Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists in Chicago, IL
Internal Family Systems ( IFS) helps with trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, and spiritual concerns by guiding individuals to access their core "Self" and heal different parts of themselves with curiosity and compassion.
You’re holding a lot of memories, pressure, expectations, and pain. Maybe you’re tired of pretending you're okay or keeping the peace while feeling overwhelmed inside. You want to feel more like yourself, more grounded, more free. You want relationships that feel safe and real. You want to stop repeating the same patterns. You may not have all the answers yet. But you know something has to change. You're ready to feel seen, to heal, and to live with less stress and worry.
Internal Family Systems ( IFS) helps with trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, and spiritual concerns by guiding individuals to access their core "Self" and heal different parts of themselves with curiosity and compassion.
You’re holding a lot of memories, pressure, expectations, and pain. Maybe you’re tired of pretending you're okay or keeping the peace while feeling overwhelmed inside. You want to feel more like yourself, more grounded, more free. You want relationships that feel safe and real. You want to stop repeating the same patterns. You may not have all the answers yet. But you know something has to change. You're ready to feel seen, to heal, and to live with less stress and worry.
I am formally trained in EMDR and incorporate Internal Family Systems ( IFS or Parts Work), Psychodynamic, and Somatic-informed interventions.
I am a relational queer-focused therapist who works with kids, teens, adults, and couples with complex trauma related to identity and relationship abuse. Complex trauma presents itself in forms of dissociation, suicidal ideation, self-harm, anxiety, depression, feelings of low self-worth/esteem, or issues activated by life transitions and interpersonal relationships. It can feel isolating to navigate the hard parts of life without feeling seen. Hearing your story while facilitating a space for you to be valued and challenged to live into your values is my goal.
I am formally trained in EMDR and incorporate Internal Family Systems ( IFS or Parts Work), Psychodynamic, and Somatic-informed interventions.
I am a relational queer-focused therapist who works with kids, teens, adults, and couples with complex trauma related to identity and relationship abuse. Complex trauma presents itself in forms of dissociation, suicidal ideation, self-harm, anxiety, depression, feelings of low self-worth/esteem, or issues activated by life transitions and interpersonal relationships. It can feel isolating to navigate the hard parts of life without feeling seen. Hearing your story while facilitating a space for you to be valued and challenged to live into your values is my goal.
I specialize in working with clients who want to take action to improve self-esteem. I support clients through processing childhood coping strategies to better understand self-rescue skills in the present. I encourage getting uncomfortable through opposite action. I am skilled in providing a non-judgmental space for change to unfold! I specialize in EMDR therapy in conjunction with mindfulness-based therapies to address thought patterns, habits, and core beliefs.
I specialize in working with clients who want to take action to improve self-esteem. I support clients through processing childhood coping strategies to better understand self-rescue skills in the present. I encourage getting uncomfortable through opposite action. I am skilled in providing a non-judgmental space for change to unfold! I specialize in EMDR therapy in conjunction with mindfulness-based therapies to address thought patterns, habits, and core beliefs.
I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Internal Family Systems/Parts-Work to support my clients in not only unpacking their stories, but restructuring and modifying their paths going forward.
It can feel extremely discouraging when you look at your partner and feel like the spark or flame that brought you together is now dwindling. We find ourselves in patterns that have become comfortable or too familiar and don't know how to break out of them. Often times we don't know where to begin when creating relationship goals and increasing the connection we once felt with one another. Our therapy space is one where curiosity and authenticity are inherently invited. Together, we make sense of all the moments, interactions, traumas, narratives, and experiences that shaped your relationship and find a new normal.
I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Internal Family Systems/Parts-Work to support my clients in not only unpacking their stories, but restructuring and modifying their paths going forward.
It can feel extremely discouraging when you look at your partner and feel like the spark or flame that brought you together is now dwindling. We find ourselves in patterns that have become comfortable or too familiar and don't know how to break out of them. Often times we don't know where to begin when creating relationship goals and increasing the connection we once felt with one another. Our therapy space is one where curiosity and authenticity are inherently invited. Together, we make sense of all the moments, interactions, traumas, narratives, and experiences that shaped your relationship and find a new normal.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker whose approach to therapy is relational, collaborative, strengths-based and somatically oriented.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker whose approach to therapy is relational, collaborative, strengths-based and somatically oriented.
I am EMDR & CPT certified, and have additional training in polyvagal theory, IFS, and somatic experience therapy.
