Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists in Gardiner, ME
Life experience (and the thoughts and beliefs we hold) can control how we feel and directly impact struggles such as grief, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and trauma. I combine psychotherapy with holistic counseling to help you see a bigger picture for your life, and to help you change emotional, physical, and psychological upsets that interrupt the life you prefer to live.
Life experience (and the thoughts and beliefs we hold) can control how we feel and directly impact struggles such as grief, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and trauma. I combine psychotherapy with holistic counseling to help you see a bigger picture for your life, and to help you change emotional, physical, and psychological upsets that interrupt the life you prefer to live.
I lean more towards IFS work helping clients work with the parts of themselves that are holding them back, causing more anxiety or depression.
Do you find yourself struggling with life transitions, changes, anxiety, burnout, feeling stuck? Have you been told you are an Empath or HSP and/or are you part of the LGBTQ+ or Queer community? I offer a safe and authentic space to align with you and support your individual growth. I use more of a “coaching” style and help support others with finding their authentic selves through tapping into their intuition and own unique wisdom. We all go through times when we need extra support. Starting therapy can be a first step to to healing and creating the life you want! I want you to get back to your higher self and life purpose.
I lean more towards IFS work helping clients work with the parts of themselves that are holding them back, causing more anxiety or depression.
Do you find yourself struggling with life transitions, changes, anxiety, burnout, feeling stuck? Have you been told you are an Empath or HSP and/or are you part of the LGBTQ+ or Queer community? I offer a safe and authentic space to align with you and support your individual growth. I use more of a “coaching” style and help support others with finding their authentic selves through tapping into their intuition and own unique wisdom. We all go through times when we need extra support. Starting therapy can be a first step to to healing and creating the life you want! I want you to get back to your higher self and life purpose.
EMDR, IFS, Somatic, and Sensory-Motor Art therapies represent the forefront in the movement beyond talk therapy and towards working with the nervous system to deeply integrate positive change.
We often find ourselves stuck in all too familiar negative patterns. Patterns of behavior that we know don't serve ourselves or our loved ones. Patterns of thought that always seem to tear us down no matter how much progress we make. Patterns within relationships that are less than we deserve. Patterns of anxiety and stress that feel out of our control. Many of us have worked hard to understand and change these patterns: setting goals, self-help books, therapy, medication, meditation, and so on. Yet we find that the deepest patterns are frustratingly stubborn, seeming to rise to the surface no matter how much work we've done.
EMDR, IFS, Somatic, and Sensory-Motor Art therapies represent the forefront in the movement beyond talk therapy and towards working with the nervous system to deeply integrate positive change.
We often find ourselves stuck in all too familiar negative patterns. Patterns of behavior that we know don't serve ourselves or our loved ones. Patterns of thought that always seem to tear us down no matter how much progress we make. Patterns within relationships that are less than we deserve. Patterns of anxiety and stress that feel out of our control. Many of us have worked hard to understand and change these patterns: setting goals, self-help books, therapy, medication, meditation, and so on. Yet we find that the deepest patterns are frustratingly stubborn, seeming to rise to the surface no matter how much work we've done.
Martha Hernandez
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Online Only
Not accepting new clients
My primary modalities are person-centered, strength-based, & Internal Family Systems (lv 2).
Welcome to my practice! If you're reading this, maybe you've been having a rough time. Maybe you've been feeling anxious or depressed, beyond where that seems ok. Perhaps you're feeling stuck in patterns of thinking, feeling, and acting that don't feel good or no longer "work." I believe that all of us can feel better and have more satisfying lives, no matter how difficult our circumstances may be. I have been privileged to witness extraordinary healing and growth in many of my clients.
My primary modalities are person-centered, strength-based, & Internal Family Systems (lv 2).
Welcome to my practice! If you're reading this, maybe you've been having a rough time. Maybe you've been feeling anxious or depressed, beyond where that seems ok. Perhaps you're feeling stuck in patterns of thinking, feeling, and acting that don't feel good or no longer "work." I believe that all of us can feel better and have more satisfying lives, no matter how difficult our circumstances may be. I have been privileged to witness extraordinary healing and growth in many of my clients.
More Therapists Nearby
Rise Up Center for Growth and Wellness
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC
1 Endorsed
Brunswick, ME 04011
We are NOW accepting new clients! Are you, or someone you know, struggling with sleep disturbance, irritability, perfectionism, or digestive issues without any medical cause? Do you feel stuck, obsessed, fixated, your mind plays in a loop? Does your child refuse to attend school, fights trying new things, have unexplained outbursts, or toileting issues? Is your pre-teen or teen seeming unlike themselves? Are you a parent unsure of what boundaries to hold and when to be flexible? Are you a couple, confused about the barrier to your effective communication or connection?
