Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists in Golden, CO

Photo of Camille Brunel, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Camille Brunel
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Golden, CO 80401  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I primarily use internal family systems and somatic therapies in my counseling practice which I integrate with DBT behavioral skills training when appropriate.
Psychotherapy can provide an invaluable space to explore our fears and suffering with a compassionate witness. Over time, we are able to befriend aspects of ourselves that we have suppressed and begin to recognize that our symptoms are coping skills we have used to survive. I seek to provide gentle guidance to clients to help them move into discomfort, expand their insight, and discover previously untapped strength and resources, while also respecting each person’s unique process and pacing. I have a holistic approach, taking into consideration the mind, body, and spirit as integral to healing.
I primarily use internal family systems and somatic therapies in my counseling practice which I integrate with DBT behavioral skills training when appropriate.
Psychotherapy can provide an invaluable space to explore our fears and suffering with a compassionate witness. Over time, we are able to befriend aspects of ourselves that we have suppressed and begin to recognize that our symptoms are coping skills we have used to survive. I seek to provide gentle guidance to clients to help them move into discomfort, expand their insight, and discover previously untapped strength and resources, while also respecting each person’s unique process and pacing. I have a holistic approach, taking into consideration the mind, body, and spirit as integral to healing.
(720) 790-3163 View (720) 790-3163
Photo of Grace J. Willow, MA, LPC, LPC-A, NCC, CHT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Grace J. Willow
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LPC-A, NCC, CHT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Golden, CO 80401  (Online Only)
I offer an integrative holistic approach, including ketamine assisted therapy, somatic therapy, hypnotherapy, IFS "parts work", and energy psychology, which powerfully support the mind-body-spirit connection to resolve the ROOT cause of distress, moving beyond struggling to thriving.
Do you struggle with unresolved trauma that blocks you from feeling fully alive? Feel anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected? Struggle with pelvic pain, shame, unworthiness, perfectionism or imposter syndrome? Put your needs and goals on the back burner? Feel like life should feel easier? More joyful and fulfilling? It shouldn’t be so hard to live a soul-inspired life. I specialize in supporting adults 21+ who have done therapy and other personal development, and are ready to go deeper because they want a deeply fulfilling life. I work with clients virtually throughout Colorado and Texas. In person intensives and retreats available.
I offer an integrative holistic approach, including ketamine assisted therapy, somatic therapy, hypnotherapy, IFS "parts work", and energy psychology, which powerfully support the mind-body-spirit connection to resolve the ROOT cause of distress, moving beyond struggling to thriving.
Do you struggle with unresolved trauma that blocks you from feeling fully alive? Feel anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected? Struggle with pelvic pain, shame, unworthiness, perfectionism or imposter syndrome? Put your needs and goals on the back burner? Feel like life should feel easier? More joyful and fulfilling? It shouldn’t be so hard to live a soul-inspired life. I specialize in supporting adults 21+ who have done therapy and other personal development, and are ready to go deeper because they want a deeply fulfilling life. I work with clients virtually throughout Colorado and Texas. In person intensives and retreats available.
(737) 265-2211 View (737) 265-2211
Photo of Dennnis Guyvan, MA, LPCC, Counselor
Dennnis Guyvan
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Golden, CO 80401
I utilize cutting-edge modalities like Brainspotting, EMDR, IFS, and Somatic Therapy, which have proven to be highly effective.
Welcome! I assume you are going through some challenges right now and since you are here, a part of you believes that there is a way to turn things around. I’m here to help you! Whether you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, social anxiety, trauma, or self-esteem challenges, I am here to guide you every step of the way, help you figure out what exactly is causing the internal distress as well as find a way to manage and resolve that distress!
I utilize cutting-edge modalities like Brainspotting, EMDR, IFS, and Somatic Therapy, which have proven to be highly effective.