My clinical work centers on supporting clients impacted by life’s challenges. I bring a warm yet direct approach to therapy, creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can openly explore their thoughts and experiences. My goal is to empower individuals to build resilience, develop effective coping strategies, and embrace their authentic selves.
I integrate evidence-based modalities, such as EMDR and CPT, with traditional talk therapy, tailoring my approach to each client’s unique needs. Grounded in a client-centered and solution-focused perspective, I am committed to helping my clients achieve meaningful growth together.
I am EMDR & CPT certified, and have additional training in polyvagal theory, IFS, and somatic experience therapy.
My clinical work centers on supporting clients impacted by life’s challenges. I bring a warm yet direct approach to therapy, creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can openly explore their thoughts and experiences. My goal is to empower individuals to build resilience, develop effective coping strategies, and embrace their authentic selves.
I integrate evidence-based modalities, such as EMDR and CPT, with traditional talk therapy, tailoring my approach to each client’s unique needs. Grounded in a client-centered and solution-focused perspective, I am committed to helping my clients achieve meaningful growth together.
Matthew Q. English Iv -Taking New Clients-
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RYT
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I offer a collaborative, affirming space rooted in CBT, IFS (Internal family system) informed work, relational and attachment based therapy, mindfulness, & somatic practices.
Hello! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) dedicated to supporting people on their path toward balance, healing, and growth. With degrees in both neuropsychology and social work, I’ve studied psychology since my teens and bring both expertise and compassion to therapy. I specialize in helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, school or work stress, and trauma. I primarily work with people of color, men, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, creating an affirming space to be fully yourself while working toward meaningful change.
I offer a collaborative, affirming space rooted in CBT, IFS (Internal family system) informed work, relational and attachment based therapy, mindfulness, & somatic practices.
Hello! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) dedicated to supporting people on their path toward balance, healing, and growth. With degrees in both neuropsychology and social work, I’ve studied psychology since my teens and bring both expertise and compassion to therapy. I specialize in helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, school or work stress, and trauma. I primarily work with people of color, men, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, creating an affirming space to be fully yourself while working toward meaningful change.
I am a relational, client-centered therapist specializing in treating individuals who have experienced trauma. I am experienced in working with survivors of abuse and neglect, systemic oppression, chronic stress, and unmet needs. With a deep understanding of how prolonged exposure to traumatic experiences can impact the mind and body, I provide an attuned and empathetic environment for healing.
I am a relational, client-centered therapist specializing in treating individuals who have experienced trauma. I am experienced in working with survivors of abuse and neglect, systemic oppression, chronic stress, and unmet needs. With a deep understanding of how prolonged exposure to traumatic experiences can impact the mind and body, I provide an attuned and empathetic environment for healing.
Using therapies like CBT, EMDR, and IFS, I tailor our work to your unique needs, whether you're navigating anxiety, trauma, or life transitions.
Hi, and welcome! I’m so glad you’re here. Taking the step to seek therapy is brave, and you don’t have to face life’s challenges alone. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, or life transitions, I’m here to provide a safe, supportive space where you feel understood. My goal is to meet you where you are, understand your unique experiences, and help you gain clarity, develop tools, and create meaningful growth. You deserve to feel supported and empowered, and I’d love to walk alongside you on this journey. Let’s work together to help you thrive.
Using therapies like CBT, EMDR, and IFS, I tailor our work to your unique needs, whether you're navigating anxiety, trauma, or life transitions.
Hi, and welcome! I’m so glad you’re here. Taking the step to seek therapy is brave, and you don’t have to face life’s challenges alone. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, or life transitions, I’m here to provide a safe, supportive space where you feel understood. My goal is to meet you where you are, understand your unique experiences, and help you gain clarity, develop tools, and create meaningful growth. You deserve to feel supported and empowered, and I’d love to walk alongside you on this journey. Let’s work together to help you thrive.
Your parts are not something to be “fixed,” they are coherent to your story and identities. They are how you survived and responded to trauma, internalized stigma, oppressive systems, and relational harm. However, you might feel frustrated with or dissociated from these parts. Maybe you find that they don't keep you as safe anymore, impact your relationships, or your ability to show up how you want to. By working together to understand how these strategies helped you, the conditions and systems they respond to, we can attune to your inherent wisdom and discover new ways forward that make sense for your life.
