Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists in 90403
Tara Vatankhah
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFT, RYT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
The natural ebb and flow of life can keep us flowing between a state of connection & disconnection to our authentic selves. Often times, the disconnection sparks the desire to seek therapy, subsequently leading to an inward journey back to our essence. I would feel honored to be part of your journey. The foundation of my therapeutic approach is based on the idea that wisdom lives within all of us. My hope is to help you tap into & live from that place of connection to your own unique inner compass. I utilize mindfulness, somatic, narrative, CBT & family systems theoretical frameworks to help you create & lead a more fulfilling life.
The natural ebb and flow of life can keep us flowing between a state of connection & disconnection to our authentic selves. Often times, the disconnection sparks the desire to seek therapy, subsequently leading to an inward journey back to our essence. I would feel honored to be part of your journey. The foundation of my therapeutic approach is based on the idea that wisdom lives within all of us. My hope is to help you tap into & live from that place of connection to your own unique inner compass. I utilize mindfulness, somatic, narrative, CBT & family systems theoretical frameworks to help you create & lead a more fulfilling life.
Ava Rose
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I am a certified Sensorimotor Psychotherapist, and Level 1 IFS therapist.
I offer individual, couple, family and group psychotherapy for adults, children and teens who would like to cope more effectively with their emotions and life stresses, heal from difficult or traumatic experiences, improve their relationships, and achieve more success and fulfillment in their lives. By creating a safe, collaborative space to explore your concerns and challenges, I offer reparative experiences for individuals who have felt overwhelmed, hurt or unsupported by others; and I help individuals, couples & families to strengthen their connections, improve communication, and develop more secure and fulfilling relationships.
I am a certified Sensorimotor Psychotherapist, and Level 1 IFS therapist.
I offer individual, couple, family and group psychotherapy for adults, children and teens who would like to cope more effectively with their emotions and life stresses, heal from difficult or traumatic experiences, improve their relationships, and achieve more success and fulfillment in their lives. By creating a safe, collaborative space to explore your concerns and challenges, I offer reparative experiences for individuals who have felt overwhelmed, hurt or unsupported by others; and I help individuals, couples & families to strengthen their connections, improve communication, and develop more secure and fulfilling relationships.
Natalie Badawy
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern, MA, APCC, AMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Many of us carry our emotional wounds in our bodies and only when we create a connection between the mind and the body can we feel whole again. I utilize a blend of therapeutic techniques that include shadow work, inner child healing, internal family systems (IFS), somatic therapy, and reparenting in order to create a safe connection within the body and mind. When you are in connection with your whole self you are then equipped to heal your relationship with others and the planet. I help clients struggling with sexual trauma, grief, codependency, depression, and relationship challenges.
Many of us carry our emotional wounds in our bodies and only when we create a connection between the mind and the body can we feel whole again. I utilize a blend of therapeutic techniques that include shadow work, inner child healing, internal family systems (IFS), somatic therapy, and reparenting in order to create a safe connection within the body and mind. When you are in connection with your whole self you are then equipped to heal your relationship with others and the planet. I help clients struggling with sexual trauma, grief, codependency, depression, and relationship challenges.
Alexa Kidman
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ACSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Some treatments I specialize in include IFS-informed therapy, Brainspotting, CBT, and less formal modalities, like Animal-Assisted, Walk-and-Talk, and Expressive Arts therapy.
I help children, teens and young adults process trauma, navigate difficult relationships, develop life-long coping skills, and find inner peace. Aside from being a therapist, I am a human with lived-experience. I understand how overwhelming it can be to address difficult thoughts and emotions. I also know how incredibly life changing it can be. My drive for building authentic connections with my clients is largely motivated by my own failed attempts to find a therapist I connected with when I was younger. It taught me true healing happens in safe environments, with honest connections, built on authenticity, honesty, and laughter.
Some treatments I specialize in include IFS-informed therapy, Brainspotting, CBT, and less formal modalities, like Animal-Assisted, Walk-and-Talk, and Expressive Arts therapy.
I help children, teens and young adults process trauma, navigate difficult relationships, develop life-long coping skills, and find inner peace. Aside from being a therapist, I am a human with lived-experience. I understand how overwhelming it can be to address difficult thoughts and emotions. I also know how incredibly life changing it can be. My drive for building authentic connections with my clients is largely motivated by my own failed attempts to find a therapist I connected with when I was younger. It taught me true healing happens in safe environments, with honest connections, built on authenticity, honesty, and laughter.
