Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists in Medina, WA

Photo of Center of Balance Counseling-Kaijah Bjorklund in Medina, WA
Center of Balance Counseling-Kaijah Bjorklund
LMHC, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Medina, WA 98039  (Online Only)
Through cutting-edge therapies like EMDR and Internal Family Systems, your struggle will morph into something powerful – resilience, growth and well-being.
I specialize in working with unique adults who are overwhelmed, stressed or feeling lost and disoriented. If you’re here, you've taken a powerful step towards finding the clarity and resilience you deserve. You are ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery, uncover your true potential and are seeking guidance toward a more authentic life. You need to find the right support to fit your needs. I use a collaborative approach rooted in empowerment to provide support and tools for navigating challenging times. We focus on what matters most to you: relationships, work, and self-esteem, helping you reclaim control and find balance.
Through cutting-edge therapies like EMDR and Internal Family Systems, your struggle will morph into something powerful – resilience, growth and well-being.
I specialize in working with unique adults who are overwhelmed, stressed or feeling lost and disoriented. If you’re here, you've taken a powerful step towards finding the clarity and resilience you deserve. You are ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery, uncover your true potential and are seeking guidance toward a more authentic life. You need to find the right support to fit your needs. I use a collaborative approach rooted in empowerment to provide support and tools for navigating challenging times. We focus on what matters most to you: relationships, work, and self-esteem, helping you reclaim control and find balance.
(425) 906-3823 View (425) 906-3823
Photo of Shirley Chapman, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Medina, WA
Shirley Chapman
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFTA, RN
Verified Verified
Medina, WA 98039
I also use CBT and IFS to address past trauma with informed care.
I believe we are all worthy of love, understanding, and belonging Although it can be one of life's biggest challenges to give and receive love in this way. It is my honor, to create a warm, nonjudgmental, and supportive space where clients can feel seen and heard within their own unique circumstances. We will explore negative core beliefs and the negative thoughts and emotions accompanying them. As well as challenge protective habits that are no longer effective or helpful. I treasure working with couples and individuals as they reclaim themselves, find clarity, and gain more meaning in their lives & their relationships.
I also use CBT and IFS to address past trauma with informed care.
I believe we are all worthy of love, understanding, and belonging Although it can be one of life's biggest challenges to give and receive love in this way. It is my honor, to create a warm, nonjudgmental, and supportive space where clients can feel seen and heard within their own unique circumstances. We will explore negative core beliefs and the negative thoughts and emotions accompanying them. As well as challenge protective habits that are no longer effective or helpful. I treasure working with couples and individuals as they reclaim themselves, find clarity, and gain more meaning in their lives & their relationships.
(253) 353-7856 View (253) 353-7856
Photo of Guinnivere Katray Bohnsack, Marriage & Family Therapist in Medina, WA
Guinnivere Katray Bohnsack
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Medina, WA 98039  (Online Only)
Licensed in MI, IA, WA and NC. Your human experience contains the magical potential for joy, challenge, love, pain, connection...we are invited to take the very essence of each experience and uncover the wisdom within. Companioning others in this courageous endeavor of feeling our lives fully is the gift I offer. Bring your hurt, your heart, your deepest desires and longings, your bitterness, your hope, your bravery...all is welcome here. We will uncover the mystery underlying your experience to create connection , illumination, and restoration. My approach is warm and direct. Together, we will find the song that sings you home.
Licensed in MI, IA, WA and NC. Your human experience contains the magical potential for joy, challenge, love, pain, connection...we are invited to take the very essence of each experience and uncover the wisdom within. Companioning others in this courageous endeavor of feeling our lives fully is the gift I offer. Bring your hurt, your heart, your deepest desires and longings, your bitterness, your hope, your bravery...all is welcome here. We will uncover the mystery underlying your experience to create connection , illumination, and restoration. My approach is warm and direct. Together, we will find the song that sings you home.
