Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists in 77006

Photo of Juliet-Danielle Lane, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 77006, TX
Juliet-Danielle Lane
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77006
I also utilize motivational interviewing and IFS.
NOW Accepting New Clients! I'm ride or die for my clients—fully invested in your growth. My ideal clients are open-minded, ready to try new things, and take ownership of their progress. My approach is about collaboration, transformation, and healing. My goal is to nurture your whole self—mind, body, and soul. Meaning... I don't do "bandaid therapy". We'll dive deep, identify core issues, and create a safe, compassionate space for your experiences. Your healing journey is uniquely yours- I'm all about empowerment and resilience so I'll also provide you with practical strategies to improve your daily life and relationships as well.
I also utilize motivational interviewing and IFS.
NOW Accepting New Clients! I'm ride or die for my clients—fully invested in your growth. My ideal clients are open-minded, ready to try new things, and take ownership of their progress. My approach is about collaboration, transformation, and healing. My goal is to nurture your whole self—mind, body, and soul. Meaning... I don't do "bandaid therapy". We'll dive deep, identify core issues, and create a safe, compassionate space for your experiences. Your healing journey is uniquely yours- I'm all about empowerment and resilience so I'll also provide you with practical strategies to improve your daily life and relationships as well.
(346) 536-8543 View (346) 536-8543
Photo of Inna Meskin Wizig, Licensed Professional Counselor in 77006, TX
Inna Meskin Wizig
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77006
My work is influenced by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Systems-Based Couples Therapy, Strength-Based Couples Therapy, & Dialogue Couples Therapy.
Are you struggling to figure out your career or intimate relationship? Has anxiety taken over your life? Have you experienced a traumatic event that’s holding you back from living your life more fully? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, you’ve come to the right place. With 25 years of experience in private practice therapy, I have the knowledge and expertise to help you get your life back on track.
My work is influenced by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Systems-Based Couples Therapy, Strength-Based Couples Therapy, & Dialogue Couples Therapy.
Are you struggling to figure out your career or intimate relationship? Has anxiety taken over your life? Have you experienced a traumatic event that’s holding you back from living your life more fully? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, you’ve come to the right place. With 25 years of experience in private practice therapy, I have the knowledge and expertise to help you get your life back on track.
(832) 246-7820 View (832) 246-7820
Photo of Therapy Center of Houston, Licensed Professional Counselor in 77006, TX
Therapy Center of Houston
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC-S
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77006
I (Sharon McLendon LPC-S, Practice Founder) am certified in Internal Family Systems (IFS) & Level 1 trained in Somatic Experiencing.
We are passionate about creating an atmosphere of trust and safety where you can openly explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors without judgment. We actively engage in the therapeutic process and use a warm and empathetic style. Using experiential therapies, we will guide you through a transformative experience. We will also equip you with the tools needed to maintain your treatment gains. Our background allows us to help a wide range of people, our practice focuses primarily on: Individual and Couples Therapy, Interpersonal Relational Issues, Eating Disorders, Addiction Recovery, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Reduction.
I (Sharon McLendon LPC-S, Practice Founder) am certified in Internal Family Systems (IFS) & Level 1 trained in Somatic Experiencing.
We are passionate about creating an atmosphere of trust and safety where you can openly explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors without judgment. We actively engage in the therapeutic process and use a warm and empathetic style. Using experiential therapies, we will guide you through a transformative experience. We will also equip you with the tools needed to maintain your treatment gains. Our background allows us to help a wide range of people, our practice focuses primarily on: Individual and Couples Therapy, Interpersonal Relational Issues, Eating Disorders, Addiction Recovery, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Reduction.
(713) 636-5132 View (713) 636-5132
Photo of Connor McInerney, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 77006, TX
Connor McInerney
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77006
My work draws from IFS (Internal Family Systems) and other trauma-informed therapy approaches to help you identify your innate strengths and empower you to heal, grow, and live a meaningful life.
Do you struggle with your inner critic? Have you felt lonely or rejected? Maybe you've tried to avoid anxiety, depression, or traumatic memories, seeking a way out of a rollercoaster of emotions. Have you experienced difficulty with life transitions; career/school stress; relationship issues including polyamory and CNM; bigotry; grief; addiction; sex/drug linked behavior; sexual assault/abuse; self-harm, or suicidal thoughts? Are you somewhere on the LGBTQ+ spectrum and feel like no one in your life understands you? If you answered yes to any of these issues, when was the last time you had a space to talk that was just for you?