Elizabeth Lauber
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with extensive training and experience in psychodynamic psychotherapy, mindfulness based stress reduction, IFS and EMDR.
Throughout life, we all must examine painful feelings that complicate our lives and prevent us from finding satisfaction and joy. Obstacles may stand in the way of our leading more meaningful lives. We may feel stuck or powerless to take vital steps, make decisions, work toward goals, and improve relationships.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with extensive training and experience in psychodynamic psychotherapy, mindfulness based stress reduction, IFS and EMDR.
Throughout life, we all must examine painful feelings that complicate our lives and prevent us from finding satisfaction and joy. Obstacles may stand in the way of our leading more meaningful lives. We may feel stuck or powerless to take vital steps, make decisions, work toward goals, and improve relationships.
Rachel Fintzy Woods
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
My approach includes evidence-based treatment such as Cognitive-Behavioral (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral (DBT), somatic, cognitive-processing, Internal Family Systems, & Gottman couples therapy.
Do you struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, shame, or not feeling "good enough"? Are you unhappy with your weight, food, and your body image or compulsively overeat? Are your relationships unfulfilling? Have you experienced trauma and still feel impacted? Have you lost touch with (or feel you've never found) your inner wisdom? If so, there is hope. Together we can bolster your resilience, courage, and ability to make constructive changes in your life. As a relationship specialist, I can also help you to improve your communication skills and relationship dynamics, so you can connect better to other people - and to yourself.
My approach includes evidence-based treatment such as Cognitive-Behavioral (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral (DBT), somatic, cognitive-processing, Internal Family Systems, & Gottman couples therapy.
Do you struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, shame, or not feeling "good enough"? Are you unhappy with your weight, food, and your body image or compulsively overeat? Are your relationships unfulfilling? Have you experienced trauma and still feel impacted? Have you lost touch with (or feel you've never found) your inner wisdom? If so, there is hope. Together we can bolster your resilience, courage, and ability to make constructive changes in your life. As a relationship specialist, I can also help you to improve your communication skills and relationship dynamics, so you can connect better to other people - and to yourself.
At Home Ketamine Assisted Therapy (Instant Insurance Verification)
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Integrative & Immersive Psychotherapy approach utilizing Psychedelic, EMDR, Transpersonal, Existential, Humanistic, Trauma, Relational & Integrative Therapies, Clinical Hypnotherapy, Somatic & Intuitive Therapy, EFT, Energy Psychology, ACT, IFS, DBT, MCBT & Life Coaching.
Feya Health is a woman-owned, Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy group practice, featured on MTV. Our Integrative approach helps clients address their self-destructive patterns by getting to the core and root of their issues. The result is a drastic reduction in the initial presenting symptoms over a short period of time. We offer a comprehensive, integrative & customizable approach to the Ketamine & Oxytocin Therapy Process and specialize in EMDR, PTSD, CPTSD, human optimization and Pharmaceutical Medication withdrawal.
Integrative & Immersive Psychotherapy approach utilizing Psychedelic, EMDR, Transpersonal, Existential, Humanistic, Trauma, Relational & Integrative Therapies, Clinical Hypnotherapy, Somatic & Intuitive Therapy, EFT, Energy Psychology, ACT, IFS, DBT, MCBT & Life Coaching.
Feya Health is a woman-owned, Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy group practice, featured on MTV. Our Integrative approach helps clients address their self-destructive patterns by getting to the core and root of their issues. The result is a drastic reduction in the initial presenting symptoms over a short period of time. We offer a comprehensive, integrative & customizable approach to the Ketamine & Oxytocin Therapy Process and specialize in EMDR, PTSD, CPTSD, human optimization and Pharmaceutical Medication withdrawal.
Ali (Alexandria) Wolfe-Grady
Marriage & Family Therapist, MACP, LMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403 (Online Only)
The therapeutic modalities I offer include a combination of cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, interpersonal, strength based, humanistic, and family systems.
I find the best way for me to help people reach their goals is to work collaboratively and to build a therapeutic relationship based on trust, honesty, and openness. An individualized therapeutic approach is imperative for helping explore my clients’ unique life experiences. We work together utilizing an eclectic interactive approach that encourages feedback and collaboration to shape treatment to meet a client's individual needs. Together we formulate a plan to address achieving specific short-term goals aimed at improving daily life in addition to long term growth focusing on personal development.
