Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists in Whittier, Minneapolis, MN

Photo of Mariah Hutchinson, Counselor, MAAT, LPCC, ATR
Mariah Hutchinson
Counselor, MAAT, LPCC, ATR
Whittier, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Therapy is a creative, collaborative relationship. As a therapist passionate about process, I am here to collaborate with you to cultivate the life you want to live. I am not here to fix you; you are not broken. We will work together to find new ways for you to be in relationship with the problems and the joys in your life. If you are ready to step into a curious, process-oriented journey, then I am here to offer a safe, supportive space to do just that. Let’s get curious about how to create more room for pleasure, joy, and connection as well as for the uncomfortable, tender parts of your life.
Therapy is a creative, collaborative relationship. As a therapist passionate about process, I am here to collaborate with you to cultivate the life you want to live. I am not here to fix you; you are not broken. We will work together to find new ways for you to be in relationship with the problems and the joys in your life. If you are ready to step into a curious, process-oriented journey, then I am here to offer a safe, supportive space to do just that. Let’s get curious about how to create more room for pleasure, joy, and connection as well as for the uncomfortable, tender parts of your life.
(612) 979-2468 View (612) 979-2468
Photo of Kelly Miklas - Kelly J. Miklas - KJ Psychotherapy & Intensives. , Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Kelly J. Miklas - KJ Psychotherapy & Intensives.
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Whittier, Minneapolis, MN 55404
I'm skilled at helping others take inventory of their lives, manage present-day symptoms/concerns/patterns, and process wounds from the past, through an approachable and collaborative process. I strive to be authentic, non-judgmental, non-coercive, and down-to-earth in sessions, but can also gently challenge you when needed. I tailor my approach to each individual, considering their unique background, strengths, personal goals, and areas of growth. I am committed to challenging systems of oppression and strive to respect your autonomy, consent, and individual cultural context.
I'm skilled at helping others take inventory of their lives, manage present-day symptoms/concerns/patterns, and process wounds from the past, through an approachable and collaborative process. I strive to be authentic, non-judgmental, non-coercive, and down-to-earth in sessions, but can also gently challenge you when needed. I tailor my approach to each individual, considering their unique background, strengths, personal goals, and areas of growth. I am committed to challenging systems of oppression and strive to respect your autonomy, consent, and individual cultural context.
(952) 900-6845 View (952) 900-6845
Photo of Helena LaFave, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Helena LaFave
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Whittier, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Waitlist for new clients
I am EMDR trained and utilize Internal Family Systems ( IFS), trauma-informed, and relationship-oriented approaches
My areas of clinical expertise are trauma with a special focus on religious trauma, queer identity, and anxiety and depression. I utilize parts work, which is the idea that we are all made up of different parts of ourselves. During our sessions, I prioritize curiosity around who these parts are and what makes them feel safe.
I am EMDR trained and utilize Internal Family Systems ( IFS), trauma-informed, and relationship-oriented approaches
My areas of clinical expertise are trauma with a special focus on religious trauma, queer identity, and anxiety and depression. I utilize parts work, which is the idea that we are all made up of different parts of ourselves. During our sessions, I prioritize curiosity around who these parts are and what makes them feel safe.
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Photo of Cat Lovley, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MPS, LADC, LPCC
Cat Lovley
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MPS, LADC, LPCC
Online Only
I offer skills rooted in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Internal Family Systems, and guided by your unique situation.
I work with individuals and couples navigating sexual health concerns, trauma, perimenopause/PMDD, emotion regulation, and interpersonal challenges. Many of these experiences can feel isolating or difficult to discuss. I provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their experiences openly. Together, we work to understand patterns, build resilience, develop healthier coping strategies, and create greater balance in life and relationships. My goal is to help clients move toward meaningful change, increased self-awareness, and a stronger sense of well-being.
I offer skills rooted in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Internal Family Systems, and guided by your unique situation.
I work with individuals and couples navigating sexual health concerns, trauma, perimenopause/PMDD, emotion regulation, and interpersonal challenges. Many of these experiences can feel isolating or difficult to discuss. I provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their experiences openly. Together, we work to understand patterns, build resilience, develop healthier coping strategies, and create greater balance in life and relationships. My goal is to help clients move toward meaningful change, increased self-awareness, and a stronger sense of well-being.
(651) 877-4805 View (651) 877-4805
Photo of Deborah Girdwood, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LGSW
Deborah Girdwood
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LGSW
Online Only
I utilize several modalities of care, including but not limited to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused and narrative therapies, psychodynamic therapy with a focus on attachment theory, internal family systems ( IFS), emotion-focused, relational, and mindfulness-based interventions.
I work with individuals and couples who seek therapy for anxiety, depression, stress, adjusting to life changes, and improving self-esteem. I will collaborate with you to reduce symptoms and gain insights, promoting self-acceptance, empowered growth, and positive change. I provide support with processing current and past stressors and life transitions, including relationship challenges, grief/loss, divorce, emotional abuse, substance misuse, complex trauma, and intersectional oppression. I am experienced working with adults and adolescents.
I utilize several modalities of care, including but not limited to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused and narrative therapies, psychodynamic therapy with a focus on attachment theory, internal family systems ( IFS), emotion-focused, relational, and mindfulness-based interventions.
I work with individuals and couples who seek therapy for anxiety, depression, stress, adjusting to life changes, and improving self-esteem. I will collaborate with you to reduce symptoms and gain insights, promoting self-acceptance, empowered growth, and positive change. I provide support with processing current and past stressors and life transitions, including relationship challenges, grief/loss, divorce, emotional abuse, substance misuse, complex trauma, and intersectional oppression. I am experienced working with adults and adolescents.
(651) 661-2652 View (651) 661-2652
Photo of Callie Sher, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Callie Sher
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I incorporate IFS (internal family systems), somatic-based approaches, and trauma-informed approaches most frequently.
Hello! Do you struggle with feeling connected to your own experience? Have you struggled to process traumatic events, childhood trauma, relationship issues, or anxiety? These issues can be challenging to process on your own and I am here to be a support along the way. Do you find yourself feeling disconnected or uncomfortable in your body? I am passionate about helping people feel more grounded in their bodies. I am also here to support and help you feel more connected to your experiences.
I incorporate IFS (internal family systems), somatic-based approaches, and trauma-informed approaches most frequently.
Hello! Do you struggle with feeling connected to your own experience? Have you struggled to process traumatic events, childhood trauma, relationship issues, or anxiety? These issues can be challenging to process on your own and I am here to be a support along the way. Do you find yourself feeling disconnected or uncomfortable in your body? I am passionate about helping people feel more grounded in their bodies. I am also here to support and help you feel more connected to your experiences.
(651) 461-6497 View (651) 461-6497
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.