Welcome! I assume you are going through some challenges right now and since you are here, a part of you believes that there is a way to turn things around. I’m here to help you! Whether you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, social anxiety, trauma, or self-esteem challenges, I am here to guide you every step of the way, help you figure out what exactly is causing the internal distress as well as find a way to manage and resolve that distress!
(720) 964-1645 View (720) 964-1645
Photo of Angie Perry-Martin, LPC, EdS, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor
Angie Perry-Martin
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, EdS, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Golden, CO 80401
My approach integrates relational, trauma-informed, mindfulness-based and somatic/body-centered approaches that allow for exploration of experience, including Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy, Neuroaffective Relational Model, Internal Family Systems, EMDR, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, & Trauma-Sensitive Yoga.
Do you want more freedom and ease, but when it comes to making lasting change that gets to the root of the issue, you have run out of ideas and patience and want support from someone who understands and can help facilitate growth? My goal is to help support your journey of discovery through inquiry and exploration. Together we will work to create more freedom and choice in thought, action, and feeling- transformation from the inside out. I work with individuals and couples across a wide variety of issues including relational stress, trauma, anxiety, depression, personal growth, and career and life transition.
My approach integrates relational, trauma-informed, mindfulness-based and somatic/body-centered approaches that allow for exploration of experience, including Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy, Neuroaffective Relational Model, Internal Family Systems, EMDR, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, & Trauma-Sensitive Yoga.
Do you want more freedom and ease, but when it comes to making lasting change that gets to the root of the issue, you have run out of ideas and patience and want support from someone who understands and can help facilitate growth? My goal is to help support your journey of discovery through inquiry and exploration. Together we will work to create more freedom and choice in thought, action, and feeling- transformation from the inside out. I work with individuals and couples across a wide variety of issues including relational stress, trauma, anxiety, depression, personal growth, and career and life transition.
(720) 615-3662 View (720) 615-3662
Photo of Shay Helm, MA, LPCC
Shay Helm
Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Golden, CO 80401
I specialize in ADHD, anxiety, OCD, life transitions, and trauma, illuminated through the transformative lenses of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and polyvagal theory: AKA understanding the mind and honoring the body.
Hi! Welcome to my corner of the therapeutic universe! I'm thrilled to invite you on a journey toward understanding, growth, and healing. Picture our sessions as a collaborative adventure, where we navigate the landscape of your mind and emotions with curiosity and compassion. I believe in the power of understanding the intricate connections between mental and physical well-being, drawing from my background in microbiology and nutrition.
I specialize in ADHD, anxiety, OCD, life transitions, and trauma, illuminated through the transformative lenses of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and polyvagal theory: AKA understanding the mind and honoring the body.
Hi! Welcome to my corner of the therapeutic universe! I'm thrilled to invite you on a journey toward understanding, growth, and healing. Picture our sessions as a collaborative adventure, where we navigate the landscape of your mind and emotions with curiosity and compassion. I believe in the power of understanding the intricate connections between mental and physical well-being, drawing from my background in microbiology and nutrition.
(720) 617-8276 View (720) 617-8276
Photo of Mira Lutz, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mira Lutz
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Golden, CO 80401  (Online Only)
I am Mira Lutz, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Using a direct approach, I help clients identify areas of challenge, barriers to change, and individual strengths to achieve positive changes in each client's life for the individual/family. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I incorporate the values of each client to best tailor treatment. I incorporate emotion-focused, strategic, experiential therapies, IFS and CBT. I focus on clients' unique strengths and work with each one to help them discover the highest level of mental health and wellness they can achieve.
I am Mira Lutz, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Using a direct approach, I help clients identify areas of challenge, barriers to change, and individual strengths to achieve positive changes in each client's life for the individual/family. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I incorporate the values of each client to best tailor treatment. I incorporate emotion-focused, strategic, experiential therapies, IFS and CBT. I focus on clients' unique strengths and work with each one to help them discover the highest level of mental health and wellness they can achieve.
