Photo of Elizabeth Miller, MA, PPS, LPCC, Counselor
Elizabeth Miller
Counselor, MA, PPS, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
IFS.
I’ve been working as a Mental Health Clinician in various roles for over a decade. I’ve had the privilege of connecting and supporting humans from all ages and backgrounds. I have an integrative holistic approach with an emphasis in bottom-up body-based modalities. I believe everyone has their own unique path to finding balance and healing. I make it a priority to provide a space that is trauma informed, culturally inclusive, and LGBTQIA+ safe. EMDR. IFS. Somatic. Mindfulness. Self-Compassion. Attachment. Reiki.
IFS.
I’ve been working as a Mental Health Clinician in various roles for over a decade. I’ve had the privilege of connecting and supporting humans from all ages and backgrounds. I have an integrative holistic approach with an emphasis in bottom-up body-based modalities. I believe everyone has their own unique path to finding balance and healing. I make it a priority to provide a space that is trauma informed, culturally inclusive, and LGBTQIA+ safe. EMDR. IFS. Somatic. Mindfulness. Self-Compassion. Attachment. Reiki.
(415) 319-9913 View (415) 319-9913
Photo of Wendy Skillern - Wendy Skillern, LCSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Wendy Skillern, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
I draw from evidence-based treatment modalities, including: EMDR, IFS, DBT, CBT, ACT, EFT, and mindfulness strategies.
Life can feel overwhelming--but it doesn't have to. If you have experienced trauma, whether recurring or as an isolated incident, even the typical stresses of a normal day can provoke anxiety, fear, anger, or withdrawal. Luckily, therapy can provide you tools to deal with life's challenges, enabling you to minimize your stress levels and continue your personal growth. I will guide you to increased happiness and well-being by supporting you in exploring and enacting lasting, positive changes in your relationships with others, and most importantly, with yourself.
I draw from evidence-based treatment modalities, including: EMDR, IFS, DBT, CBT, ACT, EFT, and mindfulness strategies.
Life can feel overwhelming--but it doesn't have to. If you have experienced trauma, whether recurring or as an isolated incident, even the typical stresses of a normal day can provoke anxiety, fear, anger, or withdrawal. Luckily, therapy can provide you tools to deal with life's challenges, enabling you to minimize your stress levels and continue your personal growth. I will guide you to increased happiness and well-being by supporting you in exploring and enacting lasting, positive changes in your relationships with others, and most importantly, with yourself.
(415) 202-6934 View (415) 202-6934
Photo of Kate Leffel, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kate Leffel
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
I draw from a variety of modalities, including EFT, ACT, IFS and EMDR.
I believe beginning therapy takes courage and I have the utmost respect for anyone taking that risk. I strive to create a warm space of acceptance for wherever you may be in your journey. For as long as I can remember I've been interested in people's stories. It's not surprising that I ended up doing the work I do. As a therapist, I listen to a person and help them make sense of both their struggles and their strengths. I help my clients find meaning in their experience and move forward to create new stories about themselves and the world around them.
I draw from a variety of modalities, including EFT, ACT, IFS and EMDR.
I believe beginning therapy takes courage and I have the utmost respect for anyone taking that risk. I strive to create a warm space of acceptance for wherever you may be in your journey. For as long as I can remember I've been interested in people's stories. It's not surprising that I ended up doing the work I do. As a therapist, I listen to a person and help them make sense of both their struggles and their strengths. I help my clients find meaning in their experience and move forward to create new stories about themselves and the world around them.
(415) 792-0157 View (415) 792-0157
Photo of Batya Ross, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Batya Ross
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
There isn't one formula that works for everyone, and so I have been trained in a range of modalities including: relational psychodynamic therapy, expressive arts therapy, mindfulness, DBT, transpersonal psychology, and family systems.
Most of us lug around a suitcase full of our thoughts, feelings, family history and past experiences and have no idea what's in there. Our current responses to and experience of life come from the contents of that suitcase. Together in therapy we gently unpack it. We will see what is working for you, what needs more support and what has served it's purpose but no longer works. I work collaboratively and am curious about all the things that make you who you are. I am particularly interested in working with people who feel misunderstood or unimportant.
There isn't one formula that works for everyone, and so I have been trained in a range of modalities including: relational psychodynamic therapy, expressive arts therapy, mindfulness, DBT, transpersonal psychology, and family systems.