The problem might be anxiety, or anxiety related challenges.
We are NOW accepting new clients! Are you, or someone you know, struggling with sleep disturbance, irritability, perfectionism, or digestive issues without any medical cause? Do you feel stuck, obsessed, fixated, your mind plays in a loop? Does your child refuse to attend school, fights trying new things, have unexplained outbursts, or toileting issues? Is your pre-teen or teen seeming unlike themselves? Are you a parent unsure of what boundaries to hold and when to be flexible? Are you a couple, confused about the barrier to your effective communication or connection?
The problem might be anxiety, or anxiety related challenges.
My name is Mary Beth Walters and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I work with adults from a strengths-based, person-in-environment perspective meaning I value you and the journey that brought you here today and I'm honored to join you on your path.
My name is Mary Beth Walters and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I work with adults from a strengths-based, person-in-environment perspective meaning I value you and the journey that brought you here today and I'm honored to join you on your path.
You’re the person everyone relies on - capable, composed, and holding everything together - while privately carrying anxiety, overwhelm, and the weight of past trauma. Maybe you’re constantly bracing for the next crisis, stuck in overthinking or people-pleasing, or swinging between hyper-functioning and shutting down. You want relief and clarity, and you want to feel safe in your own mind and body again, but you’re unsure how to get there.
You’re the person everyone relies on - capable, composed, and holding everything together - while privately carrying anxiety, overwhelm, and the weight of past trauma. Maybe you’re constantly bracing for the next crisis, stuck in overthinking or people-pleasing, or swinging between hyper-functioning and shutting down. You want relief and clarity, and you want to feel safe in your own mind and body again, but you’re unsure how to get there.
I am a gentle, patient, and empathic presence for empaths, caregivers, therapists, and HSPs working through anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and conflict. Together we will figure this out, at a pace that feels safe to you. Over the years I have cultivated a holistic approach that is caring and inclusive, addressing root causes rather than symptoms. We can and will unlearn painful habits of mind taught by the unhealthy systems we are all formed and harmed by. When you ask and are ready, we look at your personal story, the weight of collective grief, and your ancestral story and its potential legacy of inherited trauma.
I am a gentle, patient, and empathic presence for empaths, caregivers, therapists, and HSPs working through anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and conflict. Together we will figure this out, at a pace that feels safe to you. Over the years I have cultivated a holistic approach that is caring and inclusive, addressing root causes rather than symptoms. We can and will unlearn painful habits of mind taught by the unhealthy systems we are all formed and harmed by. When you ask and are ready, we look at your personal story, the weight of collective grief, and your ancestral story and its potential legacy of inherited trauma.
In addition to CBT and DBT, I like to use Narrative, IFS, Psychodynamic or EMDR approaches because I think these types give individuals permission to develop a better relationship with themself.
As a therapist my goal is to help people attune to their own set of needs, restore a healthy relationship with themself, and find a way to navigate the world authentically with grace and purpose. My approach is collaborative and begins with a thorough assessment, after which, we work together to develop a treatment plan. My goal is for clients to know what they are working on before the session, feel a sense of accomplishment throughout the session, and ultimately leave the session feeling proud. Assessments and treatment plans help clients develop a common language and also approach session time with a high level of intention.
In addition to CBT and DBT, I like to use Narrative, IFS, Psychodynamic or EMDR approaches because I think these types give individuals permission to develop a better relationship with themself.
As a therapist my goal is to help people attune to their own set of needs, restore a healthy relationship with themself, and find a way to navigate the world authentically with grace and purpose. My approach is collaborative and begins with a thorough assessment, after which, we work together to develop a treatment plan. My goal is for clients to know what they are working on before the session, feel a sense of accomplishment throughout the session, and ultimately leave the session feeling proud. Assessments and treatment plans help clients develop a common language and also approach session time with a high level of intention.
I believe that the best therapy is done when your relationship with your therapist has a strong foundation and meaning.
My therapeutic style focuses on having an open mind, providing a non-judgmental experience, and meeting clients where they are in their current situations.
Our work together will be person-centered and strengths-based, filled with compassion, empathy, and non-judgment
It requires great strength to start such a journey. I am ready to be the support you need in order to create a better version of who you are today.
I believe that the best therapy is done when your relationship with your therapist has a strong foundation and meaning.
My therapeutic style focuses on having an open mind, providing a non-judgmental experience, and meeting clients where they are in their current situations.
Our work together will be person-centered and strengths-based, filled with compassion, empathy, and non-judgment
It requires great strength to start such a journey. I am ready to be the support you need in order to create a better version of who you are today.
I am a Level 2 trained Internal Family Systems ( IFS) practitioner, and work with individuals, couples and families seeking relief from the symptoms of trauma, addiction, anxiety, and depression.
