Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists in Washington, DC

Photo of Mengqi Li, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Washington, DC
Mengqi Li
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LGSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036
Waitlist for new clients
My therapeutic framework integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotional Focused Therapy (EFT), EMDR and Brainspotting.
No matter what has brought you to therapy, your experience is valid. I believe that even the most unlikeable, confusing, extreme parts of you have a wisdom to be understood, a protectiveness to be thanked, and a vulnerability to be seen and held. In my practice, I will seek to meet you exactly where you are, and together we can tend to the unique challenges in your life. My ultimate goal is for clients to uncover their essential self—to rediscover their own innate wisdom and strength that can face whatever life brings.
My therapeutic framework integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotional Focused Therapy (EFT), EMDR and Brainspotting.
No matter what has brought you to therapy, your experience is valid. I believe that even the most unlikeable, confusing, extreme parts of you have a wisdom to be understood, a protectiveness to be thanked, and a vulnerability to be seen and held. In my practice, I will seek to meet you exactly where you are, and together we can tend to the unique challenges in your life. My ultimate goal is for clients to uncover their essential self—to rediscover their own innate wisdom and strength that can face whatever life brings.
(202) 360-4285 View (202) 360-4285
Photo of District Psychotherapy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Washington, DC
District Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
With over a decade of experience, we use an eclectic approach, drawing on humanism, CBT, internal family systems (IFS), psychodynamic theory, mindfulness meditation, positive psychology, emotion-focused therapy, acceptance & commitment therapy (ACT), and attachment theory.
District Psychotherapy is a counseling practice serving Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. We specialize in young and middle-age adults (18-40’s) facing life challenges and/or mental health issues; or simply seeking greater fulfillment in life. Our most common treatment areas are anxiety, depression, career & relationship difficulties, ADHD, OCD, panic attacks, and trauma—among others. Sometimes just feeling stuck or adrift.
With over a decade of experience, we use an eclectic approach, drawing on humanism, CBT, internal family systems (IFS), psychodynamic theory, mindfulness meditation, positive psychology, emotion-focused therapy, acceptance & commitment therapy (ACT), and attachment theory.
District Psychotherapy is a counseling practice serving Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. We specialize in young and middle-age adults (18-40’s) facing life challenges and/or mental health issues; or simply seeking greater fulfillment in life. Our most common treatment areas are anxiety, depression, career & relationship difficulties, ADHD, OCD, panic attacks, and trauma—among others. Sometimes just feeling stuck or adrift.
(833) 465-0720 View (833) 465-0720
Photo of Doug Eifert, Counselor in Washington, DC
Doug Eifert
Counselor, LGPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20009
I utilize a psychodynamic approach that is person-centered and informed by Internal Family Systems Therapy.
Life can place difficult obstacles in our path. Challenges at work, with relationships, or from our childhood can feel overwhelming. My goal is to help you move those obstacles out of your way. I specialize in supporting people challenged by anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, and substance use. I work with adults in individual and group therapy.
I utilize a psychodynamic approach that is person-centered and informed by Internal Family Systems Therapy.
Life can place difficult obstacles in our path. Challenges at work, with relationships, or from our childhood can feel overwhelming. My goal is to help you move those obstacles out of your way. I specialize in supporting people challenged by anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, and substance use. I work with adults in individual and group therapy.
(855) 304-3630 x132 View (855) 304-3630 x132
Photo of Willa Day Morris, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Washington, DC
Willa Day Morris
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20016
As a therapist with extensive training in trauma, grief & loss, I will work with you to identify what you want to change, focusing our attention on early attachment relationships and how these may continue to impact you. Working from an IFS-informed perspective, I believe we all have resilience and strength, and access to our inner selves. Therapy works best when we feel safe: my primary goal is to create a safe and compassionate space for you in our work. We will focus on ways to support you in making changes you desire, and creating a mindful and safe place for change to begin.
As a therapist with extensive training in trauma, grief & loss, I will work with you to identify what you want to change, focusing our attention on early attachment relationships and how these may continue to impact you. Working from an IFS-informed perspective, I believe we all have resilience and strength, and access to our inner selves. Therapy works best when we feel safe: my primary goal is to create a safe and compassionate space for you in our work. We will focus on ways to support you in making changes you desire, and creating a mindful and safe place for change to begin.
(202) 851-9559 View (202) 851-9559
Photo of Geri M. Ferber, Psychologist in Washington, DC
Geri M. Ferber
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20009  (Online Only)
My time sensitive psychotherapy practice is informed by IFS, Sensorimotor, mindfulness, psychodynamic & other modalities.