Most of us lug around a suitcase full of our thoughts, feelings, family history and past experiences and have no idea what's in there. Our current responses to and experience of life come from the contents of that suitcase. Together in therapy we gently unpack it. We will see what is working for you, what needs more support and what has served it's purpose but no longer works. I work collaboratively and am curious about all the things that make you who you are. I am particularly interested in working with people who feel misunderstood or unimportant.
(415) 275-6820 View (415) 275-6820
Photo of Vanessa Vertin, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Vanessa Vertin
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
Dr. Vertin specializes in modern-day relationships with self and others. Her work helps people thrive by revolutionizing how people think about health and relationship and thus, how they function. Vanessa's specializations are integral health, coupling relationships, and life transitions/stress. Other areas in which she has extensive training and therapeutic experience include: freedom and intimacy dynamics, marriage and other relationship forms, survivors of abuse, mood disorders, issues of elders and their families, menopause, aging & death, PTSD, and women’s issues. She is certified in Internal Family Systems therapy and EMDR
Dr. Vertin specializes in modern-day relationships with self and others. Her work helps people thrive by revolutionizing how people think about health and relationship and thus, how they function. Vanessa's specializations are integral health, coupling relationships, and life transitions/stress. Other areas in which she has extensive training and therapeutic experience include: freedom and intimacy dynamics, marriage and other relationship forms, survivors of abuse, mood disorders, issues of elders and their families, menopause, aging & death, PTSD, and women’s issues. She is certified in Internal Family Systems therapy and EMDR
(650) 262-3687 View (650) 262-3687
Photo of Haley Woodside (Hewitt), MA, LMFT, E-RYT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Haley Woodside (Hewitt)
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, E-RYT
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
My name is Haley Woodside and I specialize in individual, couples, and family therapy. I believe that because we are complex and unique individuals, an approach that integrates both mind and body is essential for the healing, growth, and resiliency that is the goal of therapeutic counseling. Treatment specializations include: depression and anxiety, couples counseling, children and adolescents, psychedelic-assisted therapies, stress and/or pain management, life transitions, self-esteem, perinatal and women’s health, gender and/or sexual identity, & LGBTQIA. I am trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, IFS & Somatic Experiencing.
My name is Haley Woodside and I specialize in individual, couples, and family therapy. I believe that because we are complex and unique individuals, an approach that integrates both mind and body is essential for the healing, growth, and resiliency that is the goal of therapeutic counseling. Treatment specializations include: depression and anxiety, couples counseling, children and adolescents, psychedelic-assisted therapies, stress and/or pain management, life transitions, self-esteem, perinatal and women’s health, gender and/or sexual identity, & LGBTQIA. I am trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, IFS & Somatic Experiencing.
(925) 275-5742 View (925) 275-5742
Photo of Deidre Abrons, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Deidre Abrons
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
I help clients notice their emotions, patterns of behaviors, triggers, underlying worries, and trauma using IFS, EMDR and CBT.
I work with individuals and couples in both short and long term therapy. I have extensive training in IFS, EMDR, CBT, and Relational Psychodynamic Therapy. My objective is to work with you using the appropriate approach that best fits your goals for therapy. I have a wide range of experience working with the effects of addiction on families, substance abuse, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. I also have considerable training in sleep disorders and enjoy working with clients to adjust their sleep schedules, thereby improving their daily mood and functioning.
I help clients notice their emotions, patterns of behaviors, triggers, underlying worries, and trauma using IFS, EMDR and CBT.
I work with individuals and couples in both short and long term therapy. I have extensive training in IFS, EMDR, CBT, and Relational Psychodynamic Therapy. My objective is to work with you using the appropriate approach that best fits your goals for therapy. I have a wide range of experience working with the effects of addiction on families, substance abuse, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. I also have considerable training in sleep disorders and enjoy working with clients to adjust their sleep schedules, thereby improving their daily mood and functioning.
(510) 248-4138 View (510) 248-4138
Photo of Natalie Doyle, Pre-Licensed Professional
Natalie Doyle
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
My approach integrates psychodynamic, narrative, and internal family systems therapy, along with mindfulness and self-compassion practices.