(828) 518-6646 View (828) 518-6646
Photo of Alison Davis, Counselor in Medina, WA
Alison Davis
Counselor, MA, LMHC, CSAT, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Medina, WA 98039
I provide a compassionate place to heal so that you can experience healthy relationships and find meaning and joy in life. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington. I am certified in Couples Communication, Sex Addiction (CSAT), and Lifespan Integration - which helps to heal past wounds. I am also trained in EMDR, which is a clinically proven way to help people resolve trauma. I work with clients on issues such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship issues including infidelity, codependency, grief, trauma, and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. I also work with addictions (sex, chemicals & gambling) and Partners and families of addicted individuals.
I provide a compassionate place to heal so that you can experience healthy relationships and find meaning and joy in life. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington. I am certified in Couples Communication, Sex Addiction (CSAT), and Lifespan Integration - which helps to heal past wounds. I am also trained in EMDR, which is a clinically proven way to help people resolve trauma. I work with clients on issues such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship issues including infidelity, codependency, grief, trauma, and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. I also work with addictions (sex, chemicals & gambling) and Partners and families of addicted individuals.
(206) 489-3642 View (206) 489-3642
Photo of Kathy Sarin: Emdr-Hypnosis Intensives Available, Counselor in Medina, WA
Kathy Sarin: Emdr-Hypnosis Intensives Available
Counselor, EdS, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Medina, WA 98039
It's not talk therapy, it's Change Therapy. Do your overly strong reactions to certain things surprise and upset you? Have you been encouraged by others to try therapy but you aren't sure if it's for you? OR have you been in therapy before, but the same issues are back (with a vengeance), and you keep making the same mistakes. The truth is that talk therapy won't fix problems that live in your body. If you formed beliefs when you were upset or afraid, or too young to understand what was happening, your memories live in sounds, expressions, feelings and smells. Approaching change through talking doesn't address those channels.
It's not talk therapy, it's Change Therapy. Do your overly strong reactions to certain things surprise and upset you? Have you been encouraged by others to try therapy but you aren't sure if it's for you? OR have you been in therapy before, but the same issues are back (with a vengeance), and you keep making the same mistakes. The truth is that talk therapy won't fix problems that live in your body. If you formed beliefs when you were upset or afraid, or too young to understand what was happening, your memories live in sounds, expressions, feelings and smells. Approaching change through talking doesn't address those channels.
(425) 357-7099 View (425) 357-7099
Photo of Nuri Kahn - N. W. Family Psychology, Marriage & Family Therapist in Medina, WA
Nuri Kahn - N. W. Family Psychology
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MHP, DBH
Verified Verified
Medina, WA 98039
Dr. Kahn is experienced in providing behavioral health services to children, adolescents, and adults seeking treatment for a wide range of clinical issues including anxiety, depression, impulse control, phobias, somatoform disorders, trauma, adjustment challenges, relationship discord and behavioral disorders. Dr. Kahn also specializes in evidence-based reunification therapy for families in transition and at crossroads with the court system, such as following separation, divorce, and relocation.
Dr. Kahn is experienced in providing behavioral health services to children, adolescents, and adults seeking treatment for a wide range of clinical issues including anxiety, depression, impulse control, phobias, somatoform disorders, trauma, adjustment challenges, relationship discord and behavioral disorders. Dr. Kahn also specializes in evidence-based reunification therapy for families in transition and at crossroads with the court system, such as following separation, divorce, and relocation.
(360) 328-7506 View (360) 328-7506
Photo of Laura O'neill, Counselor in Medina, WA
Laura O'neill
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Medina, WA 98039  (Online Only)
You may be experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma symptoms, navigating a life transition, or having relationship issues. Maybe you are grieving current events and changes in the world and have become overwhelmed by it all. Or maybe you are noticing old patterns repeating in your life and you are ready for change. You know deep inside that things can get better, but you aren't sure the way forward. I am here to support you in finding your way through.
You may be experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma symptoms, navigating a life transition, or having relationship issues. Maybe you are grieving current events and changes in the world and have become overwhelmed by it all. Or maybe you are noticing old patterns repeating in your life and you are ready for change. You know deep inside that things can get better, but you aren't sure the way forward. I am here to support you in finding your way through.
