Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists in New London, NH

Photo of Joanie Lemmon Bella, Counselor in New London, NH
Joanie Lemmon Bella
Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New London, NH 03257
I'm a Trauma Sensitive Yoga Facilitator, a SoulCollage Facilitator, and am IFS informed.
I am only accepting clients for EMDR Intensives. Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and stressed? Are you struggling to manage your emotions? Maybe you’ve been living with emotional pain or experiencing intrusive thoughts and memories that are affecting your ability to live life fully? These feelings can make life even more challenging! I'll work with you to find what will best meet your needs. I use talk therapy, interwoven with mindfulness, expressive arts, and an awareness of the body and mind connection. My approach is warm and accepting and I strive to assist clients in increasing self-understanding, acceptance, and compassion.
I'm a Trauma Sensitive Yoga Facilitator, a SoulCollage Facilitator, and am IFS informed.
I am only accepting clients for EMDR Intensives. Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and stressed? Are you struggling to manage your emotions? Maybe you’ve been living with emotional pain or experiencing intrusive thoughts and memories that are affecting your ability to live life fully? These feelings can make life even more challenging! I'll work with you to find what will best meet your needs. I use talk therapy, interwoven with mindfulness, expressive arts, and an awareness of the body and mind connection. My approach is warm and accepting and I strive to assist clients in increasing self-understanding, acceptance, and compassion.
(603) 865-1554 View (603) 865-1554

Online Therapists

Photo of Tracie Lynn Smith, Counselor in New London, NH
Tracie Lynn Smith
Counselor, MPS, LCMHC, ATR
Verified Verified
Greenland, NH 03840
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Art Therapy are my main therapeutic modalities.
I'm a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Registered Art Therapist serving NH clients remotely or in-person at my Greenland office. With my compassionate guidance, children and adults feel understood and can safely process their feelings and experiences in order to access tools for healing and growth.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Art Therapy are my main therapeutic modalities.
I'm a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Registered Art Therapist serving NH clients remotely or in-person at my Greenland office. With my compassionate guidance, children and adults feel understood and can safely process their feelings and experiences in order to access tools for healing and growth.
(603) 716-9973 View (603) 716-9973
Photo of Benjamin Long, Marriage & Family Therapist in New London, NH
Benjamin Long
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bedford, NH 03110
Ben pulls concepts from internal family systems, cognitive therapies (CBT/DBT), motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy.
Benjamin Long is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 4 years of experience in the mental health field working with individuals, couples, and families across the lifespan and with varying needs. He enjoys exploring how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the different institutions and systems people engage with to identify different areas of intervention. This supports his engaging and collaborative approach that strives to bring positive, creative energies into the therapy room. Ben completed his Master of Mental Health Counseling at William James College with a concentration in Couples and Family Therapy.
Ben pulls concepts from internal family systems, cognitive therapies (CBT/DBT), motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy.
Benjamin Long is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 4 years of experience in the mental health field working with individuals, couples, and families across the lifespan and with varying needs. He enjoys exploring how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the different institutions and systems people engage with to identify different areas of intervention. This supports his engaging and collaborative approach that strives to bring positive, creative energies into the therapy room. Ben completed his Master of Mental Health Counseling at William James College with a concentration in Couples and Family Therapy.
(603) 803-6238 View (603) 803-6238
Photo of Jeanette G. Dustin, LMFT, LLC, Marriage & Family Therapist in New London, NH
Jeanette G. Dustin, LMFT, LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LLC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Dover, NH 03820
Are you or someone you know struggling with managing emotions-anxiety or depression, are there sexual concerns for yourself or in your relationship, or are you struggling with adjustments in your life, maybe starting a family or parenting children who struggle with behaviors? If so I would love to hear from you in order to see if I am a good fit to help. I love working with all types of family systems, currently with couples or adult individuals. I believe that part of moving forward towards change is supporting my clients in finding the solutions within themselves.
Are you or someone you know struggling with managing emotions-anxiety or depression, are there sexual concerns for yourself or in your relationship, or are you struggling with adjustments in your life, maybe starting a family or parenting children who struggle with behaviors? If so I would love to hear from you in order to see if I am a good fit to help. I love working with all types of family systems, currently with couples or adult individuals. I believe that part of moving forward towards change is supporting my clients in finding the solutions within themselves.
(603) 716-9366 View (603) 716-9366
Photo of Charla Ruby Malamed, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New London, NH
Charla Ruby Malamed
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Exeter, NH 03833  (Online Only)
I integrate psychodynamic psychotherapy, somatic psychotherapy, mindfulness, and Internal Family Systems.