As a senior therapist, my practice focuses on maintaining psychological health and well being for seniors who might prosper from making psychological adjustments in light of newly emerging age-related obstacles. Some may need to manage declining vitality and declining abilities, or to accept a changing sense of one's physical condition, or to cope with new losses and new fears. For others, troubling thoughts of past losses and traumas may come into heightened focus. Establishing new but vital relationships may become necessary and it may be helpful to forge new roles to enhance the pleasure of this life stage.
My time sensitive psychotherapy practice is informed by IFS, Sensorimotor, mindfulness, psychodynamic & other modalities.
As a senior therapist, my practice focuses on maintaining psychological health and well being for seniors who might prosper from making psychological adjustments in light of newly emerging age-related obstacles. Some may need to manage declining vitality and declining abilities, or to accept a changing sense of one's physical condition, or to cope with new losses and new fears. For others, troubling thoughts of past losses and traumas may come into heightened focus. Establishing new but vital relationships may become necessary and it may be helpful to forge new roles to enhance the pleasure of this life stage.
(202) 851-9224 View (202) 851-9224
Photo of Megan Munzert, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Washington, DC
Megan Munzert
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, JD, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20009  (Online Only)
I integrate Internal Family Systems (IFS) with EMDR and Brainspotting as the most effective multidimensional approach to change.
Healing and change are possible for all of us. I am reminded daily of people's innate ability to mend and grow if they are provided with the right tools in a supportive and compassionate environment. Past traumatic events can leave scars and behavior patterns that can get in the way of people leading the life that they choose. I create a safe space where we can work together to allow scars to heal and transformative change to take place. My clients experience healing from sexual trauma, adverse life events, relationship issues, and dissociative symptoms. They find freedom from feeling "stuck".
I integrate Internal Family Systems (IFS) with EMDR and Brainspotting as the most effective multidimensional approach to change.
Healing and change are possible for all of us. I am reminded daily of people's innate ability to mend and grow if they are provided with the right tools in a supportive and compassionate environment. Past traumatic events can leave scars and behavior patterns that can get in the way of people leading the life that they choose. I create a safe space where we can work together to allow scars to heal and transformative change to take place. My clients experience healing from sexual trauma, adverse life events, relationship issues, and dissociative symptoms. They find freedom from feeling "stuck".
(202) 759-2690 View (202) 759-2690
Photo of Andie Chilson, Counselor in Washington, DC
Andie Chilson
Counselor, LGPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20009
Some of my go-to approaches include ACT, IFS, and solution-focused therapy.
Hi, I’m Andie! I’m a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor in DC offering services to adolescents and adults of all genders. My areas of expertise include eating disorders, body image challenges, anxiety, stress, and trauma. I have seen what it looks like when someone has had their life overrun by an eating disorder, chronic stress, or unresolved trauma. I am honored to walk alongside my clients as they do the incredibly challenging work of reclaiming their lives to live in accordance with their own values.
Some of my go-to approaches include ACT, IFS, and solution-focused therapy.
Hi, I’m Andie! I’m a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor in DC offering services to adolescents and adults of all genders. My areas of expertise include eating disorders, body image challenges, anxiety, stress, and trauma. I have seen what it looks like when someone has had their life overrun by an eating disorder, chronic stress, or unresolved trauma. I am honored to walk alongside my clients as they do the incredibly challenging work of reclaiming their lives to live in accordance with their own values.
(202) 556-3614 View (202) 556-3614
Photo of Maura Healy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Washington, DC
Maura Healy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20015
Through the lens of Internal Family Systems (IFS), I help clients to explore and understand all parts of themselves.
I believe people are fundamentally resilient. Our histories and life experiences shape us, change us and require us to adapt. But in the face of a global pandemic, rising sociopolitical tensions, climate anxiety and financial uncertainty, even the healthiest among us can struggle to cope.
Through the lens of Internal Family Systems (IFS), I help clients to explore and understand all parts of themselves.
I believe people are fundamentally resilient. Our histories and life experiences shape us, change us and require us to adapt. But in the face of a global pandemic, rising sociopolitical tensions, climate anxiety and financial uncertainty, even the healthiest among us can struggle to cope.
(202) 600-9046 View (202) 600-9046
Photo of Nicole Brzozowski, Licensed Professional Counselor in Washington, DC
Nicole Brzozowski
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20005  (Online Only)
My work is Internal Family Systems (IFS) informed and if you’ve ever felt like you can’t think our way out of something, I have experience incorporating body-based and nervous system approaches to address the effects of trauma and other formative experiences in our bodies.