(206) 279-1005 View (206) 279-1005
Photo of Dr. Ching-Ching Ruan, Marriage & Family Therapist in Medina, WA
Dr. Ching-Ching Ruan
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Medina, WA 98039
Are you feeling alone and disconnected in your intimate relationship? Do you wonder why you're in the same stuck pattern with your loved one and want to get some clarity and get out of the pattern? Are you also looking for practical tools to improve your communication with your partner/spouse/family members? Are also looking for a professional to help you express your emotional truth so that you feel more empowered and final emotional balance in everyday life. Or you may struggle with anxiety and depression and want to find ways to cope. I work frequently with couples where one or both are Asian descents or inter-racial couples.
Are you feeling alone and disconnected in your intimate relationship? Do you wonder why you're in the same stuck pattern with your loved one and want to get some clarity and get out of the pattern? Are you also looking for practical tools to improve your communication with your partner/spouse/family members? Are also looking for a professional to help you express your emotional truth so that you feel more empowered and final emotional balance in everyday life. Or you may struggle with anxiety and depression and want to find ways to cope. I work frequently with couples where one or both are Asian descents or inter-racial couples.
(425) 230-4425 View (425) 230-4425
Photo of Aaron Kelsay, Licensed Professional Counselor in Medina, WA
Aaron Kelsay
Licensed Professional Counselor, MAC, LPC, LMHC, CADC I
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Medina, WA 98039
Healing is a journey. For some, "healing" means reversing years of trauma, and for others it means 'getting out of my own head' or 'getting un-stuck.' For everyone, the path to healing is a difficult one, and it is lighter, easier, more meaningful when others join in with you. To you who have tried to go it alone, I invite you to reach out. Connecting with a counselor is a way to get un-stuck in your journey towards health, to bring healing to those deeper places of hurt.
Healing is a journey. For some, "healing" means reversing years of trauma, and for others it means 'getting out of my own head' or 'getting un-stuck.' For everyone, the path to healing is a difficult one, and it is lighter, easier, more meaningful when others join in with you. To you who have tried to go it alone, I invite you to reach out. Connecting with a counselor is a way to get un-stuck in your journey towards health, to bring healing to those deeper places of hurt.
(503) 461-1286 View (503) 461-1286
Photo of Kathryn Willis, Counselor in Medina, WA
Kathryn Willis
Counselor, MS, LMHC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Medina, WA 98039
You're taking the first step in such a beneficial journey, and I am honored to be a part of your process! I am a strengths-based therapist who believes in the power of building on what is already working well in your life to help you achieve your goals in therapy. I work from a client-centered approach, supporting you in the process of getting to know yourself better, and determining how you can shine in the environment that you're in. I am an expert in my field, and you are an expert in your own life; together we can build and achieve a plan that will help you create the lasting positive change you want to see for yourself!
You're taking the first step in such a beneficial journey, and I am honored to be a part of your process! I am a strengths-based therapist who believes in the power of building on what is already working well in your life to help you achieve your goals in therapy. I work from a client-centered approach, supporting you in the process of getting to know yourself better, and determining how you can shine in the environment that you're in. I am an expert in my field, and you are an expert in your own life; together we can build and achieve a plan that will help you create the lasting positive change you want to see for yourself!
(206) 672-3369 View (206) 672-3369
Photo of Cheri Yadon M.Ed. Lpc LMHC, Counselor in Medina, WA
Cheri Yadon M.Ed. Lpc LMHC
Counselor, MEd, LPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Medina, WA 98039  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Deep Brain Reorienting I facilitate the client in the discovery of their own personal resolutions. My style of counseling is focused on self-exploration and increasing an individual's level of understanding surrounding their current life circumstances, and their own behaviors and reactions to those situations. I have a desire to understand each client, and utilize my therapeutic skills and knowledge of psychology and human behavior to facilitate growth. My philosophy is that a client is much more inclined to make possible their own solutions, if they are responsible for creating them. I am licensed in Washington, Oregon and Texas.
