Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists in Old Orchard Beach, ME
I work with kids, teens, and adults navigating a range of challenges. People often come to me when something feels stuck—anxiety, emotional overwhelm, behavioral concerns, or patterns that just aren’t working anymore. Everyone has a unique, layered story, and that context matters. While we’ll explore the tough spots, therapy doesn’t stay there. I focus just as much on your strengths—the resilient, capable parts of you that are often overlooked. Together, we build on those qualities to create meaningful, lasting change so you can move toward a life that feels more balanced, empowered, and truly your own
I work with kids, teens, and adults navigating a range of challenges. People often come to me when something feels stuck—anxiety, emotional overwhelm, behavioral concerns, or patterns that just aren’t working anymore. Everyone has a unique, layered story, and that context matters. While we’ll explore the tough spots, therapy doesn’t stay there. I focus just as much on your strengths—the resilient, capable parts of you that are often overlooked. Together, we build on those qualities to create meaningful, lasting change so you can move toward a life that feels more balanced, empowered, and truly your own
Understanding your experiences lays the foundation for setting clear, achievable goals.
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families. I earned my Master’s in Social Work from Simmons College and have dedicated my career to helping clients create lasting, meaningful change.
In our work together, we’ll build on your strengths and tackle life’s challenges with compassion and strategy—developing a personalized plan that truly works for you.
Understanding your experiences lays the foundation for setting clear, achievable goals.
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families. I earned my Master’s in Social Work from Simmons College and have dedicated my career to helping clients create lasting, meaningful change.
In our work together, we’ll build on your strengths and tackle life’s challenges with compassion and strategy—developing a personalized plan that truly works for you.
I have had the opportunity to work for 43 years with Individual adults and adolescents, couples, families, and groups. The issues of trauma, loss, life changes, depression and anxiety are so much a part of all of our lives. Levels of stress complicate conversations, disconnect relationships, decrease self care, and interfere with our happiness. Finding balance is what this therapy can offer. Imagine sitting and talking with no judgement, confronting your own past and finding a new present. Working together we will undo old messages which have run your emotions and influenced your behaviors and create new ones you choose to live by.
I have had the opportunity to work for 43 years with Individual adults and adolescents, couples, families, and groups. The issues of trauma, loss, life changes, depression and anxiety are so much a part of all of our lives. Levels of stress complicate conversations, disconnect relationships, decrease self care, and interfere with our happiness. Finding balance is what this therapy can offer. Imagine sitting and talking with no judgement, confronting your own past and finding a new present. Working together we will undo old messages which have run your emotions and influenced your behaviors and create new ones you choose to live by.
I am a trauma focused, neurodiversity celebrating, complex attachment navigating, soft spot landing therapist. I welcome adults and small children experiencing complex and attachment traumas, and those on foster care and adoption journeys. I approach trauma work using an embodied approach with somatic (body) awareness, EMDR, trauma reprocessing/unburdening, and play therapy.
Additionally, I specialize in ADHD and behavioral strategies for children who communicate big emotions through big behaviors. My goal is to unburden and empower parents as they navigate challenging behaviors. Let's make your home more peaceful, together.
I am a trauma focused, neurodiversity celebrating, complex attachment navigating, soft spot landing therapist. I welcome adults and small children experiencing complex and attachment traumas, and those on foster care and adoption journeys. I approach trauma work using an embodied approach with somatic (body) awareness, EMDR, trauma reprocessing/unburdening, and play therapy.
Additionally, I specialize in ADHD and behavioral strategies for children who communicate big emotions through big behaviors. My goal is to unburden and empower parents as they navigate challenging behaviors. Let's make your home more peaceful, together.
I work with individuals facing anxiety, trauma, and emotional overwhelm who want deeper healing beyond symptom relief. Many come after talk therapy falls short. Using art and expressive therapies, we help release stored emotions, process experiences, and reconnect with their authentic self.
I work with individuals facing anxiety, trauma, and emotional overwhelm who want deeper healing beyond symptom relief. Many come after talk therapy falls short. Using art and expressive therapies, we help release stored emotions, process experiences, and reconnect with their authentic self.
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I orient primarily through the modalities of Internal Family Systems (Level 1 trained), the Trauma Integration Protocol, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Therapy offers us a space to show up for the parts of ourselves that have been hurting. The parts that, for whatever the reason, have felt neglected, abandoned, scared, or are in need of attention and care. I work to create a supportive and warm therapeutic relationship where we can cultivate greater awareness, presence, and tenderness to our inner experiences allowing for more skillful navigation of challenging emotions, situations, and stuck patterns.
