Photo of Daniel Parke, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Arizona
Daniel Parke
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Gilbert, AZ 85296
I offer a trauma informed approach to therapy which draws largely from training and experience with EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Emotional Freedom Technique.
Can you relate to the following questions? How do I manage anxiety and depression so that the present moment is not so overwhelming? How can I change the negative view of myself and unwanted behaviors which seem to be driven by the past? How can my partner and I communicate our needs and concerns without triggering defensiveness in each other and keep from slipping into the same negative relationship patterns?
I offer a trauma informed approach to therapy which draws largely from training and experience with EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Emotional Freedom Technique.
Can you relate to the following questions? How do I manage anxiety and depression so that the present moment is not so overwhelming? How can I change the negative view of myself and unwanted behaviors which seem to be driven by the past? How can my partner and I communicate our needs and concerns without triggering defensiveness in each other and keep from slipping into the same negative relationship patterns?
(480) 568-6354 View (480) 568-6354
Photo of James Sapp, Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona
James Sapp
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Phoenix, AZ 85051
Pathway to Peace Psychotherapy, PLLC has EVENING and WEEKEND appointments available both in office and telehealth! My experience includes working with adults and teens to work through trauma, establish recovery, help develop coping skills, resiliency, and balance in their lives. I use evidence-based CBT, DBT, IFS and EMDR techniques which accelerate the brain's response to learning how to change negative beliefs to positive beliefs.
Pathway to Peace Psychotherapy, PLLC has EVENING and WEEKEND appointments available both in office and telehealth! My experience includes working with adults and teens to work through trauma, establish recovery, help develop coping skills, resiliency, and balance in their lives. I use evidence-based CBT, DBT, IFS and EMDR techniques which accelerate the brain's response to learning how to change negative beliefs to positive beliefs.
(602) 483-6833 View (602) 483-6833
Photo of Ian Barnes, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Arizona
Ian Barnes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85044  (Online Only)
I am trained and well experienced in experiential trauma therapies like EMDR and IFS and have a holistic focus trying to focus on improving body, mind, and relationships.
My ideal client is someone who is motivated to work towards becoming their best selves. They are not afraid to seek hard answers and are willing to work hard at the goals they set for themselves.
I am trained and well experienced in experiential trauma therapies like EMDR and IFS and have a holistic focus trying to focus on improving body, mind, and relationships.
My ideal client is someone who is motivated to work towards becoming their best selves. They are not afraid to seek hard answers and are willing to work hard at the goals they set for themselves.
(520) 416-4851 View (520) 416-4851
Pit Kolodinsky
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
CBT, ACT, existential-humanistic, psychodynamic, Jungian inner work, Narrative and Postmodern approaches, Self-psychology, the integration of Positive Psychology research into psychotherapy, Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR), Meditative and Mindfulness-based approaches, Ericksonian hypnotherapy and Integrative Gestalt/IFS/parts work.
Accepting new In-person or Telehealth adult clients for individual or group counseling formats who are currently struggling with anxiety, panic, mild/moderate depressive symptoms, life/role transitions, internal and interpersonal conflict themes, purpose-meaning-identity themes, and/or problematic relationship patterns. Over 20 years of clinical experience in FL, Germany and AZ. Most recent group work has involved Men's Cancer Support Group, and, Men's Issues Groups. Am also in my 23rd year as a Professor of Counselor Education at NAU. Many years experience with young and middle-aged adults, especially men's issues.
CBT, ACT, existential-humanistic, psychodynamic, Jungian inner work, Narrative and Postmodern approaches, Self-psychology, the integration of Positive Psychology research into psychotherapy, Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR), Meditative and Mindfulness-based approaches, Ericksonian hypnotherapy and Integrative Gestalt/IFS/parts work.
Accepting new In-person or Telehealth adult clients for individual or group counseling formats who are currently struggling with anxiety, panic, mild/moderate depressive symptoms, life/role transitions, internal and interpersonal conflict themes, purpose-meaning-identity themes, and/or problematic relationship patterns. Over 20 years of clinical experience in FL, Germany and AZ. Most recent group work has involved Men's Cancer Support Group, and, Men's Issues Groups. Am also in my 23rd year as a Professor of Counselor Education at NAU. Many years experience with young and middle-aged adults, especially men's issues.
