, DBT, CBT, IFS, and Somatic Experiencing.
I graduated from Reformed Theological Seminary in 2023 with my Master of Arts in Counseling. Since then, I have focused on helping people work through their anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, couples counseling, life changes, and much more. I am a Clinical Trauma Specialist, trained by the Arizona Trauma Institute, Gottman Couples Therapy Method certified, and a Certified Prepare Enrich Facilitator.
I take an eclectic approach to therapy, primarily utilizing Person-Centered Therapy, DBT, CBT, IFS, and Somatic Experiencing.
I graduated from Reformed Theological Seminary in 2023 with my Master of Arts in Counseling. Since then, I have focused on helping people work through their anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, couples counseling, life changes, and much more. I am a Clinical Trauma Specialist, trained by the Arizona Trauma Institute, Gottman Couples Therapy Method certified, and a Certified Prepare Enrich Facilitator.
Helen Wilson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, CCTP-I
Verified Verified
Indian Springs, AL 35124
I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP-I) and have specialized training in EMDR, IFS, CBT and DBT approaches.
Do parts of you feel overwhelmed, agitated, frozen, numb, or out of control with self-destructive thoughts and behaviors? I have 10 years of specialized experience in helping people recover from the shattering effects of trauma. Holding space for your pain and burdens, I am a compassionate listener who will tailor the use of evidence-based interventions and techniques to your specific needs. As a Christian, I often integrate the hope and healing of a gospel-centered approach with therapy, but wherever you may find yourself in your own spiritual journey - I am ready to meet you there.
I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP-I) and have specialized training in EMDR, IFS, CBT and DBT approaches.
Do parts of you feel overwhelmed, agitated, frozen, numb, or out of control with self-destructive thoughts and behaviors? I have 10 years of specialized experience in helping people recover from the shattering effects of trauma. Holding space for your pain and burdens, I am a compassionate listener who will tailor the use of evidence-based interventions and techniques to your specific needs. As a Christian, I often integrate the hope and healing of a gospel-centered approach with therapy, but wherever you may find yourself in your own spiritual journey - I am ready to meet you there.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and its variations, family and internal family systems, and reality/choice-oriented therapy constitute and frame my overall therapeutic interventions.
Hello and Welcome, my name is Emilio. I am a licensed clinical social worker holding licenses in Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina. I have been in practice for 43 years, with specialties in general mental health and behavioral health problems and challenges. This includes depression, anxiety, adjustment, mood, relationship, and marital problems and concerns. Certifications also in Grief and Loss, Addictions, and Life Coaching.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and its variations, family and internal family systems, and reality/choice-oriented therapy constitute and frame my overall therapeutic interventions.
Hello and Welcome, my name is Emilio. I am a licensed clinical social worker holding licenses in Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina. I have been in practice for 43 years, with specialties in general mental health and behavioral health problems and challenges. This includes depression, anxiety, adjustment, mood, relationship, and marital problems and concerns. Certifications also in Grief and Loss, Addictions, and Life Coaching.
I am passionate about integrating attachment theory, EMDR, Internal Family Systems parts work, inner child work, Polyvagal theory and adaptive coping skills.
In therapy sessions, we will collaborate to reduce the impact of traumatic memories, making them feel less overwhelming. My approach empowers you to confront and transform the negative beliefs that arise from these experiences. By rewiring your brain in this way, we create space for adopting new, more positive core beliefs.
I am passionate about integrating attachment theory, EMDR, Internal Family Systems parts work, inner child work, Polyvagal theory and adaptive coping skills.
In therapy sessions, we will collaborate to reduce the impact of traumatic memories, making them feel less overwhelming. My approach empowers you to confront and transform the negative beliefs that arise from these experiences. By rewiring your brain in this way, we create space for adopting new, more positive core beliefs.
When applicable, I use Cognitive Behavioral techniques, Play Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and mindfulness practice.
There is no better time than the present to make changes. Are you tired of not making the most of your life? Is parenting, life changes, stress, or negativity making life harder? I sincerely believe that people want to make positive changes in their lives but oftentimes do not know where to start or know what else to do because they have tried so many diff about beginning counseling for yourself, your child, or family, I always provide an atmosphere that is non-judgmental, emotionally safe. In addition, I strive to build a partnership with the client by understanding what they want to work on and how we can tackle that together.
When applicable, I use Cognitive Behavioral techniques, Play Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and mindfulness practice.
There is no better time than the present to make changes. Are you tired of not making the most of your life? Is parenting, life changes, stress, or negativity making life harder? I sincerely believe that people want to make positive changes in their lives but oftentimes do not know where to start or know what else to do because they have tried so many diff about beginning counseling for yourself, your child, or family, I always provide an atmosphere that is non-judgmental, emotionally safe. In addition, I strive to build a partnership with the client by understanding what they want to work on and how we can tackle that together.
I'm a TBRI practitioner and I utilize EMDR, CBT, and IFS in my sessions.