The therapeutic modalities I offer include a combination of cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, interpersonal, strength based, humanistic, and family systems.
I find the best way for me to help people reach their goals is to work collaboratively and to build a therapeutic relationship based on trust, honesty, and openness. An individualized therapeutic approach is imperative for helping explore my clients’ unique life experiences. We work together utilizing an eclectic interactive approach that encourages feedback and collaboration to shape treatment to meet a client's individual needs. Together we formulate a plan to address achieving specific short-term goals aimed at improving daily life in addition to long term growth focusing on personal development.
Resurface Group
LMFT, ASW, AMFT, SEP
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Resurface Group was founded based on a shared belief that individuals and families experiencing even the most complex mental health and behavioral challenges can achieve long-term change and lasting well-being with the right care and support. Our mission is to deliver alternative solutions to people battling mental and behavioral health challenges. We inspire even the most complex individuals and family systems to create positive, healthy changes with innovative approaches and proven clinical techniques.
Resurface Group was founded based on a shared belief that individuals and families experiencing even the most complex mental health and behavioral challenges can achieve long-term change and lasting well-being with the right care and support. Our mission is to deliver alternative solutions to people battling mental and behavioral health challenges. We inspire even the most complex individuals and family systems to create positive, healthy changes with innovative approaches and proven clinical techniques.
Chris Meehan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Modalities include: EMDR, IFS, Trauma Recovery, psychodynamic psychotherapy, childhood developmental work, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, REBT, 12 step work, and Mindfulness based psychotherapy.
In life, pain and suffering are inevitable. We have all been wounded in one way or another. As your Psychotherapist and Integrative Trauma Recovery Trained Specialist, I treat the whole person—body, mind, and soul. Life ebbs and flows, and at times, we can find ourselves in the rapids of despair and confusion. It’s easy to fall into the trap of defining ourselves by our struggles, which only leads us to forget our true story and diminish who we really are. I will help you clear the fog of dysfunction and illuminate your path to develop and reveal the person you truly are and were meant to be.
Modalities include: EMDR, IFS, Trauma Recovery, psychodynamic psychotherapy, childhood developmental work, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, REBT, 12 step work, and Mindfulness based psychotherapy.
In life, pain and suffering are inevitable. We have all been wounded in one way or another. As your Psychotherapist and Integrative Trauma Recovery Trained Specialist, I treat the whole person—body, mind, and soul. Life ebbs and flows, and at times, we can find ourselves in the rapids of despair and confusion. It’s easy to fall into the trap of defining ourselves by our struggles, which only leads us to forget our true story and diminish who we really are. I will help you clear the fog of dysfunction and illuminate your path to develop and reveal the person you truly are and were meant to be.
Heather Simons
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I am passionate about working with adolescents, adults, and couples who are seeking support with a wide range of issues, including shame, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and concerns related to relationships, life transitions, sexuality, and identity. To meet the unique needs of each client, I draw on a range of therapeutic modalities and perspectives, including psychodynamic, somatic, family systems, parts work, and mindfulness techniques. I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I come to my work as a therapist with compassion, warmth, humor, and honesty.
I am passionate about working with adolescents, adults, and couples who are seeking support with a wide range of issues, including shame, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and concerns related to relationships, life transitions, sexuality, and identity. To meet the unique needs of each client, I draw on a range of therapeutic modalities and perspectives, including psychodynamic, somatic, family systems, parts work, and mindfulness techniques. I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I come to my work as a therapist with compassion, warmth, humor, and honesty.
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Ellen Radha Katz
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403 (Online Only)
I am trained in Internal Family Systems, Holographic Memory Resolution, Eriksonian Hypnotherapy, Somatic Experience, Reiki, Ayurveda and Yoga, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Buddhist Psychology, Meditation and traditional psychotherapeutic approaches.
Because I've been blessed with life-changing mentors in my life, I can pass the sum of their wisdom on to you, along with my own. Therapy is a healing process that happens through our shared connection and your expanding awareness. It requires a safe place, where truth is expressed and pain is transformed. Typically we meet suffering with distractions, intoxication or denial. When we find a way to experience emotional sobriety, our relationships with ourselves and others can heal. Loss, trauma, emotional intoxication and shame are common issues that breed secondary problems. We’ll approach them with skill, compassion and courage.