(720) 500-9673 View (720) 500-9673
Photo of Abigail Crispin, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Abigail Crispin
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
Golden, CO 80401
As a graduate student of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Regis University and a Level 2 Internal Family Systems (IFS) practitioner, my clinical practice is grounded in my study of IFS, person-centered, and trauma-informed models of psychotherapy. I integrate these modalities in my work with adults, adolescents, and children struggling with depression, anxiety, and life transitions.
As a graduate student of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Regis University and a Level 2 Internal Family Systems (IFS) practitioner, my clinical practice is grounded in my study of IFS, person-centered, and trauma-informed models of psychotherapy. I integrate these modalities in my work with adults, adolescents, and children struggling with depression, anxiety, and life transitions.
(720) 580-9354 View (720) 580-9354
Photo of Bonnie Brennan, MA, LPC, CEDS, CAI, NATC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Bonnie Brennan
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CEDS, CAI, NATC
Verified Verified
Golden, CO 80401
Informed by evidenced based practices of ACT, EFFT, IFS and Behavioral Therapy, he work we do together will allow you and/or your family to move towards and into a life worth living.
In person therapy services in Colorado. Virtual therapy in Colorado, Maine, Oregon and Wyoming. Consultation and coaching nationwide! Are you looking for an advanced clinician to support you or your loved one with struggles around mental health, addictions and/or eating disorders? I am an advanced clinician in mental health, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and Consultant, Certified ARISE Interventionist and Certified Narcissistic Abuse Treatment Clinician. I have specialties in working with personality disorders, dual diagnosis and multi-layered situations.
Informed by evidenced based practices of ACT, EFFT, IFS and Behavioral Therapy, he work we do together will allow you and/or your family to move towards and into a life worth living.
In person therapy services in Colorado. Virtual therapy in Colorado, Maine, Oregon and Wyoming. Consultation and coaching nationwide! Are you looking for an advanced clinician to support you or your loved one with struggles around mental health, addictions and/or eating disorders? I am an advanced clinician in mental health, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and Consultant, Certified ARISE Interventionist and Certified Narcissistic Abuse Treatment Clinician. I have specialties in working with personality disorders, dual diagnosis and multi-layered situations.
(720) 663-8699 View (720) 663-8699
Photo of Jackie Paslay, MA, LPC-C, NCC, Counselor
Jackie Paslay
Counselor, MA, LPC-C, NCC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Golden, CO 80401
My therapeutic style is an integrated approach. I focus on building the therapeutic alliance and relationship by first practicing Person Centered Therapy which will ultimately evolve into practicing a variety of modalities that best resonate with you and what will best help you accomplish your therapeutic goals. Other modalities that might be a part of the therapy plan with me include, but are not limited to,: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Narrative Therapy (NT), Motivational Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Creative Arts Therapy: Art, Nature, Play, Somatic Therapy, Gestalt & more.
My therapeutic style is an integrated approach. I focus on building the therapeutic alliance and relationship by first practicing Person Centered Therapy which will ultimately evolve into practicing a variety of modalities that best resonate with you and what will best help you accomplish your therapeutic goals. Other modalities that might be a part of the therapy plan with me include, but are not limited to,: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Narrative Therapy (NT), Motivational Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Creative Arts Therapy: Art, Nature, Play, Somatic Therapy, Gestalt & more.
(720) 893-9795 View (720) 893-9795
Photo of Nicole Jefferson, LPCC, MA, NCC
Nicole Jefferson
Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate, LPCC, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Golden, CO 80401
In my work with clients, I encompass a mindfulness lens, somatic work, internal family systems, nature components, and the power that we all have to heal ourselves.
“Therapy to help authentic souls navigate the wilds of life.” My most crucial long-term relationship has been with the great outdoors; my first therapist was Mother Nature. I have used my time in this mighty space to align the things that make my heartbeat: people, nature, and the power of self-development. The outdoors is a powerful resource that helps us feel grounded and at peace, immersed in all Mother Nature offers. My approach is whole-bodied, holistic, mindful, bodily, and expansive. My goal for people is to feel good in their skin and reach their true SELF. I offer indoor, virtual, and outdoor therapy.