I offer individual therapy for adults and teens as well as couples therapy to support all stages of relationship journeys. I specialize in addressing anxiety, depression, and self-esteem concerns as well as support for life transitions, including the full spectrum of fertility experiences and career challenges. My psychotherapy work is enriched by a decade in the corporate world, experience as a birth doula, and an MBA with a focus on coaching.
My approach integrates psychodynamic, narrative, and internal family systems therapy, along with mindfulness and self-compassion practices.
I offer individual therapy for adults and teens as well as couples therapy to support all stages of relationship journeys. I specialize in addressing anxiety, depression, and self-esteem concerns as well as support for life transitions, including the full spectrum of fertility experiences and career challenges. My psychotherapy work is enriched by a decade in the corporate world, experience as a birth doula, and an MBA with a focus on coaching.
(415) 729-2885 View (415) 729-2885
Photo of Laura Bulchis, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Laura Bulchis
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
Using empathy, talk therapy, experiential practice, EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS) & a strong therapeutic bond, we enhance your self-knowing & guide you towards insight about how current choices & behaviors can be transformed proactively.
Many challenges we experience in daily life relate to conflict between parts of ourselves. Each part reflects our body’s own loving attempts to care for us in the ways it knows. When we shift one part of the feedback loop, the whole system rearranges - in our bodies, & in our relationships. My approach to individual & couples therapy is holistic, somatic & client-centered. I start with creating a non-judgmental, inclusive space for you to come as you are. As we form & reach for your goals, our work may include movement, developmental psychology, trauma work, regulation practices, behavior/communication coaching, & creative guidance.
Using empathy, talk therapy, experiential practice, EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS) & a strong therapeutic bond, we enhance your self-knowing & guide you towards insight about how current choices & behaviors can be transformed proactively.
Many challenges we experience in daily life relate to conflict between parts of ourselves. Each part reflects our body’s own loving attempts to care for us in the ways it knows. When we shift one part of the feedback loop, the whole system rearranges - in our bodies, & in our relationships. My approach to individual & couples therapy is holistic, somatic & client-centered. I start with creating a non-judgmental, inclusive space for you to come as you are. As we form & reach for your goals, our work may include movement, developmental psychology, trauma work, regulation practices, behavior/communication coaching, & creative guidance.
(415) 268-2970 View (415) 268-2970
Photo of CK Olivieri Blackmore, MFT, PhD, Marriage & Family Therapist
CK Olivieri Blackmore
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
CK Olivieri Blackmore is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who approaches life with warmth, compassion, and creativity. CK specializes in relationship dynamics, post-traumatic stress disorders, and developmental life transitions. She is particularly adept at issues pertaining to the queer community and their loved ones. CK utilizes eclectic modalities such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, EFT, Gottman, and IFS to navigate the nuanced needs of her diverse clientele and the associated sexual and gendered concerns that arise. Blending insight-oriented and behavioral change practices, CK works from a quirky and truly innovative lens.
CK Olivieri Blackmore is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who approaches life with warmth, compassion, and creativity. CK specializes in relationship dynamics, post-traumatic stress disorders, and developmental life transitions. She is particularly adept at issues pertaining to the queer community and their loved ones. CK utilizes eclectic modalities such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, EFT, Gottman, and IFS to navigate the nuanced needs of her diverse clientele and the associated sexual and gendered concerns that arise. Blending insight-oriented and behavioral change practices, CK works from a quirky and truly innovative lens.
(518) 269-5458 View (518) 269-5458
Photo of Meghan Crane, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Meghan Crane
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
Welcome! Mindfulness is a practice of self awareness where one learns the significance of what I call the "emotional pause", this is essential in both individual and couples work. Being able to pause allows our minds and bodies to process and integrate information, creating space for self acceptance and making choices that support and align with our personal wellbeing. It also allows us to "respond" rather than "react" in relationship. My approach is direct yet compassionate,I use talk therapy and somatic practices to help couples and individuals fully get to know themselves and make choices that create lasting change.
Welcome! Mindfulness is a practice of self awareness where one learns the significance of what I call the "emotional pause", this is essential in both individual and couples work. Being able to pause allows our minds and bodies to process and integrate information, creating space for self acceptance and making choices that support and align with our personal wellbeing. It also allows us to "respond" rather than "react" in relationship. My approach is direct yet compassionate,I use talk therapy and somatic practices to help couples and individuals fully get to know themselves and make choices that create lasting change.