Psychological suffering exists on different levels and manifests in different ways, in psyche, body, interpersonally, socially, both consciously and unconsciously. Thankfully, there are many ways to address psychological struggle, ranging from the exploration of non-conscious intra-psychic and interpersonal dynamics underlying "symptoms" to the exploration of ways that we are alienated from community and meaningful action in community. My work is social justice-informed and incorporates an understanding of how larger socio-political systems impact our lives. Facilitating empowerment is key in my work.
I integrate psychodynamic psychotherapy, somatic psychotherapy, mindfulness, and Internal Family Systems.
Psychological suffering exists on different levels and manifests in different ways, in psyche, body, interpersonally, socially, both consciously and unconsciously. Thankfully, there are many ways to address psychological struggle, ranging from the exploration of non-conscious intra-psychic and interpersonal dynamics underlying "symptoms" to the exploration of ways that we are alienated from community and meaningful action in community. My work is social justice-informed and incorporates an understanding of how larger socio-political systems impact our lives. Facilitating empowerment is key in my work.
(857) 392-4425 View (857) 392-4425
Photo of Caitlyn Cook, Counselor in New London, NH
Caitlyn Cook
Counselor, LCMHC, LCPC, LCAT
Verified Verified
Center Ossipee, NH 03814  (Online Only)
With extensive background in CBT, DBT, Wilderness Therapy, Art Therapy, and Family Systems, every client can expect a truly individualized and flexible approach.
Being a teen or young adult is hard. Besides drowning in a culture of “never enough,” they are bombarded daily by a constant stream of messaging about who, how and what they are supposed to be. The pressure is often crippling, the messages are confusing, and it can be tough to know where to turn for help. For over a decade, I have worked with teens, young adults, and parents who are learning how to navigate this important period with self-awareness, skill, and confidence. I listen carefully and read between the lines, helping young people figure out what is really going on and helping them forge their own, unique path forward.
With extensive background in CBT, DBT, Wilderness Therapy, Art Therapy, and Family Systems, every client can expect a truly individualized and flexible approach.
Being a teen or young adult is hard. Besides drowning in a culture of “never enough,” they are bombarded daily by a constant stream of messaging about who, how and what they are supposed to be. The pressure is often crippling, the messages are confusing, and it can be tough to know where to turn for help. For over a decade, I have worked with teens, young adults, and parents who are learning how to navigate this important period with self-awareness, skill, and confidence. I listen carefully and read between the lines, helping young people figure out what is really going on and helping them forge their own, unique path forward.
(207) 200-8396 View (207) 200-8396
Photo of David M Martin, Psychologist in New London, NH
David M Martin
Psychologist, PhD, LP
Verified Verified
Manchester, NH 03101  (Online Only)
Accepting Teletherapy Appointments Only. I work collaboratively with my clients, empowering them to find balance, wholeness, and greater happiness in life. My broad experience both in a variety of psychological treatment modalities (Internal Family Systems, EMDR, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy and Emotion Focused Therapy) as well as in working with a wide range of clients, enables me to provide therapy that is both deeply compassionate and well-rooted in psychological science. I’m here to help you create stronger, more fulfilling relationships, make peace with yourself, and start living a life of fulfillment and connection.
Accepting Teletherapy Appointments Only. I work collaboratively with my clients, empowering them to find balance, wholeness, and greater happiness in life. My broad experience both in a variety of psychological treatment modalities (Internal Family Systems, EMDR, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy and Emotion Focused Therapy) as well as in working with a wide range of clients, enables me to provide therapy that is both deeply compassionate and well-rooted in psychological science. I’m here to help you create stronger, more fulfilling relationships, make peace with yourself, and start living a life of fulfillment and connection.
(802) 448-8594 View (802) 448-8594
Photo of Melanie A. Green, Marriage & Family Therapist in New London, NH
Melanie A. Green
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
Rochester, NH 03867  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
As an IFS-informed therapist, I help people explore their rich and complex internal worlds so that they can show up more fully in their lives.
Hey. If you're here, a part of you is seeking change in your life. I'd love to walk with you on your journey to healing. Together we will bring curiosity and compassion to your internal experience. In the process, you will open space to speak kindly to yourself, feel your feelings without becoming overwhelmed, and access your innate internal wisdom. You will become more in tune with yourself, and live with greater calm, confidence and clarity.
As an IFS-informed therapist, I help people explore their rich and complex internal worlds so that they can show up more fully in their lives.