I am trained in Internal Family Systems, Holographic Memory Resolution, Eriksonian Hypnotherapy, Somatic Experience, Reiki, Ayurveda and Yoga, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Buddhist Psychology, Meditation and traditional psychotherapeutic approaches.
Because I've been blessed with life-changing mentors in my life, I can pass the sum of their wisdom on to you, along with my own. Therapy is a healing process that happens through our shared connection and your expanding awareness. It requires a safe place, where truth is expressed and pain is transformed. Typically we meet suffering with distractions, intoxication or denial. When we find a way to experience emotional sobriety, our relationships with ourselves and others can heal. Loss, trauma, emotional intoxication and shame are common issues that breed secondary problems. We’ll approach them with skill, compassion and courage.
Shannon Lowry
MSc
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403 (Online Only)
I am an IFS practitioner and researcher offering depth-oriented psychology coaching.
Most of us struggle with habitual reactions to life’s challenges — from doubt or guilt to shame or frustration. These responses are built-in, long-established parts of ourselves that we put in place to guard and protect ourselves but that are, ultimately, unhelpful and can be damaging. I want to help you get in touch with and untangle those reactions — those parts — so that you can live a freer life with a more fully-realized sense of self.
I am an IFS practitioner and researcher offering depth-oriented psychology coaching.
Most of us struggle with habitual reactions to life’s challenges — from doubt or guilt to shame or frustration. These responses are built-in, long-established parts of ourselves that we put in place to guard and protect ourselves but that are, ultimately, unhelpful and can be damaging. I want to help you get in touch with and untangle those reactions — those parts — so that you can live a freer life with a more fully-realized sense of self.
Emily Delster
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CSAT-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I use Internal Family Systems (IFS), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and Post Induction Therapy (PIT) to get to the root of the problems keeping you stuck, isolated and in survival mode. I'll be the compassionate guide who tells you the truth and gives you a soft place to land. It takes so much courage to begin working toward the life and relationships you want most. You are worth the work!
I use Internal Family Systems (IFS), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and Post Induction Therapy (PIT) to get to the root of the problems keeping you stuck, isolated and in survival mode. I'll be the compassionate guide who tells you the truth and gives you a soft place to land. It takes so much courage to begin working toward the life and relationships you want most. You are worth the work!
Nakisa Choupani
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Nakisa is also trained in EMDR, CBT, IFS, EFT, DBT, ACT, Breathwork, Somatic Havening and Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy.
Nakisa is a licensed psychotherapist and clinical supervisor at Feya Health, utilizing eclectic and holistic approaches to support clients in engaging in meaningful self discovery via effective clinical models alongside Ketamine and Oxytocin Assisted Psychotherapy. Nakisa believes in the efficacy of a holistic and client centered approach, utilizing compassion and non-judgment to guide individuals in healing and developing a strong relationship with themselves, others and their environments.
Nakisa is also trained in EMDR, CBT, IFS, EFT, DBT, ACT, Breathwork, Somatic Havening and Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy.
Nakisa is a licensed psychotherapist and clinical supervisor at Feya Health, utilizing eclectic and holistic approaches to support clients in engaging in meaningful self discovery via effective clinical models alongside Ketamine and Oxytocin Assisted Psychotherapy. Nakisa believes in the efficacy of a holistic and client centered approach, utilizing compassion and non-judgment to guide individuals in healing and developing a strong relationship with themselves, others and their environments.
Brittany Herrera
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I work from trauma-informed, psychodynamic, relational, IFS, CBT, DBT, mindfulness, somatic, and attachment-based therapeutic techniques.
Are you struggling to focus? Do you feel emotionally drained, insecure, or stuck in people-pleasing? Does conflict feel uncomfortable or scary? Do you fall into patterns in relationships, friendships, or career and wish you could break the cycle? Sometimes, it isn't obvious why we do the things we do, but we can sense we're not our most authentic or successful self. And even when we know the cause of our distress, changing our behavior can still be hard. That's where I come in. My job is to listen without judgment, pressure, or bias and help you examine the root causes of your challenges to create the change you want in your life.
I work from trauma-informed, psychodynamic, relational, IFS, CBT, DBT, mindfulness, somatic, and attachment-based therapeutic techniques.