Your parts are not something to be “fixed,” they are coherent to your story and identities. They are how you survived and responded to trauma, internalized stigma, oppressive systems, and relational harm. However, you might feel frustrated with or dissociated from these parts. Maybe you find that they don't keep you as safe anymore, impact your relationships, or your ability to show up how you want to. By working together to understand how these strategies helped you, the conditions and systems they respond to, we can attune to your inherent wisdom and discover new ways forward that make sense for your life.
Megan
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, LCPC, RYT
6 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I work with women navigating stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, boundary challenges, relationship struggles, postpartum transitions, and recovery from past trauma. I understand how overwhelming these experiences can feel - often taking up mental and emotional space - and I provide a supportive environment for both verbal processing and skill building. My approach is grounded in meeting each client where they are, and walking alongside them as they reconnect with their most authentic self.
I work with women navigating stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, boundary challenges, relationship struggles, postpartum transitions, and recovery from past trauma. I understand how overwhelming these experiences can feel - often taking up mental and emotional space - and I provide a supportive environment for both verbal processing and skill building. My approach is grounded in meeting each client where they are, and walking alongside them as they reconnect with their most authentic self.
Hi! I'm Leslie (she/her) and I'm glad you're checking out my corner of Psychology Today. It's my honor and privilege to witness people's healing in my therapy room (or virtual space). I specialize in the treatment of trauma and perinatal mental health, and my ideal clients are those who are brave enough to feel their deeply hurting parts, and who need help, guidance, or sometimes just a witness in finding their resilience. Maybe you're doing this for the first time ever, or for the 100th time. We've got this.
Hi! I'm Leslie (she/her) and I'm glad you're checking out my corner of Psychology Today. It's my honor and privilege to witness people's healing in my therapy room (or virtual space). I specialize in the treatment of trauma and perinatal mental health, and my ideal clients are those who are brave enough to feel their deeply hurting parts, and who need help, guidance, or sometimes just a witness in finding their resilience. Maybe you're doing this for the first time ever, or for the 100th time. We've got this.
I utilize skills founded in evidence-based therapies including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy.
My clients experience me as nurturing, grounded, relatable, and professional which combined can create a safe space and therapeutic environment. I believe that therapy should be enjoyable, and I like to bring a sense of humor to sessions when appropriate, but when it comes to more serious issues, I pride myself on being an active non-judgmental listener and a compassionate ally to my individual and couple clients.
I utilize skills founded in evidence-based therapies including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy.
My clients experience me as nurturing, grounded, relatable, and professional which combined can create a safe space and therapeutic environment. I believe that therapy should be enjoyable, and I like to bring a sense of humor to sessions when appropriate, but when it comes to more serious issues, I pride myself on being an active non-judgmental listener and a compassionate ally to my individual and couple clients.
We are more than the stories we have been told about ourselves; however, learning to let go of these narratives or rewrite them in a more compassionate way can be challenging. Mindful of the impact of trauma and systems of oppression, I'll work with you to identify clues that tell us when you're feeling overwhelmed and more likely to fall back into unhelpful patterns of thought and behavior. I use our therapeutic relationship as a mirror and a safety net to encourage both self-insight and self-compassion. I understand the importance of meeting clients where they are at, a practice I bring from my time as a former classroom teacher.
We are more than the stories we have been told about ourselves; however, learning to let go of these narratives or rewrite them in a more compassionate way can be challenging. Mindful of the impact of trauma and systems of oppression, I'll work with you to identify clues that tell us when you're feeling overwhelmed and more likely to fall back into unhelpful patterns of thought and behavior. I use our therapeutic relationship as a mirror and a safety net to encourage both self-insight and self-compassion. I understand the importance of meeting clients where they are at, a practice I bring from my time as a former classroom teacher.
Have you felt invisible, misunderstood, and tired of showing up for everyone else? Maybe you've reached out and haven't found someone to lean on or trust. Have you gone to coping mechanisms like eating disorders or drinking to find a sense of control? Are you having relational issues in your family, with friends, or with your partner? Have you experienced seasons of anxiety or depression? Have you ever been exposed to or experienced sexism or spiritual abuse? Are you experiencing betrayal trauma from your partner because of sex addiction? If any of these resonate with you, I'd love to meet you.
Have you felt invisible, misunderstood, and tired of showing up for everyone else? Maybe you've reached out and haven't found someone to lean on or trust. Have you gone to coping mechanisms like eating disorders or drinking to find a sense of control? Are you having relational issues in your family, with friends, or with your partner? Have you experienced seasons of anxiety or depression? Have you ever been exposed to or experienced sexism or spiritual abuse? Are you experiencing betrayal trauma from your partner because of sex addiction? If any of these resonate with you, I'd love to meet you.