(928) 599-7849 View (928) 599-7849
Photo of Matt Rundio, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Arizona
Matt Rundio
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, ORDM, DMin, MSMFT, LAMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mesa, AZ 85206
I believe that we are storied beings - that we find meaning and hope within the complex narratives & systems we inhabit. I listen to & work with people to understand, name, & reauthor these stories in order to nurture a greater sense of well-being. I have been in the caring professions for over 25 years with experience in psychiatric group homes & hospitals, higher education, & church settings. I have training in and use Internal Family Systems (IFS), Restoration Therapy, and EMDR. I have extensive training in and use the Gottman Method for couples work.
I believe that we are storied beings - that we find meaning and hope within the complex narratives & systems we inhabit. I listen to & work with people to understand, name, & reauthor these stories in order to nurture a greater sense of well-being. I have been in the caring professions for over 25 years with experience in psychiatric group homes & hospitals, higher education, & church settings. I have training in and use Internal Family Systems (IFS), Restoration Therapy, and EMDR. I have extensive training in and use the Gottman Method for couples work.
(480) 470-8112 View (480) 470-8112
Photo of Andrew Stephen Bott, Counselor in Arizona
Andrew Stephen Bott
Counselor, MAC, LAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gilbert, AZ 85233
This crazy and challenging time we find ourselves in may seem overwhelming and too much at times. Life is not often fair and comes complete with complex issues. I desire to hear your story and come alongside you to develop the skills necessary to overcome adversity in your life. I employ psychological assessments and depending on the situation different clinical interventions in assisting my clients. I have found success with clients through the use of cognitive behavioral therapy along with dialectical behavior therapy, narrative therapy, motivational interviewing, internal family systems, and person-centered approaches.
This crazy and challenging time we find ourselves in may seem overwhelming and too much at times. Life is not often fair and comes complete with complex issues. I desire to hear your story and come alongside you to develop the skills necessary to overcome adversity in your life. I employ psychological assessments and depending on the situation different clinical interventions in assisting my clients. I have found success with clients through the use of cognitive behavioral therapy along with dialectical behavior therapy, narrative therapy, motivational interviewing, internal family systems, and person-centered approaches.
(480) 818-5565 View (480) 818-5565
Photo of Christian Gonzalez, Marriage & Family Therapist in Arizona
Christian Gonzalez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Gilbert, AZ 85233
Drawing from Narrative and Internal Family Systems theories, I will help you discover what is getting in the way of living to your fullest and work with you to overcome the problems that keep you from living fully.
Maybe you already feel like you’re at the end of your rope. Do you need help with your relationships? Is the stress of work just too much? Or have you simply realized that you aren’t leading the life you want to be living? Whatever you’re facing, do you want to live more authentically and achieve the lasting relationships you desire?
Drawing from Narrative and Internal Family Systems theories, I will help you discover what is getting in the way of living to your fullest and work with you to overcome the problems that keep you from living fully.
Maybe you already feel like you’re at the end of your rope. Do you need help with your relationships? Is the stress of work just too much? Or have you simply realized that you aren’t leading the life you want to be living? Whatever you’re facing, do you want to live more authentically and achieve the lasting relationships you desire?
(714) 696-8724 View (714) 696-8724
Photo of Bryan Crow, Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona
Bryan Crow
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Tucson, AZ 85712  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am trained in Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, (EMDR), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with working knowledge of Art Therapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
Do you need a place to sort out your inner life? As a visual artist, meditator, and counselor I bring creativity, mindfulness, and compassion to each relationship. We will explore your multiplicity, I will use a combination of evidence-based practices to attend to the whole person for a holistic approach to help you move towards self-actualization. We will work in the here-and-now in order to develop skills or insights that will support and translate into your daily life. Together we will safely attend to challenging emotions, learn to self-regulate mood, and manage thoughts and behaviors to improve wellbeing and meaning.
I am trained in Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, (EMDR), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with working knowledge of Art Therapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
Do you need a place to sort out your inner life? As a visual artist, meditator, and counselor I bring creativity, mindfulness, and compassion to each relationship. We will explore your multiplicity, I will use a combination of evidence-based practices to attend to the whole person for a holistic approach to help you move towards self-actualization. We will work in the here-and-now in order to develop skills or insights that will support and translate into your daily life. Together we will safely attend to challenging emotions, learn to self-regulate mood, and manage thoughts and behaviors to improve wellbeing and meaning.
(520) 341-2289 View (520) 341-2289
Photo of Forrest Call, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Arizona
Forrest Call
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, CSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Mesa, AZ 85205
As a clinician, I use a combination of humor, yoga, EMDR, internal family systems, and a holistic, integrative, whole-person model.