I support clients' healing goals through self-compassion and mindfulness skills. Through compassionate reflection on relationships with self, family, friends, and society, I work with clients to identify and heal patterns of painful self-talk; patterns that can make us feel stuck and overwhelmed. I specialize in anxiety, depression, and trauma and have served diverse clients of all races, genders, and sexual orientations. As a mixed race Korean-American who has worked domestically and abroad, I also welcome the opportunity to work with clients facing challenges related to culture, identity, and intergenerational issues.
My work is Internal Family Systems (IFS) informed and if you’ve ever felt like you can’t think our way out of something, I have experience incorporating body-based and nervous system approaches to address the effects of trauma and other formative experiences in our bodies.
I support clients' healing goals through self-compassion and mindfulness skills. Through compassionate reflection on relationships with self, family, friends, and society, I work with clients to identify and heal patterns of painful self-talk; patterns that can make us feel stuck and overwhelmed. I specialize in anxiety, depression, and trauma and have served diverse clients of all races, genders, and sexual orientations. As a mixed race Korean-American who has worked domestically and abroad, I also welcome the opportunity to work with clients facing challenges related to culture, identity, and intergenerational issues.
(844) 763-2011 View (844) 763-2011
Photo of Arielle Mesa, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Washington, DC
Arielle Mesa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, RYT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20009  (Online Only)
As a trauma-sensitive and holistic clinician, I approach therapy from a mind-body-spirit lens, integrating brain-body, psychodynamic, internal family systems, psycho-spiritual, and relational modalities.
Life often places obstacles on our path, which can leave us feeling stuck, in pain, uncertain of how to move forward. I specialize in guiding those who arrive here by creating a nurturing and curious space to help you explore, unearth, and effectively heal untended internal wounds. My passion and expertise lie in supporting people in healing from childhood abuse and neglect, sexual violence, complex loss, and ancestral and identity-based trauma. Many also turn to me to better understand with who they truly are, their roles within relationships, and their unique purpose, or to prepare for and integrate psychedelic healing journeys.
As a trauma-sensitive and holistic clinician, I approach therapy from a mind-body-spirit lens, integrating brain-body, psychodynamic, internal family systems, psycho-spiritual, and relational modalities.
Life often places obstacles on our path, which can leave us feeling stuck, in pain, uncertain of how to move forward. I specialize in guiding those who arrive here by creating a nurturing and curious space to help you explore, unearth, and effectively heal untended internal wounds. My passion and expertise lie in supporting people in healing from childhood abuse and neglect, sexual violence, complex loss, and ancestral and identity-based trauma. Many also turn to me to better understand with who they truly are, their roles within relationships, and their unique purpose, or to prepare for and integrate psychedelic healing journeys.
(202) 759-2290 View (202) 759-2290
Photo of Dana Payes, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Washington, DC
Dana Payes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20001  (Online Only)
I use psychodynamic approaches, mindfulness practices, Internal Family Systems, and attachment work in sessions in order to help clients cope through their unique challenges.
Welcome and thank you for taking the time to visit my page! Whether you are just beginning your therapy journey, find yourself searching for help with continued healing or are you getting back in touch with yourself after time away from therapy, I would like to be there for you to help! I work with clients aged preteen-adulthood who have experienced trauma, mood disorders, ADHD, and learning disabilities. Additionally, I work with individuals in transitional life stages and caregivers who want to work through challenges in parenting/caretaking and also hope to prioritize their own mental health or life challenges.
I use psychodynamic approaches, mindfulness practices, Internal Family Systems, and attachment work in sessions in order to help clients cope through their unique challenges.
Welcome and thank you for taking the time to visit my page! Whether you are just beginning your therapy journey, find yourself searching for help with continued healing or are you getting back in touch with yourself after time away from therapy, I would like to be there for you to help! I work with clients aged preteen-adulthood who have experienced trauma, mood disorders, ADHD, and learning disabilities. Additionally, I work with individuals in transitional life stages and caregivers who want to work through challenges in parenting/caretaking and also hope to prioritize their own mental health or life challenges.
(202) 998-5610 View (202) 998-5610
Photo of Carl Mojta, LMFT, LLC, Marriage & Family Therapist in Washington, DC
Carl Mojta, LMFT, LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, CAC-I, CST-S, IFS
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20006  (Online Only)
Welcome! I am very glad you are here! I offer a person-centered, compassionate, and systemic approach to therapy. I consider working with each client to be a privilege and a collaborative therapeutic experience. If you’re looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you’re just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals and hopes. Internal Family Systems (IFS), an evidence-based model, guides my approach to helping individuals and couples heal by unburdening their protective and wounded parts in a loving and compassionate manner.