In my work with clients, I encompass a mindfulness lens, somatic work, internal family systems, nature components, and the power that we all have to heal ourselves.
“Therapy to help authentic souls navigate the wilds of life.” My most crucial long-term relationship has been with the great outdoors; my first therapist was Mother Nature. I have used my time in this mighty space to align the things that make my heartbeat: people, nature, and the power of self-development. The outdoors is a powerful resource that helps us feel grounded and at peace, immersed in all Mother Nature offers. My approach is whole-bodied, holistic, mindful, bodily, and expansive. My goal for people is to feel good in their skin and reach their true SELF. I offer indoor, virtual, and outdoor therapy.
(303) 529-4260 View (303) 529-4260
Photo of Diana Baumgarten, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Diana Baumgarten
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Golden, CO 80401
I utilize a variety of approaches including Play, IFS, Cognitive Behavioral, Family Systems and EMDR.
I'm a compassionate and caring therapist who strives to help others find peace and happiness within their lives. I have worked with elementary and middle school aged children for the past 16 years and love helping children develop coping skills for emotional regulation management and manage other stressors in their lives. I'm able to assist families navigate the school setting as needed. I also enjoy working with adults to help come up with strategies to manage anxiety, relationship issues, parenting and cope with any past trauma.
I utilize a variety of approaches including Play, IFS, Cognitive Behavioral, Family Systems and EMDR.
I'm a compassionate and caring therapist who strives to help others find peace and happiness within their lives. I have worked with elementary and middle school aged children for the past 16 years and love helping children develop coping skills for emotional regulation management and manage other stressors in their lives. I'm able to assist families navigate the school setting as needed. I also enjoy working with adults to help come up with strategies to manage anxiety, relationship issues, parenting and cope with any past trauma.
(720) 463-1461 View (720) 463-1461
Photo of Carrie Elste, LCSW, EMDR, IFS, KAP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Carrie Elste
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR, IFS, KAP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Golden, CO 80401
I have a true passion for EMDR, IFS and psychedelic therapy.
Imagine yourself empowered to step out of overwhelm, exhaustion and worry. What would you create? My ideal clients are people experiencing overwhelm due to perfectionism, people pleasing & care taking tendencies. These are trauma responses. Together we will define your boundaries, find your voice, & get you living a life that you love. We will get to know all parts of you, what core beliefs are holding you back, and utilize EMDR and Internal Family Systems work to accept what's there, and reshape behavior patterns. I am passionate about treating the root cause for clients to grow quickly through boutique therapy that works for them.
I have a true passion for EMDR, IFS and psychedelic therapy.
Imagine yourself empowered to step out of overwhelm, exhaustion and worry. What would you create? My ideal clients are people experiencing overwhelm due to perfectionism, people pleasing & care taking tendencies. These are trauma responses. Together we will define your boundaries, find your voice, & get you living a life that you love. We will get to know all parts of you, what core beliefs are holding you back, and utilize EMDR and Internal Family Systems work to accept what's there, and reshape behavior patterns. I am passionate about treating the root cause for clients to grow quickly through boutique therapy that works for them.
(833) 649-3159 View (833) 649-3159
Photo of Ann Kelly, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Ann Kelly
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Golden, CO 80401
Multiple modalities used, including, Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Couples Therapy, Pre/Post Deployment Counseling.
Serving Individuals, Families, Couples, Adolescents > 15 years, and older Adults. Level 1 trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS), Basic trained in EMDR and certified in Mind/Body Medicine.
Multiple modalities used, including, Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Couples Therapy, Pre/Post Deployment Counseling.
Serving Individuals, Families, Couples, Adolescents > 15 years, and older Adults. Level 1 trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS), Basic trained in EMDR and certified in Mind/Body Medicine.
(720) 336-5796 View (720) 336-5796
Photo of Eileen Fisher, MA, LPC, SEP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Eileen Fisher
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, SEP
Verified Verified
Golden, CO 80419
The modalities I use include Contemplative Psychotherapy, Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems, and Mindfulness based practices.