Hey. If you're here, a part of you is seeking change in your life. I'd love to walk with you on your journey to healing. Together we will bring curiosity and compassion to your internal experience. In the process, you will open space to speak kindly to yourself, feel your feelings without becoming overwhelmed, and access your innate internal wisdom. You will become more in tune with yourself, and live with greater calm, confidence and clarity.
(603) 810-8357 View (603) 810-8357
Photo of Inner Peace Holistic Center, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New London, NH
Inner Peace Holistic Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW, MSW, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Northwood, NH 03261
Using evidence-based treatments, we draw from CBT, CPT, ACT, DBT, YOGA and IFS.
Late teens, Adults and Elders who are experiencing anything from life stressors, to complex and overlapping diagnoses, and who want evidence-based treatment in a relaxed and supportive environment are a great fit for us. Years of earning certifications in a variety of evidence based modalities craft a variety of tools to help most any situation. Are you seeking support for a sensitive issue or just don't feel like you are living the life you are meant to be? Please know we will be glad to hear from you and have confidence we can work toward wellness together.
Using evidence-based treatments, we draw from CBT, CPT, ACT, DBT, YOGA and IFS.
Late teens, Adults and Elders who are experiencing anything from life stressors, to complex and overlapping diagnoses, and who want evidence-based treatment in a relaxed and supportive environment are a great fit for us. Years of earning certifications in a variety of evidence based modalities craft a variety of tools to help most any situation. Are you seeking support for a sensitive issue or just don't feel like you are living the life you are meant to be? Please know we will be glad to hear from you and have confidence we can work toward wellness together.
(603) 605-8582 View (603) 605-8582
Photo of Allison Miller, Psychologist in New London, NH
Allison Miller
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Exeter, NH 03833
Waitlist for new clients
GROUP & CLASS openings only. No Availability for 1:1 right now. You may feel stuck, repeat patterns that no longer serve you, or feel at a loss regarding how to change. You may have forgotten, or never realized, your purpose. You may be anxious about the future, or the past. In our work together my aim is to help you develop clarity, compassion & curiosity about the true sources of suffering in your life. Through compassionate self-inquiry we explore what gives your life meaning, & what's missing. Integrating insight-oriented therapy, internal family systems, CBT tools, somatic mindfulness, yoga, nutrition, & time in nature.
GROUP & CLASS openings only. No Availability for 1:1 right now. You may feel stuck, repeat patterns that no longer serve you, or feel at a loss regarding how to change. You may have forgotten, or never realized, your purpose. You may be anxious about the future, or the past. In our work together my aim is to help you develop clarity, compassion & curiosity about the true sources of suffering in your life. Through compassionate self-inquiry we explore what gives your life meaning, & what's missing. Integrating insight-oriented therapy, internal family systems, CBT tools, somatic mindfulness, yoga, nutrition, & time in nature.
(351) 200-3466 View (351) 200-3466
Photo of Steven Kirkilas, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New London, NH
Steven Kirkilas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Concord, NH 03301  (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Steven Kirkilas. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Masters Degree in Social Work from University of Illinois at Chicago. For the past 12 years, I have assisted individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds in overcoming their unique struggles. I believe my role is to meet individuals where they are at, nonjudgmentally. My most passionate work is in providing trauma informed care. I am trained in EMDR, IFS, and somatic therapies. I am also passionate about the benefit of mindfulness practice in managing anxiety, depression, PTSD, and many other struggles.
Hello, my name is Steven Kirkilas. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Masters Degree in Social Work from University of Illinois at Chicago. For the past 12 years, I have assisted individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds in overcoming their unique struggles. I believe my role is to meet individuals where they are at, nonjudgmentally. My most passionate work is in providing trauma informed care. I am trained in EMDR, IFS, and somatic therapies. I am also passionate about the benefit of mindfulness practice in managing anxiety, depression, PTSD, and many other struggles.
(603) 810-8771 View (603) 810-8771
Photo of Jennifer C. Jones, Pre-Licensed Professional in New London, NH
Jennifer C. Jones
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS
Verified Verified
Concord, NH 03301  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Welcome! Life is a journey and everyone’s path is unique. I offer a safe space with judgement-free listening, compassion, humor and empathy to assist you on your personal journey of health and wellness. Which treatment approach I use will vary depending on what you need or seek. I have a background in both physical health and health psychology, and my approach to mental health treatment stems from a holistic perspective that includes mind, body and spirit. Some of the modalities I utilize include IFS, EMDR, CBT, expressive arts and somatic based therapies.
Welcome! Life is a journey and everyone’s path is unique. I offer a safe space with judgement-free listening, compassion, humor and empathy to assist you on your personal journey of health and wellness. Which treatment approach I use will vary depending on what you need or seek. I have a background in both physical health and health psychology, and my approach to mental health treatment stems from a holistic perspective that includes mind, body and spirit. Some of the modalities I utilize include IFS, EMDR, CBT, expressive arts and somatic based therapies.