Are you struggling to focus? Do you feel emotionally drained, insecure, or stuck in people-pleasing? Does conflict feel uncomfortable or scary? Do you fall into patterns in relationships, friendships, or career and wish you could break the cycle? Sometimes, it isn't obvious why we do the things we do, but we can sense we're not our most authentic or successful self. And even when we know the cause of our distress, changing our behavior can still be hard. That's where I come in. My job is to listen without judgment, pressure, or bias and help you examine the root causes of your challenges to create the change you want in your life.
Alisha Kingsley
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Every session is tailored to your individual needs, but I commonly use Internal Family Systems (IFS), Brainspotting, somatic therapies, mindfulness and breathwork practices, and ketamine-assisted therapy (KAP).
Accepting new clients for individual and couples ketamine-assisted therapy and psychedelic integration only at this time. Waitlist for all other clients. If trauma, attachment wounds, relationship patterns, anxiety or OCD are keeping you feeling stuck, frustrated, or hopeless and you know you need something to change but don’t know what steps to take to feel better, I can help. You don’t have to figure out how to fix this on your own. If you are curious about the treatments I offer or are wondering if we might be a good fit, you can make an appointment for a free, 20-minute call using this link: www.alishakingsley.com/schedule/
Every session is tailored to your individual needs, but I commonly use Internal Family Systems (IFS), Brainspotting, somatic therapies, mindfulness and breathwork practices, and ketamine-assisted therapy (KAP).
Accepting new clients for individual and couples ketamine-assisted therapy and psychedelic integration only at this time. Waitlist for all other clients. If trauma, attachment wounds, relationship patterns, anxiety or OCD are keeping you feeling stuck, frustrated, or hopeless and you know you need something to change but don’t know what steps to take to feel better, I can help. You don’t have to figure out how to fix this on your own. If you are curious about the treatments I offer or are wondering if we might be a good fit, you can make an appointment for a free, 20-minute call using this link: www.alishakingsley.com/schedule/
Amada Battista
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403 (Online Only)
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I will collaborate with you in developing problem-solving skills to enhance the coping strategies that will help you deal with depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and other anxiety-producing experiences. I focus on understanding your symptoms within the context of your interpersonal relationships.
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I will collaborate with you in developing problem-solving skills to enhance the coping strategies that will help you deal with depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and other anxiety-producing experiences. I focus on understanding your symptoms within the context of your interpersonal relationships.
Brandon Gross
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” ― C.G. Jung. I specialize in helping creatives and high-performing individuals in their 20s and 30s navigate emotional challenges, major life changes, and live their most authentic lives. I address issues that include: Isolation and Loneliness, Grief and Loss, Existential Crises, Values Clarification (i.e. figuring out “what matters”), Navigating Life Transitions (e.g. College to Career, Parenting)l, Anxiety and Depression, Communication Breakdown, Creative Block, Career Gridlock and Relationship Challenges. I also specialize in Men's Issues.
“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” ― C.G. Jung. I specialize in helping creatives and high-performing individuals in their 20s and 30s navigate emotional challenges, major life changes, and live their most authentic lives. I address issues that include: Isolation and Loneliness, Grief and Loss, Existential Crises, Values Clarification (i.e. figuring out “what matters”), Navigating Life Transitions (e.g. College to Career, Parenting)l, Anxiety and Depression, Communication Breakdown, Creative Block, Career Gridlock and Relationship Challenges. I also specialize in Men's Issues.
Michael Najera
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Relationships are problematic. You’re up late at night researching your partner’s behavior online – learning new terms like narcissist abuse, gaslighting, boundaries, and how to be happy. You fantasize this search will make your partner say, “Thank you for this enlightening information. Now I understand my alcoholic mother and chaotic childhood caused my behavior in relationships.” Realistically, you know that late-night research got you nowhere. You might think, “I will find a therapist and get to the roots of my personality, why I act the way I do, and work on myself.” Unfortunately, this is not likely to happen without a plan.
Relationships are problematic. You’re up late at night researching your partner’s behavior online – learning new terms like narcissist abuse, gaslighting, boundaries, and how to be happy. You fantasize this search will make your partner say, “Thank you for this enlightening information. Now I understand my alcoholic mother and chaotic childhood caused my behavior in relationships.” Realistically, you know that late-night research got you nowhere. You might think, “I will find a therapist and get to the roots of my personality, why I act the way I do, and work on myself.” Unfortunately, this is not likely to happen without a plan.
See more therapy options for 90403
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.