Welcome! I am very glad you are here! I offer a person-centered, compassionate, and systemic approach to therapy. I consider working with each client to be a privilege and a collaborative therapeutic experience. If you’re looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you’re just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals and hopes. Internal Family Systems (IFS), an evidence-based model, guides my approach to helping individuals and couples heal by unburdening their protective and wounded parts in a loving and compassionate manner.
(202) 803-8623 View (202) 803-8623
Photo of Sarah Holland, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Washington, DC
Sarah Holland
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036  (Online Only)
I am currently accepting new clients for daytime, virtual sessions. I help young adults process the unique challenges of their age, tame their inner critic and self-doubt, and heal from trauma. Together we will get really curious about what makes you tick and how your current patterns and coping mechanisms came to be. We can work through trauma, relationship issues, anxiety, shame and guilt, decision making, emotional regulation, feeling lost or purposeless, and building tangible coping skills. I utilize principles of Internal Family Systems, psychodynamic, somatic, and mindfulness-based therapies in my work.
I am currently accepting new clients for daytime, virtual sessions. I help young adults process the unique challenges of their age, tame their inner critic and self-doubt, and heal from trauma. Together we will get really curious about what makes you tick and how your current patterns and coping mechanisms came to be. We can work through trauma, relationship issues, anxiety, shame and guilt, decision making, emotional regulation, feeling lost or purposeless, and building tangible coping skills. I utilize principles of Internal Family Systems, psychodynamic, somatic, and mindfulness-based therapies in my work.
(202) 890-1828 View (202) 890-1828
Photo of Jennifer Mostafa, Licensed Professional Counselor in Washington, DC
Jennifer Mostafa
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036  (Online Only)
Hi there! Congratulations on taking the first step toward engaging in therapy. I have been practicing the art of therapy for over 10 years and believe wholeheartedly in the process of therapy. I utilize an integrative, holistic and practical approach toward achieving client goals and incorporate a variety of techniques such as Person-Centered, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Attachment Theory, and Internal Family Systems (IFS), combined with a reality-based approach that encourages self-acceptance and insight.
Hi there! Congratulations on taking the first step toward engaging in therapy. I have been practicing the art of therapy for over 10 years and believe wholeheartedly in the process of therapy. I utilize an integrative, holistic and practical approach toward achieving client goals and incorporate a variety of techniques such as Person-Centered, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Attachment Theory, and Internal Family Systems (IFS), combined with a reality-based approach that encourages self-acceptance and insight.
(202) 304-1180 View (202) 304-1180
Photo of Viva Goettinger, Licensed Professional Counselor in Washington, DC
Viva Goettinger
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20016
This approach to therapy is called IFS, and it is powerful and effective in addressing many issues, including such common challenges as anxiety, depressive thoughts, addictive behaviors, and other unhealthy or self-defeating habits.
In each of us there is a wise and compassionate Self. It is already there, and does not have to be created or developed. Too often, however, our access to this Self is obscured by protective and sometimes conflicting thoughts and emotions. These protections were put in place for a reason, but can become outdated and even dysfunctional as we mature. In our therapy together we will uncover what is being protected, release old patterns and emotions, and create space for this wise Self to take a larger role in your life.
This approach to therapy is called IFS, and it is powerful and effective in addressing many issues, including such common challenges as anxiety, depressive thoughts, addictive behaviors, and other unhealthy or self-defeating habits.
In each of us there is a wise and compassionate Self. It is already there, and does not have to be created or developed. Too often, however, our access to this Self is obscured by protective and sometimes conflicting thoughts and emotions. These protections were put in place for a reason, but can become outdated and even dysfunctional as we mature. In our therapy together we will uncover what is being protected, release old patterns and emotions, and create space for this wise Self to take a larger role in your life.
(202) 417-3305 View (202) 417-3305
Photo of Allie L Swanson, Counselor in Washington, DC
Allie L Swanson
Counselor, LGPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20005  (Online Only)
I use an Internal Family Systems and Psychodynamic approach to explore how past relationships have impacted your worldview.
I am a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor under the direct supervision of Jamaal A. Crone MAR, M.Ed., LPC at The Crone Esquivel Group, LLC. Change begins by creating awareness and understanding. Sometimes life experiences leave us lost and confused. My role is to act as a flashlight to illuminate your journey towards a more meaningful life. Email Inquiries preferred!
I use an Internal Family Systems and Psychodynamic approach to explore how past relationships have impacted your worldview.
I am a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor under the direct supervision of Jamaal A. Crone MAR, M.Ed., LPC at The Crone Esquivel Group, LLC. Change begins by creating awareness and understanding. Sometimes life experiences leave us lost and confused. My role is to act as a flashlight to illuminate your journey towards a more meaningful life. Email Inquiries preferred!