High-pressure environments, complex relationships, and constant demands can make it difficult to find balance. Leadership, entrepreneurship, and executive roles often come with stress, burnout, and the weight of big decisions. Many high-achievers struggle with imposter syndrome, communication challenges, or feeling disconnected from themselves and others. Success isn’t just about strategy—it’s about emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and meaningful relationships. Finding clarity, resilience, and a more fulfilling way to engage with work and life can make all the difference.
High-pressure environments, complex relationships, and constant demands can make it difficult to find balance. Leadership, entrepreneurship, and executive roles often come with stress, burnout, and the weight of big decisions. Many high-achievers struggle with imposter syndrome, communication challenges, or feeling disconnected from themselves and others. Success isn’t just about strategy—it’s about emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and meaningful relationships. Finding clarity, resilience, and a more fulfilling way to engage with work and life can make all the difference.
I have worked with many clients who feel that everything they do, everything about them is just "wrong", not enough, not worthy. I strive to help clients understand that they are deserving of connection, acceptance and peace regardless of what past experience, other people, or even their own mind might be telling them. My approach is collaborative, incorporating curiosity, authenticity, openness and humor. It is through this collaborative process that I am able to help individuals gain insight into long held beliefs and patterns of behavior and to ultimately develop new ways of relating to themselves and others.
I have worked with many clients who feel that everything they do, everything about them is just "wrong", not enough, not worthy. I strive to help clients understand that they are deserving of connection, acceptance and peace regardless of what past experience, other people, or even their own mind might be telling them. My approach is collaborative, incorporating curiosity, authenticity, openness and humor. It is through this collaborative process that I am able to help individuals gain insight into long held beliefs and patterns of behavior and to ultimately develop new ways of relating to themselves and others.
I pay attention to your social and family systems, past and present, to help you create the change you want in your life, your work, your partnerships, and beyond.
I enjoy working with individuals, couples, families, and groups. My specialties include reducing anxiety, managing grief, and de-escalating anger. I also work with couples and singles around improving communication, rebuilding trust, increasing emotional connection, and goal setting in relationships. I also run a Toddler Moms support group.
I pay attention to your social and family systems, past and present, to help you create the change you want in your life, your work, your partnerships, and beyond.
I enjoy working with individuals, couples, families, and groups. My specialties include reducing anxiety, managing grief, and de-escalating anger. I also work with couples and singles around improving communication, rebuilding trust, increasing emotional connection, and goal setting in relationships. I also run a Toddler Moms support group.
The stories of our lives are made up of connections and strengths as well as challenges and loss. My goal is to walk alongside you through the processing of these hardships in a journey towards healing and growth. I work to create a safe, non-judgmental space with an empathetic and collaborative approach. I believe in empowerment, authenticity, and honesty to foster insight into patterns and progress towards the goals you seek to achieve.
The stories of our lives are made up of connections and strengths as well as challenges and loss. My goal is to walk alongside you through the processing of these hardships in a journey towards healing and growth. I work to create a safe, non-judgmental space with an empathetic and collaborative approach. I believe in empowerment, authenticity, and honesty to foster insight into patterns and progress towards the goals you seek to achieve.
I may offer clinical modalities such as IFS, EMDR, NARM, & addiction care.
You may be seeking support due to major life changes, daily stressors, low self-esteem, unresolved trauma or past experiences that have impacted the quality of your life & your ability to live the way you desire. You may experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD while resorting to compulsive and/or addictive behaviors to cope. You may also feel lost or directionless in life and need some guidance to connect with your intentions. Together we can explore both internal and external barriers preventing you from achieving what you most want for yourself.
I may offer clinical modalities such as IFS, EMDR, NARM, & addiction care.
You may be seeking support due to major life changes, daily stressors, low self-esteem, unresolved trauma or past experiences that have impacted the quality of your life & your ability to live the way you desire. You may experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD while resorting to compulsive and/or addictive behaviors to cope. You may also feel lost or directionless in life and need some guidance to connect with your intentions. Together we can explore both internal and external barriers preventing you from achieving what you most want for yourself.
See more therapy options for Chicago
Nearby Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists Searches for Chicago
- Berwyn
- Brookfield
- Cicero
- Elmwood Park
- Forest Park
- Lakeview
- Lincoln Park
- Lincolnwood
- Oak Lawn
- Oak Park
- River Forest
- Riverside
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.