(415) 639-9917 View (415) 639-9917
Photo of Peter J Sadler, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Peter J Sadler
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
Do you feel stuck in a cycle of arguments and blame in your relationship? Suffering over a painful breakup or the discovery of an affair? Preparing to grow your family or become empty nesters? Are you searching for the closeness and intimacy you once shared with your partner? Together in therapy I can help you traverse these difficult relationship situations, and move toward a more connected and vibrant way of life. My approach to working with people is guided by years of specialized training in Emotionally Focused Therapy and helping couples and individuals shift old patterns of communication and deepen their connection.
Do you feel stuck in a cycle of arguments and blame in your relationship? Suffering over a painful breakup or the discovery of an affair? Preparing to grow your family or become empty nesters? Are you searching for the closeness and intimacy you once shared with your partner? Together in therapy I can help you traverse these difficult relationship situations, and move toward a more connected and vibrant way of life. My approach to working with people is guided by years of specialized training in Emotionally Focused Therapy and helping couples and individuals shift old patterns of communication and deepen their connection.
(415) 226-4116 View (415) 226-4116
Photo of Sherry M Freeman, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sherry M Freeman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
Therapy is about how you can feel better, how to make your life rich and satisfying. What is in your way? What stops you from being the person you want to be, from living the life you want to live? I see people of all ages, in all walks of life and help them overcome obstacles to acheiving their goals, whether that be happiness and peace or something concrete. Often it is inner blocks like anxiety and depression, that stand in your way. Other times there are experiences you've had that make it hard to feel free. Therapy can help you sort it all out, and take positive steps towards a new start.
Therapy is about how you can feel better, how to make your life rich and satisfying. What is in your way? What stops you from being the person you want to be, from living the life you want to live? I see people of all ages, in all walks of life and help them overcome obstacles to acheiving their goals, whether that be happiness and peace or something concrete. Often it is inner blocks like anxiety and depression, that stand in your way. Other times there are experiences you've had that make it hard to feel free. Therapy can help you sort it all out, and take positive steps towards a new start.
(650) 385-8707 View (650) 385-8707
Photo of Sara Okman, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sara Okman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
Are you feeling stuck in your relationship, or struggling to resolve differences with your partner? As a certified AASECT sex therapist & long time couples counselor, I help identify& understand what lies beneath these stuck places, building true relational safety. Using easy to implement tools for healthy communication, I help couples negotiate desire discrepancy, find creative solutions for low-sexual marriages, and navigate the impact of extra-marital relationships: including infidelity repair, polyamory, & consensual non-monogamy. I am kink aware & LGBTQ+ friendly.
Are you feeling stuck in your relationship, or struggling to resolve differences with your partner? As a certified AASECT sex therapist & long time couples counselor, I help identify& understand what lies beneath these stuck places, building true relational safety. Using easy to implement tools for healthy communication, I help couples negotiate desire discrepancy, find creative solutions for low-sexual marriages, and navigate the impact of extra-marital relationships: including infidelity repair, polyamory, & consensual non-monogamy. I am kink aware & LGBTQ+ friendly.
(415) 877-4147 View (415) 877-4147
Photo of Lindsay Olshan, LMFT, ATR, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lindsay Olshan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
My goal is to help people regain balance in their lives, deepen their understanding of self and achieve a level of awareness that alleviates helplessness and creates choice and ultimate change.
My goal is to help people regain balance in their lives, deepen their understanding of self and achieve a level of awareness that alleviates helplessness and creates choice and ultimate change.
(310) 341-7992 View (310) 341-7992
Photo of Kristen Krauel - Kristen Krauel, LCSW, LPCC, LCSW, LPCC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kristen Krauel, LCSW, LPCC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Difficult life events or trauma may have shaped your past, but you have the power to define your future. Let’s rewrite your story together, focusing on your innate strengths and building your capacity to create a fulfilling life. Together, we can make sense of overwhelming emotions, work through relationship challenges, and transform shame into self-esteem.
Difficult life events or trauma may have shaped your past, but you have the power to define your future. Let’s rewrite your story together, focusing on your innate strengths and building your capacity to create a fulfilling life. Together, we can make sense of overwhelming emotions, work through relationship challenges, and transform shame into self-esteem.