I orient primarily through the modalities of Internal Family Systems (Level 1 trained), the Trauma Integration Protocol, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Therapy offers us a space to show up for the parts of ourselves that have been hurting. The parts that, for whatever the reason, have felt neglected, abandoned, scared, or are in need of attention and care. I work to create a supportive and warm therapeutic relationship where we can cultivate greater awareness, presence, and tenderness to our inner experiences allowing for more skillful navigation of challenging emotions, situations, and stuck patterns.
I integrate approaches such as Internal Family Systems ( IFS), EMDR, Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR), Somatic Experiencing, Mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Trauma and attachment wounding can foil our best attempts to change patterns of under/over-functioning, disconnection, people pleasing, or staying in situations that do not serve us. Consequently we feel anxious, emotionally exhausted, disconnected, chronically self-critical and unable create the life we imagined for ourselves.
I work with adults seeking deep healing from the accumulated trauma, attachment wounds, and shame that keep us treading in place. My work uses current life challenges to transform the nervous system in a way that allows new stories and experiences to emerge and, more importantly, take lasting hold.
I integrate approaches such as Internal Family Systems ( IFS), EMDR, Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR), Somatic Experiencing, Mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Trauma and attachment wounding can foil our best attempts to change patterns of under/over-functioning, disconnection, people pleasing, or staying in situations that do not serve us. Consequently we feel anxious, emotionally exhausted, disconnected, chronically self-critical and unable create the life we imagined for ourselves.
I work with adults seeking deep healing from the accumulated trauma, attachment wounds, and shame that keep us treading in place. My work uses current life challenges to transform the nervous system in a way that allows new stories and experiences to emerge and, more importantly, take lasting hold.
I operate primarily from a Relational Life Therapy model and integrate Internal Family Systems ( IFS) approaches often.
I believe that seeking help for life's struggles is an important aspect of personal growth. I enjoy working with people who are interested in developing insights, skills and strategies to cope with life’s hardships. I believe we build on our collective wisdom throughout our lives. Loss, chronic illness, attachment, relationships, anxiety and/or depression are all areas of familiarity.
I operate primarily from a Relational Life Therapy model and integrate Internal Family Systems ( IFS) approaches often.
I believe that seeking help for life's struggles is an important aspect of personal growth. I enjoy working with people who are interested in developing insights, skills and strategies to cope with life’s hardships. I believe we build on our collective wisdom throughout our lives. Loss, chronic illness, attachment, relationships, anxiety and/or depression are all areas of familiarity.
Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next step? I specialize in supporting adults (18+) 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 (18+) 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.
Each person is different, and they have different needs so I adapt the techniques needed for each person according to their schedule and their needs. I have worked extensively with clients with chronic illness who are experiencing grief and anxiety from the loss of their former health, independence and sometimes partners.
Each person is different, and they have different needs so I adapt the techniques needed for each person according to their schedule and their needs. I have worked extensively with clients with chronic illness who are experiencing grief and anxiety from the loss of their former health, independence and sometimes partners.
In a time when there are so many potential threats, how do we learn to feel safe enough? How do we not only cope but have meaningful experiences in this chaotic world? My values as a therapist are not to deny the trying times we are in, but to create a space for authenticity, play, rest, and connection. Our goal together is to explore the interiors of the mind and body in order to be aware of the ways we can close off from ourselves and others, in order to create a more free and authentic future. I take an integrative approach, blending my background in psychodynamic and somatic modalities.
In a time when there are so many potential threats, how do we learn to feel safe enough? How do we not only cope but have meaningful experiences in this chaotic world? My values as a therapist are not to deny the trying times we are in, but to create a space for authenticity, play, rest, and connection. Our goal together is to explore the interiors of the mind and body in order to be aware of the ways we can close off from ourselves and others, in order to create a more free and authentic future. I take an integrative approach, blending my background in psychodynamic and somatic modalities.
I work within a family systems, generational, and attachment lens and look for practical solutions in helping individuals and couples find holistic health in their lives.
Accepting clients for June 2026. I work with couples, individuals, and families navigating anxiety, OCD, heartbreak, shame, trauma, relationship issues, belonging, and self-worth.
Together we’ll slow down, make sense of what you’re feeling, and look for ways forward toward a more grounded and empowered way of being in an uncertain world.
My work is oriented toward emotional freedom and acceptance, exploring personal and systemic/generational patterns with creativity and honesty, and building courageous and aligned relationships.