Deep Brain Reorienting I facilitate the client in the discovery of their own personal resolutions. My style of counseling is focused on self-exploration and increasing an individual's level of understanding surrounding their current life circumstances, and their own behaviors and reactions to those situations. I have a desire to understand each client, and utilize my therapeutic skills and knowledge of psychology and human behavior to facilitate growth. My philosophy is that a client is much more inclined to make possible their own solutions, if they are responsible for creating them. I am licensed in Washington, Oregon and Texas.
(206) 222-7576 View (206) 222-7576
Photo of Kirsten Van Wingerden, Counselor in Medina, WA
Kirsten Van Wingerden
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Medina, WA 98039
Waitlist for new clients
Does it feel like something just isn't quite right in life? Oftentimes, we can feel burnt out by the expectations and pressures from our lives. I work with teens, adults and couples living with anxiety, PTSD (C-PTSD), depression, perfectionism, challenging parent relationships and ongoing life stressors. We can work together to heal these symptoms and understand the root of your pain to find freedom in your true self. Together, we seek to have a deeper connection to your life that is compassionate and promotes agency in order to restore and create safe relationships with others.
Does it feel like something just isn't quite right in life? Oftentimes, we can feel burnt out by the expectations and pressures from our lives. I work with teens, adults and couples living with anxiety, PTSD (C-PTSD), depression, perfectionism, challenging parent relationships and ongoing life stressors. We can work together to heal these symptoms and understand the root of your pain to find freedom in your true self. Together, we seek to have a deeper connection to your life that is compassionate and promotes agency in order to restore and create safe relationships with others.
(360) 968-6969 View (360) 968-6969
Photo of Sharon Windham, Licensed Professional Counselor in Medina, WA
Sharon Windham
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Medina, WA 98039  (Online Only)
Do you feel “disconnected” in your relationship(s)? Has your sex life become stagnant and you feel like you need something more? Do you and your partner get stuck in patterns of repetitive arguments? Did you experience sexual trauma and struggle with intimacy? Are these challenges affecting your relationship and sexual satisfaction? If you’re ready to deepen your relationship and enhance your sexual experiences, I can help. My area of specialization is in sexual health/sex therapy and relationships.
Do you feel “disconnected” in your relationship(s)? Has your sex life become stagnant and you feel like you need something more? Do you and your partner get stuck in patterns of repetitive arguments? Did you experience sexual trauma and struggle with intimacy? Are these challenges affecting your relationship and sexual satisfaction? If you’re ready to deepen your relationship and enhance your sexual experiences, I can help. My area of specialization is in sexual health/sex therapy and relationships.
(713) 766-5290 View (713) 766-5290

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Kaylee Brooks Heath, Counselor in Medina, WA
Kaylee Brooks Heath
Counselor, MA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98112  (Online Only)
I am an EMDR-trained therapist who integrates Internal Family Systems with here-and-now processing techniques.
Brené Brown says that “sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.” My clients are those who want to show up for themselves. They are often deeply-feeling, highly-sensitive people who have struggled to integrate all parts of themselves, but who are ready to experience the confidence that comes from owning painful chapters of their stories. My clients have often survived trauma and want to meet their past in a way that opens up freedom for their future. In other words, my clients are brave change-makers who haven’t yet fully realized that their sensitivity is perhaps their greatest superpower.
I am an EMDR-trained therapist who integrates Internal Family Systems with here-and-now processing techniques.
Brené Brown says that “sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.” My clients are those who want to show up for themselves. They are often deeply-feeling, highly-sensitive people who have struggled to integrate all parts of themselves, but who are ready to experience the confidence that comes from owning painful chapters of their stories. My clients have often survived trauma and want to meet their past in a way that opens up freedom for their future. In other words, my clients are brave change-makers who haven’t yet fully realized that their sensitivity is perhaps their greatest superpower.