I believe we all possess innate health and wholeness. In my therapeutic work I assist individuals in reconnecting with their inherent health and resiliency so that they can live their lives more fully. At the center of my practice is a respectful, non-judgmental, and compassionate space used to explore each individual’s unique healing process.
The modalities I use include Contemplative Psychotherapy, Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems, and Mindfulness based practices.
I believe we all possess innate health and wholeness. In my therapeutic work I assist individuals in reconnecting with their inherent health and resiliency so that they can live their lives more fully. At the center of my practice is a respectful, non-judgmental, and compassionate space used to explore each individual’s unique healing process.
(503) 461-8088 View (503) 461-8088
Photo of Kristine West, MSW, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kristine West
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
Golden, CO 80401
I naturally gravitate toward Internal Family Systems and Somatic Experience therapy.
Welcome! My approach to wellness is founded on compassion for the authentic self and attunement to the body's response to emotional states. For adults, the echoes of childhood abuse, neglect, abandonment, and complicated attachment can create turbulence in our adult bodies, minds, identity, and relationships.
I naturally gravitate toward Internal Family Systems and Somatic Experience therapy.
Welcome! My approach to wellness is founded on compassion for the authentic self and attunement to the body's response to emotional states. For adults, the echoes of childhood abuse, neglect, abandonment, and complicated attachment can create turbulence in our adult bodies, minds, identity, and relationships.
(720) 861-4262 View (720) 861-4262
Photo of Megan Michelle Stevens, MS, MA, LPCC
Megan Michelle Stevens
Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate, MS, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Golden, CO 80401
Keeping in mind that the mind and body are not separate, I use internal family systems, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused brief therapy to help clients feel better and create the outcomes that they're looking to achieve.
The world of work can be hard, especially for leaders and managers! After working as a HR leader, and helping organizations with change and leadership development, I left the corporate world to support people with challenges that are impacting them in their world of work. The difficult thing is that sometimes "work" challenges are really "us" challenges. Participating in healing and growth (which is what makes us human), can be difficult in what can feel like a quick and callous world. Sometimes work is our safe space, or "the only normal part of my life" and I'm here for that too!
Keeping in mind that the mind and body are not separate, I use internal family systems, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused brief therapy to help clients feel better and create the outcomes that they're looking to achieve.
The world of work can be hard, especially for leaders and managers! After working as a HR leader, and helping organizations with change and leadership development, I left the corporate world to support people with challenges that are impacting them in their world of work. The difficult thing is that sometimes "work" challenges are really "us" challenges. Participating in healing and growth (which is what makes us human), can be difficult in what can feel like a quick and callous world. Sometimes work is our safe space, or "the only normal part of my life" and I'm here for that too!
(720) 502-1176 View (720) 502-1176
Photo of Sarah Hay, LMSW, EdM, RYT
Sarah Hay
Licensed Social Worker, LMSW, EdM, RYT
Verified Verified
Golden, CO 80403
I offer a blend of somatic and experiential therapies, Internal Family Systems-informed strategies, humor and a belief in the human ability to connect to a power greater than self.
Are you feeling like you could use more support, a true ally by your side as you navigate life? Maybe you’re in the middle of something that feels too heavy to handle alone. I work with tweens, teens, and adults who want to stop feeling controlled by symptoms of mood swings, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression. Whether you’re managing your mental health, navigating teen life, or recovering from the toll of front-line work, I’m here to walk with you on your journey.
I offer a blend of somatic and experiential therapies, Internal Family Systems-informed strategies, humor and a belief in the human ability to connect to a power greater than self.
Are you feeling like you could use more support, a true ally by your side as you navigate life? Maybe you’re in the middle of something that feels too heavy to handle alone. I work with tweens, teens, and adults who want to stop feeling controlled by symptoms of mood swings, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression. Whether you’re managing your mental health, navigating teen life, or recovering from the toll of front-line work, I’m here to walk with you on your journey.