I bring my whole self to this work, with collaboration, humor, and reverence for the human experience.
I work within a family systems, generational, and attachment lens and look for practical solutions in helping individuals and couples find holistic health in their lives.
Accepting clients for June 2026. I work with couples, individuals, and families navigating anxiety, OCD, heartbreak, shame, trauma, relationship issues, belonging, and self-worth.
Together we’ll slow down, make sense of what you’re feeling, and look for ways forward toward a more grounded and empowered way of being in an uncertain world.
My work is oriented toward emotional freedom and acceptance, exploring personal and systemic/generational patterns with creativity and honesty, and building courageous and aligned relationships.
I bring my whole self to this work, with collaboration, humor, and reverence for the human experience.
With extensive background in CBT, DBT, Wilderness Therapy, Art Therapy, and Family Systems, every client can expect a truly individualized and flexible approach.
Life’s challenges don’t end when we grow up. In a world where we are constantly bombarded with messages about who, how, and what we should be, the pressure to measure up often feels overwhelming and it can be tough to know where to turn for help. For over a decade, I have worked with teens, adults and parents who are learning how to navigate life with self-awareness, skill, and confidence. I listen deeply, reading between the lines to understand what’s really going on, and help clients carve out 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.
Life’s challenges don’t end when we grow up. In a world where we are constantly bombarded with messages about who, how, and what we should be, the pressure to measure up often feels overwhelming and it can be tough to know where to turn for help. For over a decade, I have worked with teens, adults and parents who are learning how to navigate life with self-awareness, skill, and confidence. I listen deeply, reading between the lines to understand what’s really going on, and help clients carve out their own unique path forward.
Hello! My name is Sherie and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 30 years of experience working within the mental health field. I'm passionate about partnering with you to identify and address what is getting in the way of living the life that you imagine for yourself! The majority of my practice focuses on individuals who are navigating the impacts of trauma, anxiety and panic disorders, relationship issues, and bipolar disorders. I offer a free consultation to explore your individual needs and if we are a good fit!
Hello! My name is Sherie and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 30 years of experience working within the mental health field. I'm passionate about partnering with you to identify and address what is getting in the way of living the life that you imagine for yourself! The majority of my practice focuses on individuals who are navigating the impacts of trauma, anxiety and panic disorders, relationship issues, and bipolar disorders. I offer a free consultation to explore your individual needs and if we are a good fit!
I am influenced by Relational Psychoanalysis, Attachment Theory, IFS, Feminist Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, among others.
Elizabeth Myerson is a graduate student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Southern Maine. Her approach is warm, genuine, and nonjudgmental, combining encouragement with gentle, honest feedback when clients face uncertainty. Elizabeth is community-minded and cares deeply about helping people. She believes clients are the experts on their own lives and strives for a power-with instead of power-over relationship with her people. As a new parent educator and postpartum doula, Elizabeth has spent the past decade supporting parents through the transitions, decisions, and emotions of building a family.
I am influenced by Relational Psychoanalysis, Attachment Theory, IFS, Feminist Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, among others.
Elizabeth Myerson is a graduate student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Southern Maine. Her approach is warm, genuine, and nonjudgmental, combining encouragement with gentle, honest feedback when clients face uncertainty. Elizabeth is community-minded and cares deeply about helping people. She believes clients are the experts on their own lives and strives for a power-with instead of power-over relationship with her people. As a new parent educator and postpartum doula, Elizabeth has spent the past decade supporting parents through the transitions, decisions, and emotions of building a family.
I have in-depth training in the following models: Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems, Poly-Vagal Informed Therapy, Heart Math Focused Trauma Therapy, Yoga therapy, Nutrition Science, Trauma Treatment/Telehealth, and Interpersonal Neurobiology.
Life can present many unexpected and sometimes overwhelming experiences that can linger in your body-mind, limiting your ability to live with a sense of joy, connection, safety and purpose. Whether it occurred during a single event or repeated trauma, recently or in childhood, it can have lifelong effects: anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, chronic health issues. Your history does not need to define you. In our work together, you will develop new pathways to promote a sense of well-being, health and resilience. You will learn practices to feel calm, curious, present and attend to what arises in your life.
I have in-depth training in the following models: Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems, Poly-Vagal Informed Therapy, Heart Math Focused Trauma Therapy, Yoga therapy, Nutrition Science, Trauma Treatment/Telehealth, and Interpersonal Neurobiology.