(253) 364-7931 View (253) 364-7931
Photo of Karin Tinta-Guibert, Mental Health Counselor in Medina, WA
Karin Tinta-Guibert
Mental Health Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Bellevue, WA 98004
I integrate a biopsychosocial approach, considering clients’ overall well-being and interpersonal connections, applying evidence-based practices such as IFS, BA, and CBT, and the Gottman Method.
We experience many changes and challenges, such as relocation, growing within relationships, parenthood, or changes in education, career or employment status. Loss comes in many forms, and grief looks different for each individual. Therapy is a way to navigate these challenges, to grow self-awareness and coping skills, and to find meaning in the unexpected, while exploring the external and internal factors that influence our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
I integrate a biopsychosocial approach, considering clients’ overall well-being and interpersonal connections, applying evidence-based practices such as IFS, BA, and CBT, and the Gottman Method.
We experience many changes and challenges, such as relocation, growing within relationships, parenthood, or changes in education, career or employment status. Loss comes in many forms, and grief looks different for each individual. Therapy is a way to navigate these challenges, to grow self-awareness and coping skills, and to find meaning in the unexpected, while exploring the external and internal factors that influence our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
(206) 594-2338 View (206) 594-2338
Photo of Cristina Neuenschwander, Mental Health Counselor Associate in Medina, WA
Cristina Neuenschwander
Mental Health Counselor Associate, MA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98112
I work from a number of relational therapy modalities, primarily informed by attachment theory, family systems theories, and narrative therapy.
As a trauma-informed therapist, I am passionate about walking along side others on their journey toward wholeness and healing. I work primarily with adults, adolescents, and children experiencing a wide range of emotional or behavioral issues. All of us have experienced suffering or relational brokenness within our stories that can feel confusing or hard to address. While we are most often harmed in relationship, it is also in relationship that we heal. It is my hope that in our sessions, you will experience the relief of engaging the hard moments of your story in the presence of a supportive witness as you move toward healing.
I work from a number of relational therapy modalities, primarily informed by attachment theory, family systems theories, and narrative therapy.
As a trauma-informed therapist, I am passionate about walking along side others on their journey toward wholeness and healing. I work primarily with adults, adolescents, and children experiencing a wide range of emotional or behavioral issues. All of us have experienced suffering or relational brokenness within our stories that can feel confusing or hard to address. While we are most often harmed in relationship, it is also in relationship that we heal. It is my hope that in our sessions, you will experience the relief of engaging the hard moments of your story in the presence of a supportive witness as you move toward healing.
(425) 600-9103 View (425) 600-9103
Photo of Caitlin Elisabeth Pitchon, Counselor in Medina, WA
Caitlin Elisabeth Pitchon
Counselor, MA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
Bellevue, WA 98004
With a holistic approach, I pull from DBT, IFS, mindfulness, and reality therapy to best meet your needs.
Everyone has a story to tell and I'm here to listen to yours, to provide a warm, nonjudgmental space to reflect on your experiences and create lasting positive change that matters most to you. Anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, and major life changes can often make us feel detached from ourselves and those around us. It is an absolute privilege for me to provide a space where you can feel supported and understood. I specialize in my work with adolescents and young adults, with extensive experience in this demographic. I also assist adults with anxiety and addiction and help couples improve communication.
With a holistic approach, I pull from DBT, IFS, mindfulness, and reality therapy to best meet your needs.
Everyone has a story to tell and I'm here to listen to yours, to provide a warm, nonjudgmental space to reflect on your experiences and create lasting positive change that matters most to you. Anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, and major life changes can often make us feel detached from ourselves and those around us. It is an absolute privilege for me to provide a space where you can feel supported and understood. I specialize in my work with adolescents and young adults, with extensive experience in this demographic. I also assist adults with anxiety and addiction and help couples improve communication.
(425) 225-3567 View (425) 225-3567
Photo of Amy A. Rinde, Marriage & Family Therapist in Medina, WA
Amy A. Rinde
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CMHS
Verified Verified
Bellevue, WA 98004
As a theoretical orientation, Amy utilizes an integrative, person-centered, & psychodynamic approach to create a framework of attachment theory, family systems, expressive-arts, creative parenting, mindfulness (meditation, visualization, breathwork, & intuition), parts work, psychoeducation, & emotion regulation tools from DBT (self-soothing & co-soothing).