(720) 707-3432 View (720) 707-3432
Photo of Veronica Walton, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Veronica Walton
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Golden, CO 80403
My clinical approach utilizes the modalities of Emotionally Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and The Gottman Method of Couples Therapy, of which I am Level I certified.
I specialize in working with individuals and couples to explore dating, relationship patterns, attachment, and trauma. I'm especially passionate in supporting the queer community. Together, we work to identify and examine recurring patterns with care and curiosity. In individual work, this can look like exploring your early experiences that informed your attachment style and connecting these patterns to the way you show up or abandon yourself today. In relationship therapy, we bring awareness to the dynamic between partners these individual experiences create to deepen connection, enhance vulnerability, and improve communication.
My clinical approach utilizes the modalities of Emotionally Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and The Gottman Method of Couples Therapy, of which I am Level I certified.
I specialize in working with individuals and couples to explore dating, relationship patterns, attachment, and trauma. I'm especially passionate in supporting the queer community. Together, we work to identify and examine recurring patterns with care and curiosity. In individual work, this can look like exploring your early experiences that informed your attachment style and connecting these patterns to the way you show up or abandon yourself today. In relationship therapy, we bring awareness to the dynamic between partners these individual experiences create to deepen connection, enhance vulnerability, and improve communication.
(970) 463-8819 View (970) 463-8819
Photo of Michelle Fagan, MA , LPC , EMDR, Licensed Professional Counselor
Michelle Fagan
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA , LPC , EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Golden, CO 80403
I use my training in somatic Internal Family Systems and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing to address deeper patterns that leave you feeling stuck.
Do you feel stuck in an endless cycle of perfectionism and people-pleasing? Do you find you can’t get away from your own inner criticism, no matter what you do? Perhaps you’ve experienced anxiety from a young age and struggle to find relationships where you feel valued. When you’ve lived a certain way for so long, it can feel like change is impossible. But there’s a part of you that is a rebel, a cycle-breaker. It envisions a life filled with confidence, self-worth, and trusting healthy relationships. My goal is to help you bring this vision to life!
I use my training in somatic Internal Family Systems and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing to address deeper patterns that leave you feeling stuck.
Do you feel stuck in an endless cycle of perfectionism and people-pleasing? Do you find you can’t get away from your own inner criticism, no matter what you do? Perhaps you’ve experienced anxiety from a young age and struggle to find relationships where you feel valued. When you’ve lived a certain way for so long, it can feel like change is impossible. But there’s a part of you that is a rebel, a cycle-breaker. It envisions a life filled with confidence, self-worth, and trusting healthy relationships. My goal is to help you bring this vision to life!
(720) 706-1169 View (720) 706-1169
Photo of Gioia Garden, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Gioia Garden
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Golden, CO 80401
Waitlist for new clients
I primarily draw on mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Internal Family Systems .
I take a holistic and contextual approach to therapy. I want to know your sources of pain - but I also want to know what you value, what has shaped you, where you draw inspiration, your beliefs, and how you feel in your own body. We’ll peel back layers, we'll process distress, and we'll build practical tools to manage the challenges you're facing. Ultimately, we’ll build a more authentic, empowered sense of self. If something is no longer serving you, let’s figure out how to change it. My areas of focus include sexuality, sex, identity, anxiety, depression, relationships, and life-transitions.
I primarily draw on mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Internal Family Systems .
I take a holistic and contextual approach to therapy. I want to know your sources of pain - but I also want to know what you value, what has shaped you, where you draw inspiration, your beliefs, and how you feel in your own body. We’ll peel back layers, we'll process distress, and we'll build practical tools to manage the challenges you're facing. Ultimately, we’ll build a more authentic, empowered sense of self. If something is no longer serving you, let’s figure out how to change it. My areas of focus include sexuality, sex, identity, anxiety, depression, relationships, and life-transitions.
(720) 547-2564 View (720) 547-2564
1
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.