To grow and heal, you have to be face the parts of yourself that you don’t show the world, however—you do not need to do that alone. I provide a non-judgmental space for self-honesty and discovering parts of yourself that got left behind. Reclaiming your wellbeing is about being seen and understood, honestly connecting with yourself and your instincts, recognizing and meeting your unmet needs, and coming back into alignment with who you really are.
As a clinician, I use a combination of humor, yoga, EMDR, internal family systems, and a holistic, integrative, whole-person model.
To grow and heal, you have to be face the parts of yourself that you don’t show the world, however—you do not need to do that alone. I provide a non-judgmental space for self-honesty and discovering parts of yourself that got left behind. Reclaiming your wellbeing is about being seen and understood, honestly connecting with yourself and your instincts, recognizing and meeting your unmet needs, and coming back into alignment with who you really are.
(480) 576-5811 View (480) 576-5811
Photo of David Adamusko, Marriage & Family Therapist in Arizona
David Adamusko
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, CCTP
Verified Verified
Mesa, AZ 85206
I am certified in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and approved to supervise therapists in this model.
**CERTIFIED IFS Therapist** If you're looking for individual or couples therapy that's as grounded and practical as it is compassionate and emotionally focused, than I may be good fit for you. I do my best to create a comfortable place to talk about and explore emotional patterns while also helping you understand how to heal and/or get unstuck. I love what I do, and this passion has fostered an expertise in the study of relationships, trauma and neuroscience. I also enjoy educating people to become informed consumers of psychotherapy, so that you expect and get more out of therapy, whether that's with me or someone else.
I am certified in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and approved to supervise therapists in this model.
**CERTIFIED IFS Therapist** If you're looking for individual or couples therapy that's as grounded and practical as it is compassionate and emotionally focused, than I may be good fit for you. I do my best to create a comfortable place to talk about and explore emotional patterns while also helping you understand how to heal and/or get unstuck. I love what I do, and this passion has fostered an expertise in the study of relationships, trauma and neuroscience. I also enjoy educating people to become informed consumers of psychotherapy, so that you expect and get more out of therapy, whether that's with me or someone else.
(215) 607-6825 View (215) 607-6825
Photo of Kyle Giblin, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Arizona
Kyle Giblin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85013  (Online Only)
Our experience is backed with specialized treatment modalities including: Sand Tray, Play therapy, art interventions, DBT, EMDR, CBT, SE, and IFS.
If you experienced something traumatic; I am proof that you can heal! If you have struggled with addiction; I can relate. If you’re finding your way through a complex relationship; I got your back! Trauma, addiction, and complex relationships are my specialty which extends into many other mental health needs. As the owner of small group practice 'Noble Path Counseling & Consulting', I ensure that my team of professionals can relate to your situation and also provide you with highly specialized skills tailored to your needs. Let us help you overcome whatever obstacles you face so that you can start living your best life ASAP!
Our experience is backed with specialized treatment modalities including: Sand Tray, Play therapy, art interventions, DBT, EMDR, CBT, SE, and IFS.
If you experienced something traumatic; I am proof that you can heal! If you have struggled with addiction; I can relate. If you’re finding your way through a complex relationship; I got your back! Trauma, addiction, and complex relationships are my specialty which extends into many other mental health needs. As the owner of small group practice 'Noble Path Counseling & Consulting', I ensure that my team of professionals can relate to your situation and also provide you with highly specialized skills tailored to your needs. Let us help you overcome whatever obstacles you face so that you can start living your best life ASAP!
(602) 899-0750 View (602) 899-0750
Photo of Riley Walsh - Gender Identity Center, Counselor in Arizona
Riley Walsh - Gender Identity Center
Counselor, LAC
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85016
My therapeutic approach centers on Existential Theory and incorporates elements of Internal Family Systems and person-centered therapy.
My name is Riley and my pronouns are he/him/his. My work is focused on supporting the LGBTQIA2S+ community. As a transgender and autistic man, it is important to me that my clients have a safe space in my office to be their most authentic self and may be met with unconditional positive regard throughout their therapeutic experience. Seeking therapy is a courageous first step in an effort to better oneself and it is an act of self-love. I firmly believe that everyone deserves a space to embark on this journey and be met with acceptance at every stage of their healing. I am accepting clients of all ages.
My therapeutic approach centers on Existential Theory and incorporates elements of Internal Family Systems and person-centered therapy.