My work draws from IFS (Internal Family Systems) and other trauma-informed therapy approaches to help you identify your innate strengths and empower you to heal, grow, and live a meaningful life.
Do you struggle with your inner critic? Have you felt lonely or rejected? Maybe you've tried to avoid anxiety, depression, or traumatic memories, seeking a way out of a rollercoaster of emotions. Have you experienced difficulty with life transitions; career/school stress; relationship issues including polyamory and CNM; bigotry; grief; addiction; sex/drug linked behavior; sexual assault/abuse; self-harm, or suicidal thoughts? Are you somewhere on the LGBTQ+ spectrum and feel like no one in your life understands you? If you answered yes to any of these issues, when was the last time you had a space to talk that was just for you?
(281) 688-4954 View (281) 688-4954
Photo of Mary Alice Carpenter, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 77006, TX
Mary Alice Carpenter
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFT-A
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77006
She has additional training in Internal Family Systems, ACT, and is Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1 certified.
Mary Alice knows that new parenthood is full of paradoxes. You’re exhausted, but you can’t sleep. You love your baby, but it’s hard to like someone who screams at you all day. You need help, but you don’t know who to ask or what to ask for. Finding support and taking care of yourself is a great first step– healthy parents grow healthy families. Therapy is a safe place to sort through your scary thoughts and tap into your inner strengths and resources. Mary Alice’s expertise in working with expecting and new parents in the Houston area spans the length of a decade, first as a birth and postpartum doula, and later as a midwife.
She has additional training in Internal Family Systems, ACT, and is Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1 certified.
Mary Alice knows that new parenthood is full of paradoxes. You’re exhausted, but you can’t sleep. You love your baby, but it’s hard to like someone who screams at you all day. You need help, but you don’t know who to ask or what to ask for. Finding support and taking care of yourself is a great first step– healthy parents grow healthy families. Therapy is a safe place to sort through your scary thoughts and tap into your inner strengths and resources. Mary Alice’s expertise in working with expecting and new parents in the Houston area spans the length of a decade, first as a birth and postpartum doula, and later as a midwife.
(832) 621-4702 View (832) 621-4702
Photo of Elizabeth Cruz, Licensed Professional Counselor in 77006, TX
Elizabeth Cruz
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77006  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am IFS Level 1 Trained and EMDR Trained.
As a queer woman of color, I have a unique perspective that helps me connect with clients from many different backgrounds. As a counselor, I know how comforting it can be to connect with someone who can understand your experiences— and how that type of connection can make you feel less alone. My goal is to provide a safe, flexible space tailored to your specific needs where you feel unconditionally embraced and understood as you work towards your goals.
I am IFS Level 1 Trained and EMDR Trained.
As a queer woman of color, I have a unique perspective that helps me connect with clients from many different backgrounds. As a counselor, I know how comforting it can be to connect with someone who can understand your experiences— and how that type of connection can make you feel less alone. My goal is to provide a safe, flexible space tailored to your specific needs where you feel unconditionally embraced and understood as you work towards your goals.
(214) 571-7869 View (214) 571-7869
Photo of Leslie Lewis, LPC Associate in 77006, TX
Leslie Lewis
LPC Associate, MA, LPC-A
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77006  (Online Only)
Howdy! I'm thrilled that you are starting the process of looking for a therapist! No two people are alike, so I don’t use a cookie-cutter approach to the work we do together in counseling. While I pull from multiple modes of therapy, it is common for me to use tools from biofeedback, mindfulness, CBT, IFS, and more. My style is equitable and relational, with previous clients saying that my humorous, laid-back approach to therapy put them at ease quickly. There is no power hierarchy: I am the expert in mental health; you are the expert in your life. We need both to have a successful and productive counseling relationship!
Howdy! I'm thrilled that you are starting the process of looking for a therapist! No two people are alike, so I don’t use a cookie-cutter approach to the work we do together in counseling. While I pull from multiple modes of therapy, it is common for me to use tools from biofeedback, mindfulness, CBT, IFS, and more. My style is equitable and relational, with previous clients saying that my humorous, laid-back approach to therapy put them at ease quickly. There is no power hierarchy: I am the expert in mental health; you are the expert in your life. We need both to have a successful and productive counseling relationship!
