Photo of Amanda Haveman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 49503, MI
Amanda Haveman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
I aim to create a safe, supportive, empathic, and validating environment for the clients I have the pleasure of working with. For over 15 years, I have provided attachment and trauma informed services to children, adolescents, and adults. I have experience supporting clients that struggle with a variety of issues including substance abuse, anxiety, depression, pregnancy and postpartum concerns, eating disorders, ADHD, and emotional regulation issues. I am honored to walk alongside you with compassion and open mindedness as you navigate the ebbs and flows of life.
I aim to create a safe, supportive, empathic, and validating environment for the clients I have the pleasure of working with. For over 15 years, I have provided attachment and trauma informed services to children, adolescents, and adults. I have experience supporting clients that struggle with a variety of issues including substance abuse, anxiety, depression, pregnancy and postpartum concerns, eating disorders, ADHD, and emotional regulation issues. I am honored to walk alongside you with compassion and open mindedness as you navigate the ebbs and flows of life.
(616) 344-5853 View (616) 344-5853
Photo of Samantha Garcia, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 49503, MI
Samantha Garcia
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW-C
Verified Verified
Grand Rapids, MI 49503  (Online Only)
Life can be filled with challenging experiences and obstacles that leave us feeling hopeless, worried, restless, frustrated, or even stuck. Sometimes, we feel lost and confused about our purpose in life. Other times, we can feel unsettled and consumed with worry. Maybe you even feel powerless, like you're going through the motions of the day under a gray cloud and can't seem to find the energy to move forward. If this resonates, I will help you process your feelings, guide you through useful coping strategies, and ultimately work alongside you to reach your therapeutic goals.
Life can be filled with challenging experiences and obstacles that leave us feeling hopeless, worried, restless, frustrated, or even stuck. Sometimes, we feel lost and confused about our purpose in life. Other times, we can feel unsettled and consumed with worry. Maybe you even feel powerless, like you're going through the motions of the day under a gray cloud and can't seem to find the energy to move forward. If this resonates, I will help you process your feelings, guide you through useful coping strategies, and ultimately work alongside you to reach your therapeutic goals.
(616) 522-8654 View (616) 522-8654
Photo of Kimberly Sue Lichon-Tufer, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 49503, MI
Kimberly Sue Lichon-Tufer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, SSW
Verified Verified
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
My passion is helping others find ways to manage their challenges in this ever-changing journey we call life. For over 27 years I have worked with adults, children, adolescents, couples, and families in a variety of settings; including home, school, office, and in the community. I pride myself in building therapeutic relationships with each individual I work with. By achieving this, I believe we can then work together to help identify what is challenging you currently to get you to the life you choose to live successfully.
My passion is helping others find ways to manage their challenges in this ever-changing journey we call life. For over 27 years I have worked with adults, children, adolescents, couples, and families in a variety of settings; including home, school, office, and in the community. I pride myself in building therapeutic relationships with each individual I work with. By achieving this, I believe we can then work together to help identify what is challenging you currently to get you to the life you choose to live successfully.
(616) 201-3474 View (616) 201-3474
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.