(603) 931-4270 View (603) 931-4270
Photo of Kelly Vernon, Counselor in New London, NH
Kelly Vernon
Counselor, LCMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
Rindge, NH 03461
I try and see your struggles through both an EMDR and IFS lens.
I am here to help! I work with individuals and couples to break through the obstacles that seem to be holding them back in life and in their relationships. Life’s too short to be unhappy, unsure, or unfulfilled. I will help you learn and develop better ways to handle the issues that are standing in the way of your goals or feeling better. There are different things that you can do that will nurture your spirit, help you overcome personal challenges, and allow you to achieve your individual life goals. I cater to each of my client’s personal needs in order to unlock their full potential. I look forward to partnering with you.
I try and see your struggles through both an EMDR and IFS lens.
I am here to help! I work with individuals and couples to break through the obstacles that seem to be holding them back in life and in their relationships. Life’s too short to be unhappy, unsure, or unfulfilled. I will help you learn and develop better ways to handle the issues that are standing in the way of your goals or feeling better. There are different things that you can do that will nurture your spirit, help you overcome personal challenges, and allow you to achieve your individual life goals. I cater to each of my client’s personal needs in order to unlock their full potential. I look forward to partnering with you.
(203) 695-3737 View (203) 695-3737
Photo of Carla Patrakis, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New London, NH
Carla Patrakis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, Yoga , Buddhis
Verified Verified
Rochester, NH 03867  (Online Only)
I think we are all looking for happiness and peace. Unfortunately, these cannot be purchased or found in the bottom of a bottle. Happiness & peace are created. I have found Yoga and Buddhism to be the best tools over the past 7 years for adolescents, adults, parents, foster families, veterans & even inmates to create a path of happiness and peace. Yoga is scientifically proven to show improvement with symptoms of PTSD, anxiety and depression. DBT, CBT and IFS are evidenced based therapies that have roots in Buddhism. I choose to go straight to the source and educate clients about Buddhism. Let me teach you these tools.
I think we are all looking for happiness and peace. Unfortunately, these cannot be purchased or found in the bottom of a bottle. Happiness & peace are created. I have found Yoga and Buddhism to be the best tools over the past 7 years for adolescents, adults, parents, foster families, veterans & even inmates to create a path of happiness and peace. Yoga is scientifically proven to show improvement with symptoms of PTSD, anxiety and depression. DBT, CBT and IFS are evidenced based therapies that have roots in Buddhism. I choose to go straight to the source and educate clients about Buddhism. Let me teach you these tools.
(603) 803-6675 View (603) 803-6675
Photo of Mariah J Manning, Counselor in New London, NH
Mariah J Manning
Counselor, MA, LPC, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Concord, NH 03301  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am Level 1 IFS trained and hold counseling licenses in both NH and PA.
I feel strongly that creating a warm atmosphere in which individuals can safely and authentically tell their story is crucial to healing.
I am Level 1 IFS trained and hold counseling licenses in both NH and PA.
I feel strongly that creating a warm atmosphere in which individuals can safely and authentically tell their story is crucial to healing.
View
Photo of Danielle Hatem, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New London, NH
Danielle Hatem
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashua, NH 03060  (Online Only)
Your body holds the secrets of the unconscious mind. It reveals the road map allowing us to unpack what the the mind forgets yet the body remembers. Healing takes place when we become more embodied, connect deeper to the early attachment wounds and experience safety and connection within. I am a Somatic Psychotherapist with over 20 years in practice. I am deeply involved in Internal Family Systems am a Certified IFS Therapist, along side utilizing Somatic practices, Polyvagal Theory and Somatic IFS. I believe you are the expert of your life, and my job is to not "fix" you because you are not and never were broken.
Your body holds the secrets of the unconscious mind. It reveals the road map allowing us to unpack what the the mind forgets yet the body remembers. Healing takes place when we become more embodied, connect deeper to the early attachment wounds and experience safety and connection within. I am a Somatic Psychotherapist with over 20 years in practice. I am deeply involved in Internal Family Systems am a Certified IFS Therapist, along side utilizing Somatic practices, Polyvagal Theory and Somatic IFS. I believe you are the expert of your life, and my job is to not "fix" you because you are not and never were broken.
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Photo of Sara Lutat, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New London, NH
Sara Lutat
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW, MLADC
Verified Verified
Manchester, NH 03104
I emphasize the mind/body connection through mindfulness and CBT, DBT, Internal Family Systems, Polyvagal Theory, EMDR, and more cutting edge, innovative trauma-informed therapies.