(512) 548-8572 View (512) 548-8572
Photo of Joe Lenhoff, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 77006, TX
Joe Lenhoff
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CDWF
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77006
I have an eclectic therapeutic approach that is person-centered and incorporates ART, EMDR, Internal Family Systems, and The Daring Way curriculum content (I am a Certified Daring Way Facilitator).
THERApY SUCkS! Not really. . . but it can be uncomfortable. I can help. I am currently taking new clients for standard therapy sessions as well as "intensives". An intensive session is an efficient and novel approach to trauma therapy where we spend anywhere from 2 to 4 hours in focused sessions. Additionally, I offer 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day intensive sessions working with EMDR and/or ART. I am trained in EMDR (through an EMDRIA approved training) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), a relatively new, evidence-based therapy for PTSD and trauma. Reach out for a free consult to learn more.
I have an eclectic therapeutic approach that is person-centered and incorporates ART, EMDR, Internal Family Systems, and The Daring Way curriculum content (I am a Certified Daring Way Facilitator).
THERApY SUCkS! Not really. . . but it can be uncomfortable. I can help. I am currently taking new clients for standard therapy sessions as well as "intensives". An intensive session is an efficient and novel approach to trauma therapy where we spend anywhere from 2 to 4 hours in focused sessions. Additionally, I offer 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day intensive sessions working with EMDR and/or ART. I am trained in EMDR (through an EMDRIA approved training) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), a relatively new, evidence-based therapy for PTSD and trauma. Reach out for a free consult to learn more.
(832) 501-3965 View (832) 501-3965
Photo of Marcie Dinkin, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 77006, TX
Marcie Dinkin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77006
Do you need help dealing with traumatic experiences, a challenging upbringing, or complex family dynamics? Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, perfectionism, or feeling stuck in life? As a parent, are you seeking advice on communicating better with your young adult or teen child? Do you need guidance on setting boundaries or navigating co-parenting? Perhaps your teenager is dealing with strong emotions, OCD thoughts, social anxiety, depression, school pressure, suicidal thoughts, self-esteem issues, or self-harm. Or maybe your family needs help building stronger connections and improving communication.
Do you need help dealing with traumatic experiences, a challenging upbringing, or complex family dynamics? Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, perfectionism, or feeling stuck in life? As a parent, are you seeking advice on communicating better with your young adult or teen child? Do you need guidance on setting boundaries or navigating co-parenting? Perhaps your teenager is dealing with strong emotions, OCD thoughts, social anxiety, depression, school pressure, suicidal thoughts, self-esteem issues, or self-harm. Or maybe your family needs help building stronger connections and improving communication.
(832) 905-1627 View (832) 905-1627
Photo of Taylor Baker, Licensed Professional Counselor in 77006, TX
Taylor Baker
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC-A
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77006
For many people, therapy is the first time their emotions and experiences are fully validated. I’m passionate about creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment where you feel safe to openly explore your thoughts and feelings. I offer psychotherapy to individuals experiencing difficulties such as anxiety and depression and those who are grieving or suffering as a result of a traumatic experience. I especially enjoy working with those who view themselves as high achievers who might say “Everything looks perfectly fine on the outside, but inside I am secretly struggling.”
For many people, therapy is the first time their emotions and experiences are fully validated. I’m passionate about creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment where you feel safe to openly explore your thoughts and feelings. I offer psychotherapy to individuals experiencing difficulties such as anxiety and depression and those who are grieving or suffering as a result of a traumatic experience. I especially enjoy working with those who view themselves as high achievers who might say “Everything looks perfectly fine on the outside, but inside I am secretly struggling.”
(713) 360-1928 View (713) 360-1928
Photo of Mel Sutton, Licensed Professional Counselor in 77006, TX
Mel Sutton
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77006  (Online Only)
Your decision to start the journey of healing is a tremendous act of love turned inward. In individual counseling, I provide support and encouragement as you rewrite your story and work toward creating the life you want. In the couples therapy process, partners learn to improve communication, build intimacy, and solve conflict in a respectful way. All of my sessions are trauma sensitive and will be a safe space for repair.
Your decision to start the journey of healing is a tremendous act of love turned inward. In individual counseling, I provide support and encouragement as you rewrite your story and work toward creating the life you want. In the couples therapy process, partners learn to improve communication, build intimacy, and solve conflict in a respectful way. All of my sessions are trauma sensitive and will be a safe space for repair.