(202) 804-8422 View (202) 804-8422
Photo of Duncan Price, Licensed Professional Counselor in Washington, DC
Duncan Price
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
I am also receiving on-going training in Internal Family Systems work, as well as in Somatic / Sensorimotor Psychotherapy.
My goal is to create a safe and accepting environment that allows us to better explore the issues you are facing. I believe that one of the most important elements of counseling is the therapeutic relationship. I value a trusting, open, and interactive relationship that allows us to improve insight into your struggles and issues, and develop a plan for recovery and healing.
I am also receiving on-going training in Internal Family Systems work, as well as in Somatic / Sensorimotor Psychotherapy.
My goal is to create a safe and accepting environment that allows us to better explore the issues you are facing. I believe that one of the most important elements of counseling is the therapeutic relationship. I value a trusting, open, and interactive relationship that allows us to improve insight into your struggles and issues, and develop a plan for recovery and healing.
(202) 601-3836 View (202) 601-3836
Photo of Sherry M. White, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Washington, DC
Sherry M. White
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20006  (Online Only)
In my practice, I utilize components of Internal Family Systems (IFS), Narrative Therapy, Positive Psychology and more to aid in the self-discovery and healing process.
Has anyone ever mentioned that you're stronger than you think? Let's be real, sometimes being resilient feels like you're running a never-ending marathon. Each time you conquer one obstacle, another one pops up out of nowhere. Or maybe you've been wrestling with the same issues for what feels like forever, with no sign of relief in sight. It's only natural to wonder, "When will things start looking up for me?" and "Will I ever start feeling better? " Trust me, I get it! I am not merely the therapist sitting across the screen from you - truth be told, I have been you.
In my practice, I utilize components of Internal Family Systems (IFS), Narrative Therapy, Positive Psychology and more to aid in the self-discovery and healing process.
Has anyone ever mentioned that you're stronger than you think? Let's be real, sometimes being resilient feels like you're running a never-ending marathon. Each time you conquer one obstacle, another one pops up out of nowhere. Or maybe you've been wrestling with the same issues for what feels like forever, with no sign of relief in sight. It's only natural to wonder, "When will things start looking up for me?" and "Will I ever start feeling better? " Trust me, I get it! I am not merely the therapist sitting across the screen from you - truth be told, I have been you.
(202) 804-2402 View (202) 804-2402
Photo of Anna D'Avanzo, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Washington, DC
Anna D'Avanzo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036
I utilize a combination of mindfulness and body awareness techniques, internal-family systems work, and creative art approaches for clients of all ages.
Young adulthood is one of the most formative and also challenging years of our lives. Your path forward might not always feel obvious or smooth. As a therapist, I provide a safe and empathetic environment for you to explore what matters to you most. The people I work with face challenges around major life changes and adjustments, school, college, and careers, relationship issues, family conflict, and parent-child conflict. I have many years of experience helping clients work through past trauma, those with anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorders.
I utilize a combination of mindfulness and body awareness techniques, internal-family systems work, and creative art approaches for clients of all ages.
Young adulthood is one of the most formative and also challenging years of our lives. Your path forward might not always feel obvious or smooth. As a therapist, I provide a safe and empathetic environment for you to explore what matters to you most. The people I work with face challenges around major life changes and adjustments, school, college, and careers, relationship issues, family conflict, and parent-child conflict. I have many years of experience helping clients work through past trauma, those with anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorders.
(202) 410-6796 View (202) 410-6796
Photo of Sarah Hoops, Counselor in Washington, DC
Sarah Hoops
Counselor, LGPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
Sarah specializes in supporting trauma survivors, including survivors of sexual violence, emotional abuse or neglect, harmful relationships, and traumatic loss. She also provides affirming therapy for disabled and chronically ill folks, drawing from her passion for Disability Justice, as well as her own lived experience navigating chronic illness in ableist culture. Sarah uses self-compassion, sand therapy, and Internal Family Systems-informed "parts work," guiding you to build a loving relationship with yourself - even (especially) the parts of yourself that might feel troublesome or unworthy.
Sarah specializes in supporting trauma survivors, including survivors of sexual violence, emotional abuse or neglect, harmful relationships, and traumatic loss. She also provides affirming therapy for disabled and chronically ill folks, drawing from her passion for Disability Justice, as well as her own lived experience navigating chronic illness in ableist culture. Sarah uses self-compassion, sand therapy, and Internal Family Systems-informed "parts work," guiding you to build a loving relationship with yourself - even (especially) the parts of yourself that might feel troublesome or unworthy.
(202) 840-8649 x4 View (202) 840-8649 x4
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.