With compassion, an open heart, & inclusivity, Amy helps people expand their potential by creating a personal roadmap to their emotional health & wellbeing. Listening, acknowledgement, & building trust are key ingredients to her approach. Amy tunes into the client in each moment of every session to understand what they are experiencing to help them get their needs met. Attachment wounding can be a part of many people's childhoods and those experiences often present now. Many times, reparenting occurs through the therapy process and results in a corrective experience, bringing peacefulness & healing...to feel whole again.
As a theoretical orientation, Amy utilizes an integrative, person-centered, & psychodynamic approach to create a framework of attachment theory, family systems, expressive-arts, creative parenting, mindfulness (meditation, visualization, breathwork, & intuition), parts work, psychoeducation, & emotion regulation tools from DBT (self-soothing & co-soothing).
With compassion, an open heart, & inclusivity, Amy helps people expand their potential by creating a personal roadmap to their emotional health & wellbeing. Listening, acknowledgement, & building trust are key ingredients to her approach. Amy tunes into the client in each moment of every session to understand what they are experiencing to help them get their needs met. Attachment wounding can be a part of many people's childhoods and those experiences often present now. Many times, reparenting occurs through the therapy process and results in a corrective experience, bringing peacefulness & healing...to feel whole again.
(425) 276-7303 View (425) 276-7303
Photo of Aysha Rafiq, Counselor in Medina, WA
Aysha Rafiq
Counselor, MEd, LMHC
Verified Verified
Bellevue, WA 98005
Hi there, I'm here to help you bloom into your best self. I'm a person centered therapist who works with Adolescents and Adults. For Adults, I provide you with a safe place to reconnect with your inner child. I can help you nurture your inner world, heal your past, and learn how to develop a loving relationship with yourself. Using CBT, DBT, IFS, and Mindfulness, we go to your past to understand your present and change your future. For Teens, I use CBT, DBT, and Mindfulness to help teens learn how to manage anxiety, and increase their self-confidence.
Hi there, I'm here to help you bloom into your best self. I'm a person centered therapist who works with Adolescents and Adults. For Adults, I provide you with a safe place to reconnect with your inner child. I can help you nurture your inner world, heal your past, and learn how to develop a loving relationship with yourself. Using CBT, DBT, IFS, and Mindfulness, we go to your past to understand your present and change your future. For Teens, I use CBT, DBT, and Mindfulness to help teens learn how to manage anxiety, and increase their self-confidence.
(425) 629-0866 View (425) 629-0866
Photo of Simran K Manhas, Counselor in Medina, WA
Simran K Manhas
Counselor, MS, LMHC, LMFTA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bellevue, WA 98004  (Online Only)
They include relational psychotherapy, CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), EFT (emotion focused therapy), family systems, and existential methods.
I work with individuals and couples/families that are finding that what they are processing in their lives are no longer serving them. Whether it be for recent life transitions, anxiety, PTSD, or depression; whatever path or experiences you have provides the right tools and solutions for what you want to do next in life. Part of my role is to shed light on what is working, what is not working. Together, what you share and express with me is part of identifying what solution(s) may be best for you and how to align those solutions by integrating them into your lifestyle.
They include relational psychotherapy, CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), EFT (emotion focused therapy), family systems, and existential methods.
I work with individuals and couples/families that are finding that what they are processing in their lives are no longer serving them. Whether it be for recent life transitions, anxiety, PTSD, or depression; whatever path or experiences you have provides the right tools and solutions for what you want to do next in life. Part of my role is to shed light on what is working, what is not working. Together, what you share and express with me is part of identifying what solution(s) may be best for you and how to align those solutions by integrating them into your lifestyle.
(206) 278-3755 View (206) 278-3755

See more therapy options for Medina

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.