(832) 304-2501 View (832) 304-2501
Photo of Meghan Johnson, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in 77006, TX
Meghan Johnson
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MEd, LPC-A
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77006
Navigating life's ups and downs can be hard. Seeking out the help of a counseling professional is a great first step towards healing. Whether you are seeking help as an individual, a couple, or a family, we can work together to build on your unique strengths and help you reach your counseling goals. I work with adults, adolescents and children.
Navigating life's ups and downs can be hard. Seeking out the help of a counseling professional is a great first step towards healing. Whether you are seeking help as an individual, a couple, or a family, we can work together to build on your unique strengths and help you reach your counseling goals. I work with adults, adolescents and children.
(832) 793-8115 View (832) 793-8115
Photo of Marina Arnaud Rathjens, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 77006, TX
Marina Arnaud Rathjens
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, C-DBT
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77006
I've worked with clients with a history of trauma, anxiety, depression, life adjustment,and relationship issue.Exec. Function and Parenting support. I'm passionate about helping those adjusting to life transitions.Whether it is a new school, country, diagnostic or relationship, my goal is to offer a non-judgmental and safe space that encourages my clients to make healthy choices and improve the quality of their relationships.We're all impacted by biological, psychological, and social factors.By understanding how those parts are connected,I believe we can get to the root cause of our struggle and access the resources we need to heal.
I've worked with clients with a history of trauma, anxiety, depression, life adjustment,and relationship issue.Exec. Function and Parenting support. I'm passionate about helping those adjusting to life transitions.Whether it is a new school, country, diagnostic or relationship, my goal is to offer a non-judgmental and safe space that encourages my clients to make healthy choices and improve the quality of their relationships.We're all impacted by biological, psychological, and social factors.By understanding how those parts are connected,I believe we can get to the root cause of our struggle and access the resources we need to heal.
(832) 743-1057 View (832) 743-1057
Photo of Craig A Ellis, Licensed Professional Counselor in 77006, TX
Craig A Ellis
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77006
Joseph Campbell once said, "The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are." As a therapist, I believe there can be no greater goal than to help you become your authentic self. By acknowledging you as the expert in your own life, and not imposing my own ideas of who you "should" be, my role is to help you work through any old survival strategies, reactive patterns, and physical/emotional traumas that prevent you from being the person you were meant to be, and living the life you were meant to live.
Joseph Campbell once said, "The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are." As a therapist, I believe there can be no greater goal than to help you become your authentic self. By acknowledging you as the expert in your own life, and not imposing my own ideas of who you "should" be, my role is to help you work through any old survival strategies, reactive patterns, and physical/emotional traumas that prevent you from being the person you were meant to be, and living the life you were meant to live.
(713) 234-6259 View (713) 234-6259
Photo of Natalie P. Mica, Licensed Professional Counselor in 77006, TX
Natalie P. Mica
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC-S, CDWF
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77006
You want to live the truth and fullness of who you are, but somehow you question your worthiness and struggle to find your authentic voice. It seems your key relationships or life circumstances encourage you to deny, hide, or diminish who you are. Perfectionism, people pleasing, performing, and the need to control have taken over your life, and the stress is causing pain and dis-ease. Often you feel anxious, overwhelmed, and burdened by life’s demands. Or you’re depressed and disconnected from yourself and others or angry and out of control, numbing to get by. Let me help you regain your center and move forward, authentically.
You want to live the truth and fullness of who you are, but somehow you question your worthiness and struggle to find your authentic voice. It seems your key relationships or life circumstances encourage you to deny, hide, or diminish who you are. Perfectionism, people pleasing, performing, and the need to control have taken over your life, and the stress is causing pain and dis-ease. Often you feel anxious, overwhelmed, and burdened by life’s demands. Or you’re depressed and disconnected from yourself and others or angry and out of control, numbing to get by. Let me help you regain your center and move forward, authentically.
(832) 304-2149 View (832) 304-2149
Photo of Julie Stryker, Licensed Professional Counselor in 77006, TX
Julie Stryker
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77006
You're an adult woman who's doing it all while feeling disconnected and unsure of what you really want. You feel confused by your dissatisfaction with your primary relationships or your career - because you have a great family, good job, good supports, etc. And, no one really wants to hear about it, often calling you ridiculous instead. You probably find yourself wondering, "What's wrong with me?" or "Why can't I get this right?" If you're looking for unbiased support from someone outside your family and community, I'm here to tell you you're not ridiculous AND I want to hear all about it!