My name is Riley and my pronouns are he/him/his. My work is focused on supporting the LGBTQIA2S+ community. As a transgender and autistic man, it is important to me that my clients have a safe space in my office to be their most authentic self and may be met with unconditional positive regard throughout their therapeutic experience. Seeking therapy is a courageous first step in an effort to better oneself and it is an act of self-love. I firmly believe that everyone deserves a space to embark on this journey and be met with acceptance at every stage of their healing. I am accepting clients of all ages.
(623) 294-9188 View (623) 294-9188
Photo of Elijah Steinbrecher, Marriage & Family Therapist in Arizona
Elijah Steinbrecher
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85028
With 13+ year career in Behavioral Health, I'm trained in Eye-Movement Desensitization&Reprocessing (EMDR), Ego-state/IFS therapies, Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP) & Motivational Interviewing.
History shows us that at some point during our lives, we will all need some form of help. So, if we take our legal needs to Lawyers, medical needs to Doctors, why wouldn't we take our mental & emotional needs to a Therapist? Journeying through life can often be confusing & challenging. Life is all about connection to ourselves, a spouse, families or Creator. Connection takes work! So, when we've run out of resources to deal with issues, we often feel lost. I'm passionate about supporting individuals, couples, & families address challenges associated with life & trauma, because nobody effortlessly waltzes into great relationships.
With 13+ year career in Behavioral Health, I'm trained in Eye-Movement Desensitization&Reprocessing (EMDR), Ego-state/IFS therapies, Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP) & Motivational Interviewing.
History shows us that at some point during our lives, we will all need some form of help. So, if we take our legal needs to Lawyers, medical needs to Doctors, why wouldn't we take our mental & emotional needs to a Therapist? Journeying through life can often be confusing & challenging. Life is all about connection to ourselves, a spouse, families or Creator. Connection takes work! So, when we've run out of resources to deal with issues, we often feel lost. I'm passionate about supporting individuals, couples, & families address challenges associated with life & trauma, because nobody effortlessly waltzes into great relationships.
(602) 878-7139 View (602) 878-7139
Photo of Agustin Hubert, Counselor in Arizona
Agustin Hubert
Counselor, MDiv, MA, LAC
Verified Verified
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
My approaches include EMDR, CBT, DBT, Family Systems, and spirituality.
Currently accepting new clients. About me: I believe in the potential, capacity, worthiness, and value of every individual. My goal is to provide a safe place where you can explore, address, and work through whatever you may be facing. I know starting is the hardest part, so my goal is for you to feel heard, seen, and supported, without being judged or doubted, and challenged when necessary.
My approaches include EMDR, CBT, DBT, Family Systems, and spirituality.
Currently accepting new clients. About me: I believe in the potential, capacity, worthiness, and value of every individual. My goal is to provide a safe place where you can explore, address, and work through whatever you may be facing. I know starting is the hardest part, so my goal is for you to feel heard, seen, and supported, without being judged or doubted, and challenged when necessary.
(480) 631-9743 View (480) 631-9743
Photo of Doug Malm, Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona
Doug Malm
Licensed Professional Counselor, PsyD, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85014
I utilize treatment modalities including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS) for coping with trauma or internal conflicts, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
I specialize in providing treatment for individuals experiencing difficulties including but not limited to: relationship or marital problems, codependency, depression, anxiety, trauma, problems with regulating emotions, eating disorders, physical pain, self-harming behaviors, OCD behaviors, and social phobias.
I utilize treatment modalities including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS) for coping with trauma or internal conflicts, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
I specialize in providing treatment for individuals experiencing difficulties including but not limited to: relationship or marital problems, codependency, depression, anxiety, trauma, problems with regulating emotions, eating disorders, physical pain, self-harming behaviors, OCD behaviors, and social phobias.
(480) 409-2454 View (480) 409-2454
Photo of Jeff Skeens, Marriage & Family Therapist in Arizona
Jeff Skeens
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MMFT , CCTP, MDiv
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85016
As a marriage and family therapist, I am trained to observe and help family systems as well as individuals.
Unresolved relational issues. Past trauma that has begun affecting your normal routine. Marriage is going through a hard time. Family life is full of stress and conflict. Anxiety keeps growing and becoming more intense. These are all part of being human and being in relationship, and it’s OK to ask for help in the midst of them.
As a marriage and family therapist, I am trained to observe and help family systems as well as individuals.
Unresolved relational issues. Past trauma that has begun affecting your normal routine. Marriage is going through a hard time. Family life is full of stress and conflict. Anxiety keeps growing and becoming more intense. These are all part of being human and being in relationship, and it’s OK to ask for help in the midst of them.