My graduate degree in theology and my yoga teacher certification ground my therapeutic work in embodied processes of liberation. I am dedicated to helping people identify structures of oppression and release their burdens. My focus is on the building of trusting and compassionate relationships, with attention placed on healing.
I am a Level 2 trained Internal Family Systems ( IFS) practitioner, and work with individuals, couples and families seeking relief from the symptoms of trauma, addiction, anxiety, and depression.
My graduate degree in theology and my yoga teacher certification ground my therapeutic work in embodied processes of liberation. I am dedicated to helping people identify structures of oppression and release their burdens. My focus is on the building of trusting and compassionate relationships, with attention placed on healing.
I draw from a number of different trauma-informed therapeutic frameworks, including IFS, CBT, and somatic modalities.
My goal as a therapist is to work with you as you navigate the challenges, complexity, and pain in our world. There are no easy answers, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach, but I can be with you, and support you as you figure out your path forward. I offer a nonjudgmental and affirming space to bring whatever is on your mind, whatever you're needing to process or work through.
I draw from a number of different trauma-informed therapeutic frameworks, including IFS, CBT, and somatic modalities.
My goal as a therapist is to work with you as you navigate the challenges, complexity, and pain in our world. There are no easy answers, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach, but I can be with you, and support you as you figure out your path forward. I offer a nonjudgmental and affirming space to bring whatever is on your mind, whatever you're needing to process or work through.
I am trained in EMDR, IFS, and somatic therapies.
I believe every person deserves to be understood. Please feel welcome.
I am trained in EMDR, IFS, and somatic therapies.
I believe every person deserves to be understood. Please feel welcome.
Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next step? I specialize in supporting adults with navigating ADHD, major life transitions, gender identity exploration, trauma, or the impacts of anxiety and depression.
As an LGBTQIA+ and neurodiversity-affirming therapist, I offer a safe, open-minded, and non-judgmental space to explore your identity, untangle racing thoughts, and reconnect with what matters most. If you’re feeling lost in the noise of daily life or exhausted from trying to "keep it all together," you’re not alone and you don’t have to figure it out alone, either.
Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next step? I specialize in supporting adults with navigating ADHD, major life transitions, gender identity exploration, trauma, or the impacts of anxiety and depression.
As an LGBTQIA+ and neurodiversity-affirming therapist, I offer a safe, open-minded, and non-judgmental space to explore your identity, untangle racing thoughts, and reconnect with what matters most. If you’re feeling lost in the noise of daily life or exhausted from trying to "keep it all together," you’re not alone and you don’t have to figure it out alone, either.
Something is difficult. The self narrative or the relationships - personal or professional - are causing a lack of ease and peace and you just do not feel like what you are doing at this moment is hitting the target. Life is never easy for everybody all of the time. If you are curious about the patterns and the behaviors that may no longer be serving you and you desire to be seen in your entirety with empathy and understanding, then perhaps counseling can help you to bring awareness and non-judgmental curiosity to why you are doing/thinking/feeling what you are.
Something is difficult. The self narrative or the relationships - personal or professional - are causing a lack of ease and peace and you just do not feel like what you are doing at this moment is hitting the target. Life is never easy for everybody all of the time. If you are curious about the patterns and the behaviors that may no longer be serving you and you desire to be seen in your entirety with empathy and understanding, then perhaps counseling can help you to bring awareness and non-judgmental curiosity to why you are doing/thinking/feeling what you are.
I also draw significantly from Gottman, Internal Family Systems ( IFS), and Relational Life Therapy (RLT).
I'm the right fit for you if you want change. I provide transformational therapy that gets you forward to living the changed life you want. That means better relationships with yourself and others; showing up in the ways you wish you could and the ways you’ll be proud of even when your emotions are strong and you’re struggling; peace instead of overthinking and anxiety spirals; constructive, loving communication and repair even during the hardest conflicts with friends, family, colleagues, and intimate partners; and quiet freedom from old patterns, storylines, stuck thinking, and self-doubt.
I also draw significantly from Gottman, Internal Family Systems ( IFS), and Relational Life Therapy (RLT).
I'm the right fit for you if you want change. I provide transformational therapy that gets you forward to living the changed life you want. That means better relationships with yourself and others; showing up in the ways you wish you could and the ways you’ll be proud of even when your emotions are strong and you’re struggling; peace instead of overthinking and anxiety spirals; constructive, loving communication and repair even during the hardest conflicts with friends, family, colleagues, and intimate partners; and quiet freedom from old patterns, storylines, stuck thinking, and self-doubt.
Whether we utilize EMDR to help resolve trauma or we take insights from polyvagal theory and internal family systems, you'll learn skills and strategies that will help you heal and grow.