Is your life filled with stress and worries? Are you struggling with past or recent hurts? Does it feel like you are failing in relationships or parenting? Life can feel overwhelming for all of us at times. Sometimes we are worried about seeking help or don't know where to start. Therapy is a step toward healing and hope for change.
I'm a TBRI practitioner and I utilize EMDR, CBT, and IFS in my sessions.
Is your life filled with stress and worries? Are you struggling with past or recent hurts? Does it feel like you are failing in relationships or parenting? Life can feel overwhelming for all of us at times. Sometimes we are worried about seeking help or don't know where to start. Therapy is a step toward healing and hope for change.
Hanna Whitney Stiltner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, PIP
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Helena, AL 35080
Waitlist for new clients
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Psychotherapist, I believe in treating the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. My passion is helping individuals develop a better understanding of their life through exploring difficult patterns and issues that keep them from connecting to their true selves. I have worked in the mental health field for over 15 years and have a diverse background working with individuals of all ages, as well as couples. I am passionate about providing you with a safe place of healing to help you rediscover peace from within.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Psychotherapist, I believe in treating the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. My passion is helping individuals develop a better understanding of their life through exploring difficult patterns and issues that keep them from connecting to their true selves. I have worked in the mental health field for over 15 years and have a diverse background working with individuals of all ages, as well as couples. I am passionate about providing you with a safe place of healing to help you rediscover peace from within.
Emotional pain can leave us feeling anxious, depressed, and overwhelmed but I have great news! There is a path, a way out, for you to heal and experience peace and joy. You do not have to suffer anymore, white-knuckling it through most days, feeling hopeless and too broken to heal while wondering if your life will ever be fulfilling. I understand the dark nights of despair and how hard it is to reach out. So, I find you to be courageous, right here and now – taking a step to figure out if I can help. And the answer is ‘absolutely!’
Emotional pain can leave us feeling anxious, depressed, and overwhelmed but I have great news! There is a path, a way out, for you to heal and experience peace and joy. You do not have to suffer anymore, white-knuckling it through most days, feeling hopeless and too broken to heal while wondering if your life will ever be fulfilling. I understand the dark nights of despair and how hard it is to reach out. So, I find you to be courageous, right here and now – taking a step to figure out if I can help. And the answer is ‘absolutely!’
Samantha Adams
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Birmingham, AL 35242
I aim to serve individuals, couples, and families who desire understanding, healing, and healthier, deeper relationships. I have experience working with couples and families suffering from relationship issues such as disconnection, infidelity, addiction, and trauma as well as a background in working with individuals with eating disorders, addiction, and general trauma.
I aim to serve individuals, couples, and families who desire understanding, healing, and healthier, deeper relationships. I have experience working with couples and families suffering from relationship issues such as disconnection, infidelity, addiction, and trauma as well as a background in working with individuals with eating disorders, addiction, and general trauma.
Meet Our Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists
Jennifer has 27 years of experience as a therapist and has been licensed in Alabama since 2003. Jennifer provides individual therapy to youth and adults. She has worked most often with women and adolescents. She believes firmly in a client’s ability to heal and grow. She is especially equipped in assisting clients in moving from hopelessness to hopefulness and increasing resilience. Jennifer uses authenticity, connection, and depth of insight to assist the client in healing and moving through their past issues, negative patterns, and experiencing transformative change. She feels it a privilege to be a part of the process.
Jennifer has 27 years of experience as a therapist and has been licensed in Alabama since 2003. Jennifer provides individual therapy to youth and adults. She has worked most often with women and adolescents. She believes firmly in a client’s ability to heal and grow. She is especially equipped in assisting clients in moving from hopelessness to hopefulness and increasing resilience. Jennifer uses authenticity, connection, and depth of insight to assist the client in healing and moving through their past issues, negative patterns, and experiencing transformative change. She feels it a privilege to be a part of the process.
Cherie Dopson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LPC-S, NCC
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Alabaster, AL 35007
I believe we are all born with the innate ability to be great...the greatest version of ourselves. We fall, we fail, but we continue to thrive to be a healthy and productive member of society. With the help of the resources available to us, we choose a goal and work towards it, one step at a time.
I believe we are all born with the innate ability to be great...the greatest version of ourselves. We fall, we fail, but we continue to thrive to be a healthy and productive member of society. With the help of the resources available to us, we choose a goal and work towards it, one step at a time.
Allison Schmale
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pelham, AL 35124
In our efforts to manage life's difficulties, it can be all too easy to find ourselves feeling stuck, lost, or even hopeless. You may have been struggling on your own to find solutions to your depression, anxiety, grief, or trauma, and are now recognizing that you need additional support. Maybe you have noticed that you no longer recognize yourself as a result of these events, and you want to reconnect with that piece of yourself that has been so silent. I would love the opportunity to walk with you on your journey to personal growth, fulfillment, and well-being.
In our efforts to manage life's difficulties, it can be all too easy to find ourselves feeling stuck, lost, or even hopeless. You may have been struggling on your own to find solutions to your depression, anxiety, grief, or trauma, and are now recognizing that you need additional support. Maybe you have noticed that you no longer recognize yourself as a result of these events, and you want to reconnect with that piece of yourself that has been so silent. I would love the opportunity to walk with you on your journey to personal growth, fulfillment, and well-being.