(602) 584-7670 View (602) 584-7670
Photo of Abraham Awais, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Arizona
Abraham Awais
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
13 Endorsed
Mesa, AZ 85209
Hi! Each of us walks our own path. I primarily use IFS (Internal Family Systems) and can help you reconnect and build relationships with all parts of yourself. I can offer you a pathway to your inner world and journey alongside you as we rediscover what was lost, returning to parts stranded in dark corners of the past with tenderness and compassion. The majority of my experience includes working with childhood trauma, neglect, depression, anxiety, codependency and grief. As a first-generation Middle Eastern American, I wholeheartedly understand adverse experiences, cultural burdens and identity conflicts that keep us feeling lost.
Hi! Each of us walks our own path. I primarily use IFS (Internal Family Systems) and can help you reconnect and build relationships with all parts of yourself. I can offer you a pathway to your inner world and journey alongside you as we rediscover what was lost, returning to parts stranded in dark corners of the past with tenderness and compassion. The majority of my experience includes working with childhood trauma, neglect, depression, anxiety, codependency and grief. As a first-generation Middle Eastern American, I wholeheartedly understand adverse experiences, cultural burdens and identity conflicts that keep us feeling lost.
(602) 975-4939 View (602) 975-4939
Photo of Grant Pooley, Counselor in Arizona
Grant Pooley
Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Tempe, AZ 85283
During my 6 years as a police officer with Scottsdale PD, I discovered a passion for supporting and joining with those working through trauma and relational issues. I predominantly work with trauma, anxiety, couples, life transitions, stress management, and first responders. I utilize a variety of modalities, including EMDR therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Solution Focused Therapy to assist clients in achieving their goals.
During my 6 years as a police officer with Scottsdale PD, I discovered a passion for supporting and joining with those working through trauma and relational issues. I predominantly work with trauma, anxiety, couples, life transitions, stress management, and first responders. I utilize a variety of modalities, including EMDR therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Solution Focused Therapy to assist clients in achieving their goals.
(602) 860-6281 x25 View (602) 860-6281 x25
Photo of Jason Schrott, Counselor in Arizona
Jason Schrott
Counselor, MS-CMH, LAC, CTP
Verified Verified
Phoenix, AZ 85028
Jason is client-centered and uses a variety of modalities including Brainspotting, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered, Trauma Focused, and Strength-based and Resilience therapies.
Is something impeding you from reaching your full potential? Are you feeling stuck and overwhelmed? Are the ways that you've learned how to deal with life no longer working? If you are experiencing compulsive, addictive behaviors, substance use, trauma, or anxiety, I can help you find relief. Feeling safe, self-compassionate and empowered to move forward is within reach. Working together can enable you to identify goals and remove obstacles that may be preventing you from experiencing more fulfilling relationships with yourself, your career, and other people.
Jason is client-centered and uses a variety of modalities including Brainspotting, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered, Trauma Focused, and Strength-based and Resilience therapies.
Is something impeding you from reaching your full potential? Are you feeling stuck and overwhelmed? Are the ways that you've learned how to deal with life no longer working? If you are experiencing compulsive, addictive behaviors, substance use, trauma, or anxiety, I can help you find relief. Feeling safe, self-compassionate and empowered to move forward is within reach. Working together can enable you to identify goals and remove obstacles that may be preventing you from experiencing more fulfilling relationships with yourself, your career, and other people.
(602) 536-7053 View (602) 536-7053
Photo of Steve Rosalik, Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona
Steve Rosalik
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tucson, AZ 85716
Waitlist for new clients
Whether you need to do some healing or just want some help sorting yourself out, we can do that together. Anything from the very small (counseling) to the very large (trauma-focused psychotherapy with internal family systems or IFS), or doing energetic and somatic work (trauma and tension release exercises or TRE), I offer to follow or guide you on whatever journey you need to take. Part of this journey may be building skills or developing coping strategies. Another part may be forming a totally new relationship to whatever challenges you face, whether those challenges seem to be outside or inside of you.
Whether you need to do some healing or just want some help sorting yourself out, we can do that together. Anything from the very small (counseling) to the very large (trauma-focused psychotherapy with internal family systems or IFS), or doing energetic and somatic work (trauma and tension release exercises or TRE), I offer to follow or guide you on whatever journey you need to take. Part of this journey may be building skills or developing coping strategies. Another part may be forming a totally new relationship to whatever challenges you face, whether those challenges seem to be outside or inside of you.
(520) 591-9428 View (520) 591-9428
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.