I work with adults of all ages who need a safe and consistent place to heal from trauma, manage pain and stress more effectively, and learn skills and new ways of being that lead to feeling calmer and more confident when facing life’s demands. I help with processing traumatic events, major changes or life transitions, significant losses, and other life events that rock our stability and challenge our sense of the world and who we are in it. The trauma-informed work I do helps build clarity and understanding around your life, its impact, and your needs, leaving a lot more space to breathe, and heal when needed.
Whether we utilize EMDR to help resolve trauma or we take insights from polyvagal theory and internal family systems, you'll learn skills and strategies that will help you heal and grow.
I work with adults of all ages who need a safe and consistent place to heal from trauma, manage pain and stress more effectively, and learn skills and new ways of being that lead to feeling calmer and more confident when facing life’s demands. I help with processing traumatic events, major changes or life transitions, significant losses, and other life events that rock our stability and challenge our sense of the world and who we are in it. The trauma-informed work I do helps build clarity and understanding around your life, its impact, and your needs, leaving a lot more space to breathe, and heal when needed.
I am Level 2 trained in Internal Family Systems ( IFS) and also draw from other valuable modalities such as Acceptance Commitment Therapy and Nonviolent Communication.
Hello and welcome! My name is Peggy (she/her) and I'm a Clinical Social Worker licensed in the states of Maine, Oregon, and Florida. I strive to help adults who are going through a difficult time, which might include a life transition, time of loss, impact of a chronic physical condition, or struggles in a relationship. I have passion for working with older adults and have a lot of experience working with individuals living with progressive diseases and family caregivers. That said, I welcome adults from all backgrounds and stages of life.
I am Level 2 trained in Internal Family Systems ( IFS) and also draw from other valuable modalities such as Acceptance Commitment Therapy and Nonviolent Communication.
Hello and welcome! My name is Peggy (she/her) and I'm a Clinical Social Worker licensed in the states of Maine, Oregon, and Florida. I strive to help adults who are going through a difficult time, which might include a life transition, time of loss, impact of a chronic physical condition, or struggles in a relationship. I have passion for working with older adults and have a lot of experience working with individuals living with progressive diseases and family caregivers. That said, I welcome adults from all backgrounds and stages of life.
I integrate creative approaches such as IFS (parts work), Ecotherapy with plant allies + somatic based interventions tailored to each person and their steps towards wellness.
I’m here to guide you home to yourself. Coming into a civilization that values hyper-production and individualistic ways of being I became enlightened by the deep rooted connection and harmony the mind, body, and soul were craving. The suppression and imbalance of our innate human parts has created exhaustion and burnout that instills conditioning of shame, guilt and fear. My mission is to provide a meaningful safe space to shed these burdens, connect with the healing allies of nature and your own inner wisdom to remember how to be in alignment with your whole embodied Self and the world around you
I integrate creative approaches such as IFS (parts work), Ecotherapy with plant allies + somatic based interventions tailored to each person and their steps towards wellness.
I’m here to guide you home to yourself. Coming into a civilization that values hyper-production and individualistic ways of being I became enlightened by the deep rooted connection and harmony the mind, body, and soul were craving. The suppression and imbalance of our innate human parts has created exhaustion and burnout that instills conditioning of shame, guilt and fear. My mission is to provide a meaningful safe space to shed these burdens, connect with the healing allies of nature and your own inner wisdom to remember how to be in alignment with your whole embodied Self and the world around you
I provide trauma-informed, neurodivergent-affirming telehealth therapy for adults — especially women and high-achieving moms who are tired of pushing through, exhausted from masking, and wanting to live more authentically.
Many of my clients are capable, organized, and outwardly “high-achieving,” yet feel overwhelmed by emotional labor, chronic exhaustion, anxiety, etc. If you suspect you’re neurodivergent (ADHD, autism spectrum, or both), spent years masking, or are navigating burnout or life transitions, we should work together.
I provide trauma-informed, neurodivergent-affirming telehealth therapy for adults — especially women and high-achieving moms who are tired of pushing through, exhausted from masking, and wanting to live more authentically.
Many of my clients are capable, organized, and outwardly “high-achieving,” yet feel overwhelmed by emotional labor, chronic exhaustion, anxiety, etc. If you suspect you’re neurodivergent (ADHD, autism spectrum, or both), spent years masking, or are navigating burnout or life transitions, we should work together.
See more therapy options for Gardiner
Nearby Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists Searches for Gardiner
- Auburn
- Augusta
- Bath
- Brunswick
- Damariscotta
- Freeport
- Hallowell
- Lewiston
- North Yarmouth
- Topsham
- Waterville
- Yarmouth
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.