(415) 968-4128 View (415) 968-4128
Photo of Almaz Nigusse-Bland, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Almaz Nigusse-Bland
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
You are feeling overwhelmed by your thoughts and emotions. You feel disconnected from those around you and maybe from yourself. Maybe you shut out the world. Maybe you don't feel like yourself. Maybe you are not sleeping well. Maybe it is challenging to create boundaries. Past negative experiences may be contributing to your current concerns. You want to find a way to manage these feelings. Your goal is to have an awareness of yourself and triggers. With the right tools and interventions customized to your needs, healing is possible.
You are feeling overwhelmed by your thoughts and emotions. You feel disconnected from those around you and maybe from yourself. Maybe you shut out the world. Maybe you don't feel like yourself. Maybe you are not sleeping well. Maybe it is challenging to create boundaries. Past negative experiences may be contributing to your current concerns. You want to find a way to manage these feelings. Your goal is to have an awareness of yourself and triggers. With the right tools and interventions customized to your needs, healing is possible.
(510) 288-3343 View (510) 288-3343
Photo of Karen Macklin: Relationships + Identity + Transitions, MA, MFA, AMFT, APCC, Coach, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Karen Macklin: Relationships + Identity + Transitions
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MFA, AMFT, APCC, Coach
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
Are you at a crossroads in your life or relationship? I work with dynamic individuals and couples who feel lost and want to find their way back to clarity, connection, and aliveness. I'm an East-West combo, combining soulful mindfulness & depth work with creative exploration and real world practicality. I support folks with expansive, complex minds and hearts to heal (& grow) from the trauma and drama of this world, and to create a life worth living and loving. My clients are big thinkers & feelers, creatives, healers, queer and neurodivergent folx, first gen, and anyone who doesn't fit the standard narrative of this boxy world.
Are you at a crossroads in your life or relationship? I work with dynamic individuals and couples who feel lost and want to find their way back to clarity, connection, and aliveness. I'm an East-West combo, combining soulful mindfulness & depth work with creative exploration and real world practicality. I support folks with expansive, complex minds and hearts to heal (& grow) from the trauma and drama of this world, and to create a life worth living and loving. My clients are big thinkers & feelers, creatives, healers, queer and neurodivergent folx, first gen, and anyone who doesn't fit the standard narrative of this boxy world.
(213) 376-5927 View (213) 376-5927
Photo of Mary Owen - Grateful Heart Holistic Therapy Center, Pre-Licensed Professional
Grateful Heart Holistic Therapy Center
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
Therapy provides such a rich opportunity for growth and learning, helping persons to recover from the aftermaths of trauma, abuse and loss, meet the hardships of their lives and thrive. In times like this, with so much anxiety about our collective welfare, it can be an invaluable lifeline. In response to the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, we are now offering teletherapy (therapy by phone and online by video) for all our clients, whether new or established. Also called telehealth or telebehavioral health, teletherapy can provide vital care and support to individuals, couples and families.
Therapy provides such a rich opportunity for growth and learning, helping persons to recover from the aftermaths of trauma, abuse and loss, meet the hardships of their lives and thrive. In times like this, with so much anxiety about our collective welfare, it can be an invaluable lifeline. In response to the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, we are now offering teletherapy (therapy by phone and online by video) for all our clients, whether new or established. Also called telehealth or telebehavioral health, teletherapy can provide vital care and support to individuals, couples and families.
(510) 858-0916 View (510) 858-0916
Photo of Jodee Virgo, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jodee Virgo
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
Hi, I'm Jodee. Do you struggle with intimate relationships? Are you highly critical of yourself? Do you have difficulty implementing change in your life? I work with individuals and couples who want to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and shift out of patterns that no longer serve them. I will teach you how to build awareness of your issues, develop new ways of managing your challenges, and support you in creating lasting changes in your life.
Hi, I'm Jodee. Do you struggle with intimate relationships? Are you highly critical of yourself? Do you have difficulty implementing change in your life? I work with individuals and couples who want to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and shift out of patterns that no longer serve them. I will teach you how to build awareness of your issues, develop new ways of managing your challenges, and support you in creating lasting changes in your life.
(415) 360-2209 View (415) 360-2209
1
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.