Life can present many unexpected and sometimes overwhelming experiences that can linger in your body-mind, limiting your ability to live with a sense of joy, connection, safety and purpose. Whether it occurred during a single event or repeated trauma, recently or in childhood, it can have lifelong effects: anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, chronic health issues. Your history does not need to define you. In our work together, you will develop new pathways to promote a sense of well-being, health and resilience. You will learn practices to feel calm, curious, present and attend to what arises in your life.
I use a combination of emotion focused, somatic therapy, parts work ( IFS), attachment-based therapy, and mindfulness.
If you’ve found your way here, you might have learned how to intellectualize your experiences until it's just data, or mastered the art of "checking out" during conflict. Dissociation, logic, and distancing are the parts of you that kept you safe when connections felt unsafe. While I understand these parts as incredible survival strategies, they also limit you when trying to build a life of shared connection and pleasure. Many couples and individuals come to me feeling stuck in these painful cycles. Together, we can shift these loops to create lasting compassion, deeper intimacy, and real change.
I use a combination of emotion focused, somatic therapy, parts work ( IFS), attachment-based therapy, and mindfulness.
If you’ve found your way here, you might have learned how to intellectualize your experiences until it's just data, or mastered the art of "checking out" during conflict. Dissociation, logic, and distancing are the parts of you that kept you safe when connections felt unsafe. While I understand these parts as incredible survival strategies, they also limit you when trying to build a life of shared connection and pleasure. Many couples and individuals come to me feeling stuck in these painful cycles. Together, we can shift these loops to create lasting compassion, deeper intimacy, and real change.
I primarily use EMDR, ACT, and IFS when working with my clients but we'll collaborate and find the approaches that work best for you!
After sexual violence or an abusive relationship, it's common to feel like you've lost trust in yourself. Overthinking, questioning everything, feeling disconnected, and carrying shame that isn't yours to carry can take a toll. I specialize in helping college students and young adults heal from sexual violence, relationship trauma, and intimate partner violence.
I help clients go from feeling overwhelmed, self-critical, and stuck to feeling grounded, connected, and compassionate toward themselves. If you've been caught in overthinking, perfectionism, or never feeling "good enough," I'm here to help.
I primarily use EMDR, ACT, and IFS when working with my clients but we'll collaborate and find the approaches that work best for you!
After sexual violence or an abusive relationship, it's common to feel like you've lost trust in yourself. Overthinking, questioning everything, feeling disconnected, and carrying shame that isn't yours to carry can take a toll. I specialize in helping college students and young adults heal from sexual violence, relationship trauma, and intimate partner violence.
I help clients go from feeling overwhelmed, self-critical, and stuck to feeling grounded, connected, and compassionate toward themselves. If you've been caught in overthinking, perfectionism, or never feeling "good enough," I'm here to help.
Taking the first step toward therapy is a powerful act of self-care. At My Deaf Therapy, we specialize in supporting members of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community—including Deaf individuals, Deaf families, and hearing family members fluent in sign language (CODAs, KODAs, and allies).
Our experienced, ASL-fluent therapists provide compassionate care tailored to your needs. We work with children, adolescents, adults, and families to address trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, identity concerns, and more.
Taking the first step toward therapy is a powerful act of self-care. At My Deaf Therapy, we specialize in supporting members of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community—including Deaf individuals, Deaf families, and hearing family members fluent in sign language (CODAs, KODAs, and allies).
Our experienced, ASL-fluent therapists provide compassionate care tailored to your needs. We work with children, adolescents, adults, and families to address trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, identity concerns, and more.
My work is grounded in Buddhist psychology and parts-based therapy (Internal Family Systems), which helps us approach these inner experiences with curiosity and compassion rather than judgment and rigidity.
I especially enjoy working with people who are reflecting deeply on their lives, including those who have a meditation or spiritual practice and want therapy that supports that path.
My work is grounded in Buddhist psychology and parts-based therapy (Internal Family Systems), which helps us approach these inner experiences with curiosity and compassion rather than judgment and rigidity.
I especially enjoy working with people who are reflecting deeply on their lives, including those who have a meditation or spiritual practice and want therapy that supports that path.
See more therapy options for Old Orchard Beach
Nearby Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists Searches for Old Orchard Beach
- Biddeford
- Cape Elizabeth
- Falmouth
- Gorham
- Kennebunk
- Kennebunkport
- Portland
- Saco
- Scarborough
- South Portland
- Westbrook
- Windham
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.