You're an adult woman who's doing it all while feeling disconnected and unsure of what you really want. You feel confused by your dissatisfaction with your primary relationships or your career - because you have a great family, good job, good supports, etc. And, no one really wants to hear about it, often calling you ridiculous instead. You probably find yourself wondering, "What's wrong with me?" or "Why can't I get this right?" If you're looking for unbiased support from someone outside your family and community, I'm here to tell you you're not ridiculous AND I want to hear all about it!
(346) 214-1635 View (346) 214-1635
Photo of Breslyn Bren Shapiro, Licensed Master Social Worker in 77006, TX
Breslyn Bren Shapiro
Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW, LCDC
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77006
I utilize an integrative person-centered and strengths-based approach that incorporates a variety of therapeutic modalities including psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, and solution-focused therapies. In addition to her formal education, I have lived experience navigating personal and family recovery. As a clinician, I specialize in treating individuals struggling with addiction and mental health issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, and co-occurring disorders. I believe that building a trusting and supportive therapeutic relationship is essential to providing safe, person-centered care.
I utilize an integrative person-centered and strengths-based approach that incorporates a variety of therapeutic modalities including psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, and solution-focused therapies. In addition to her formal education, I have lived experience navigating personal and family recovery. As a clinician, I specialize in treating individuals struggling with addiction and mental health issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, and co-occurring disorders. I believe that building a trusting and supportive therapeutic relationship is essential to providing safe, person-centered care.
(832) 789-4735 View (832) 789-4735
Photo of Jyl Scott Reagan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 77006, TX
Jyl Scott Reagan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMFT-S, LPC-S, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77006
Are you feeling unhappy with your life and wishing things would change for the better? Maybe your marriage or love relationship is in trouble and you are repeating the same old patterns - trust issues, anger or feeling distant. Or the source of worry could be problems in the family. Life itself can give you a big roadblock like a deep loss or a career challenge. Have you gotten to the point where the things you have tried haven't helped enough? And talking to even trusted friends has limits. You don't have to be trapped by worry and discouragement. You can have healthier relationships and a happier life.
Are you feeling unhappy with your life and wishing things would change for the better? Maybe your marriage or love relationship is in trouble and you are repeating the same old patterns - trust issues, anger or feeling distant. Or the source of worry could be problems in the family. Life itself can give you a big roadblock like a deep loss or a career challenge. Have you gotten to the point where the things you have tried haven't helped enough? And talking to even trusted friends has limits. You don't have to be trapped by worry and discouragement. You can have healthier relationships and a happier life.
(281) 870-2572 View (281) 870-2572
Photo of Elizabeth Lowrey, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 77006, TX
Elizabeth Lowrey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77006
If you're struggling with addiction, grief, chronic pain, or illness, you are likely feeling tired. Tired of the pain .. the loss, whether it's the loss of relationships, the cycle, or the loss of what was or what could have been. What if there is a different way through the pain? Together, we can navigate what you are going through with compassion and a fresh perspective not only so you can cope, but so you can build the next chapter of your life with greater ease, meaning, and relief.
If you're struggling with addiction, grief, chronic pain, or illness, you are likely feeling tired. Tired of the pain .. the loss, whether it's the loss of relationships, the cycle, or the loss of what was or what could have been. What if there is a different way through the pain? Together, we can navigate what you are going through with compassion and a fresh perspective not only so you can cope, but so you can build the next chapter of your life with greater ease, meaning, and relief.
(832) 861-7929 View (832) 861-7929
Photo of Ashlee Knight, Counselor in 77006, TX
Ashlee Knight
Counselor, LPC, LMHC, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77006
Are you frustrated by the quality of the relationships in your life? I help individuals and couples seeking reconnection, conflict management, communication skills, deeper intimacy, and a general sense of understanding how their past impacts their current relational patterns. Relational healing and emotional connectivity makes our experience of partnership much more fulfilling, which impacts every other area of our lives. Utilizing Emotionally Focused Therapy and trauma-informed & attachment based techniques, our work together can transform your understanding of each other as well as the quality of your life together.
Are you frustrated by the quality of the relationships in your life? I help individuals and couples seeking reconnection, conflict management, communication skills, deeper intimacy, and a general sense of understanding how their past impacts their current relational patterns. Relational healing and emotional connectivity makes our experience of partnership much more fulfilling, which impacts every other area of our lives. Utilizing Emotionally Focused Therapy and trauma-informed & attachment based techniques, our work together can transform your understanding of each other as well as the quality of your life together.
(206) 457-1478 View (206) 457-1478
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.