Elizabeth Coleman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Birmingham, AL 35242
If you are experiencing a difficult time in your life and struggling to get through the day and wanting a positive change in your life, reaching out for help might be the best option. As your therapist I want to work alongside you in your heaviness and pain, and guide you on a path of healing and help achieve your desired outcomes. My passion is to help those who feel hopeless.
If you are experiencing a difficult time in your life and struggling to get through the day and wanting a positive change in your life, reaching out for help might be the best option. As your therapist I want to work alongside you in your heaviness and pain, and guide you on a path of healing and help achieve your desired outcomes. My passion is to help those who feel hopeless.
Sarah Atkinson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Alabaster, AL 35007
You don’t have to navigate this alone.
As a therapist, I deeply value creating an authentic and trusting relationship with every client I work with. I believe that healing happens within the safety of a genuine human connection—one where you feel seen, heard, and supported without judgment. My goal is to meet you where you are, while also gently challenging you toward growth, healing, and self-discovery.
You don’t have to navigate this alone.
As a therapist, I deeply value creating an authentic and trusting relationship with every client I work with. I believe that healing happens within the safety of a genuine human connection—one where you feel seen, heard, and supported without judgment. My goal is to meet you where you are, while also gently challenging you toward growth, healing, and self-discovery.
Kathryn Strickland Abs Sex Therapist
Counselor, MEd, LPC, ABS
Verified Verified
Birmingham, AL 35242
Are you and your relationship struggling due to sexual issues. These sensitive subjects can be difficult to talk about and even harder to find the right therapist for. I specialize in helping individuals through sexual issues of all kinds, including but not limited to: ED, Desire discrepancy, pelvic pain, sexual aversion, sexual trauma, low libido, out of control sexual behavior, negative impacts of pornography and technology, medical sexual dysfunction, and more. Don't let sexual problems stop you from having the life and relationships you desire.
Are you and your relationship struggling due to sexual issues. These sensitive subjects can be difficult to talk about and even harder to find the right therapist for. I specialize in helping individuals through sexual issues of all kinds, including but not limited to: ED, Desire discrepancy, pelvic pain, sexual aversion, sexual trauma, low libido, out of control sexual behavior, negative impacts of pornography and technology, medical sexual dysfunction, and more. Don't let sexual problems stop you from having the life and relationships you desire.
Valerie Lawhon
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Helena, AL 35080
Do you want to gain understanding of yourself and make positive changes? You're in the right place! As an empathetic person, my clients tend to feel at ease, especially if it's their first time in therapy. I provide a safe space for us to explore any of your mental health/life concerns. I tend to have a straight-forward and practical approach while providing validation and gentle encouragement at the same time. I utilize a person-centered approach to ensure you feel heard, validated, and that you are heading in a positive direction.
Do you want to gain understanding of yourself and make positive changes? You're in the right place! As an empathetic person, my clients tend to feel at ease, especially if it's their first time in therapy. I provide a safe space for us to explore any of your mental health/life concerns. I tend to have a straight-forward and practical approach while providing validation and gentle encouragement at the same time. I utilize a person-centered approach to ensure you feel heard, validated, and that you are heading in a positive direction.
Kayla Ogletree
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Birmingham, AL 35242
Everyone deserves to live a life that they love and to be the person that they want to be. However, it can be hard to do that when life can be unfair, unpredictable, yet somehow wonderful all at the same time. If you find yourself in a place you never thought you would be, I would be honored to help you make a comeback and help you live your life to the fullest, with confidence as you gain self-awareness and start to believe in yourself again. Whether it is improving your performance or healing past hurts I am here to help you be where you want to be.
Everyone deserves to live a life that they love and to be the person that they want to be. However, it can be hard to do that when life can be unfair, unpredictable, yet somehow wonderful all at the same time. If you find yourself in a place you never thought you would be, I would be honored to help you make a comeback and help you live your life to the fullest, with confidence as you gain self-awareness and start to believe in yourself again. Whether it is improving your performance or healing past hurts I am here to help you be where you want to be.
Shelby Sandlin
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Birmingham, AL 35242
I am passionate about walking alongside individuals who may be struggling with the effects of trauma, relationship issues, depression, and anxiety. My goal as a therapist is to provide a safe space where individuals can feel seen, heard, and valued. I believe that greater awareness, coping skills, and the ability to own our stories are powerful tools for healing. I am honored to be a witness to my clients' journey in realizing their own strenghts and capabilities.
I am passionate about walking alongside individuals who may be struggling with the effects of trauma, relationship issues, depression, and anxiety. My goal as a therapist is to provide a safe space where individuals can feel seen, heard, and valued. I believe that greater awareness, coping skills, and the ability to own our stories are powerful tools for healing. I am honored to be a witness to my clients' journey in realizing their own strenghts and capabilities.
See more therapy options for Shelby County
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.