As a dual licensed therapist I partner, with children, parents, adolescents/teens, adults of all ages who are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief and big life transitions, adjustment to change, addiction, and relationship problems. I offer the soft landing of a supportive, trusting, compassionate, and nonjudgmental environment that is grounded in empathetic listening and innovative therapies beyond the traditional “talk therapy.” Most clients begin to notice improvement within 2 to 3 sessions.
I emphasize the mind/body connection through mindfulness and CBT, DBT, Internal Family Systems, Polyvagal Theory, EMDR, and more cutting edge, innovative trauma-informed therapies.
As a dual licensed therapist I partner, with children, parents, adolescents/teens, adults of all ages who are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief and big life transitions, adjustment to change, addiction, and relationship problems. I offer the soft landing of a supportive, trusting, compassionate, and nonjudgmental environment that is grounded in empathetic listening and innovative therapies beyond the traditional “talk therapy.” Most clients begin to notice improvement within 2 to 3 sessions.
(603) 634-8259 View (603) 634-8259
Photo of Joy Cromwell, Licensed Professional Counselor in New London, NH
Joy Cromwell
Licensed Professional Counselor, LMHC, LCPC, NCC, C-DBT, CCTP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Berlin, NH 03570  (Online Only)
I use a combination of expressive arts, Internal Family Systems, and other evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (using eye movement reprocessing similar to EMDR) to process trauma and combat symptoms of depression and anxiety.
I am a creative by heart, and a counselor by trade. It is my pleasure to hold space for people as they seek to get to know themselves better and learn how to best solve their own problems. I am a firm believer that deep down, people know what is right for them, and they know how to solve their own problems. My job as a counselor is to help you remove the layers of cultural conditioning, negative self-talk, trauma memories, and more to help you get reconnected with your self. My goal is to stand beside you as we examine barriers, explore possibilities, and help you find your inner strength to fight any battles that come your way.
I use a combination of expressive arts, Internal Family Systems, and other evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (using eye movement reprocessing similar to EMDR) to process trauma and combat symptoms of depression and anxiety.
I am a creative by heart, and a counselor by trade. It is my pleasure to hold space for people as they seek to get to know themselves better and learn how to best solve their own problems. I am a firm believer that deep down, people know what is right for them, and they know how to solve their own problems. My job as a counselor is to help you remove the layers of cultural conditioning, negative self-talk, trauma memories, and more to help you get reconnected with your self. My goal is to stand beside you as we examine barriers, explore possibilities, and help you find your inner strength to fight any battles that come your way.
(207) 506-2754 View (207) 506-2754
Photo of Brandee Prevost, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New London, NH
Brandee Prevost
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MLADC
Verified Verified
Hampton, NH 03842
Waitlist for new clients
As your therapist, I can help you learn to regulate your emotions, increase your ability to tolerate distress, build effective coping skills and feel safer in your body through modalities such as DBT, CBT and IFS.
I enjoy working with clients who struggle with both mental health and substance use disorders. Change can be difficult and I strive to meet clients where they are at and work collaboratively with them to develop a vision and plan for their treatment.
As your therapist, I can help you learn to regulate your emotions, increase your ability to tolerate distress, build effective coping skills and feel safer in your body through modalities such as DBT, CBT and IFS.
I enjoy working with clients who struggle with both mental health and substance use disorders. Change can be difficult and I strive to meet clients where they are at and work collaboratively with them to develop a vision and plan for their treatment.
(978) 384-6285 View (978) 384-6285
Photo of Angela Dow, Pre-Licensed Professional in New London, NH
Angela Dow
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hampton, NH 03842
Several modalities I use include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-based Practices, Internal Family Systems Theory, and Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.
I am currently accepting new clients for in-person and telehealth sessions. Some areas of focus in my practice include anxiety, trauma, spirituality, religious deconstruction/exploration, and providing affirming therapy to members of the LGBTQIA+ community. I view it as a privilege to collaborate with my clients toward healing and pursuing authenticity and purpose in their lives.
Several modalities I use include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-based Practices, Internal Family Systems Theory, and Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.
I am currently accepting new clients for in-person and telehealth sessions. Some areas of focus in my practice include anxiety, trauma, spirituality, religious deconstruction/exploration, and providing affirming therapy to members of the LGBTQIA+ community. I view it as a privilege to collaborate with my clients toward healing and pursuing authenticity and purpose in their lives.
(603) 287-4221 x714 View (603) 287-4221 x714

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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.