Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists in Alamance County, NC
Yolandra Reneé Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFTA
Verified Verified
Burlington, NC 27215
Using an integrative approach grounded in family systems theory, I seek to understand the dynamic that exists between people and within relationships and use appropriate interventions to shift the dynamic to where needs are met, and connections strengthened.
It’s a fact…life and the relationships we forge in it can be challenging, difficult, and just downright hard. At times, the struggle of trying to cope with intense emotions such as anger or sadness, or life stressors, can make it feel like there are more bad days than good. Still, even on the good days, you somehow feel undeserving of the joy you so desperately long for because you are overwhelmed by the internal struggle of negative thoughts of fear, doubt, and/or shame. You feel stuck, and you just want to get to the root of things to experience the genuine peace, joy, and contentment you desire. Rest assured…you are not alone.
Using an integrative approach grounded in family systems theory, I seek to understand the dynamic that exists between people and within relationships and use appropriate interventions to shift the dynamic to where needs are met, and connections strengthened.
It’s a fact…life and the relationships we forge in it can be challenging, difficult, and just downright hard. At times, the struggle of trying to cope with intense emotions such as anger or sadness, or life stressors, can make it feel like there are more bad days than good. Still, even on the good days, you somehow feel undeserving of the joy you so desperately long for because you are overwhelmed by the internal struggle of negative thoughts of fear, doubt, and/or shame. You feel stuck, and you just want to get to the root of things to experience the genuine peace, joy, and contentment you desire. Rest assured…you are not alone.
E. Ansley Hayes
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I use Internal Family Systems in my practice and integrate with DBT and Somatic work.
Life is exhausting for anxious trauma survivors. Even when you bust your ass to stabilize your life, you spend hours worrying about and planning for an uncertain future. Despite leaving home and finding your people, you still get stuck in painful memories from the past. You expect life to be hard, because, for you, it has been. You long for more ease, connection, and joy. At the very least, you want to sleep better, to take breaks from your responsibilities, and to feel a little better about your body. You’re tired of struggling through your day. You dream of a life that doesn't need constant fixing—a life that lets you truly rest.
I use Internal Family Systems in my practice and integrate with DBT and Somatic work.
Life is exhausting for anxious trauma survivors. Even when you bust your ass to stabilize your life, you spend hours worrying about and planning for an uncertain future. Despite leaving home and finding your people, you still get stuck in painful memories from the past. You expect life to be hard, because, for you, it has been. You long for more ease, connection, and joy. At the very least, you want to sleep better, to take breaks from your responsibilities, and to feel a little better about your body. You’re tired of struggling through your day. You dream of a life that doesn't need constant fixing—a life that lets you truly rest.
Through EMDR and IFS, we can target and process past traumatic experiences that have been stored in the body and mind, allowing you to release the emotional charge from those memories.
When early relationships are marked by inconsistency, neglect, or abandonment, these experiences can profoundly impact how we connect with others throughout our lives. Attachment trauma often leads to challenges in forming secure, trusting relationships, feelings of anxiety or fear of abandonment, difficulty with emotional regulation, and patterns of self-criticism. I work with clients to address these core wounds, fostering a deeper understanding of how attachment patterns shape emotional experiences and relationships in adulthood.
Through EMDR and IFS, we can target and process past traumatic experiences that have been stored in the body and mind, allowing you to release the emotional charge from those memories.
When early relationships are marked by inconsistency, neglect, or abandonment, these experiences can profoundly impact how we connect with others throughout our lives. Attachment trauma often leads to challenges in forming secure, trusting relationships, feelings of anxiety or fear of abandonment, difficulty with emotional regulation, and patterns of self-criticism. I work with clients to address these core wounds, fostering a deeper understanding of how attachment patterns shape emotional experiences and relationships in adulthood.
My work is rooted in IFS and ACT, integrating a holistic perspective that honors the connection between mind and body.
Therapy with me is collaborative, direct, and supportive—I won’t just nod along, and I won’t ask you to do the impossible. I work best with clients who are ready to challenge old patterns and explore what truly serves them. My practice is fully virtual, and I focus on clients seeking flexible, personalized care.
My work is rooted in IFS and ACT, integrating a holistic perspective that honors the connection between mind and body.
Therapy with me is collaborative, direct, and supportive—I won’t just nod along, and I won’t ask you to do the impossible. I work best with clients who are ready to challenge old patterns and explore what truly serves them. My practice is fully virtual, and I focus on clients seeking flexible, personalized care.
Just Be Counseling Services, PLLC
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Verified Verified
Burlington, NC 27215
Thanks for checking out our page! Located in the small town of Burlington, North Carolina, the founding principle of Just Be Counseling Services is to provide compassionate, competent and accessible counseling services to people of all ages, backgrounds and identities. The JBCS team consists of Annie Taylor, Emily Taylor and Casey Fowler. We are ready to meet you where you are and support you on your journey of growth and healing.
Thanks for checking out our page! Located in the small town of Burlington, North Carolina, the founding principle of Just Be Counseling Services is to provide compassionate, competent and accessible counseling services to people of all ages, backgrounds and identities. The JBCS team consists of Annie Taylor, Emily Taylor and Casey Fowler. We are ready to meet you where you are and support you on your journey of growth and healing.
Every person I serve has a unique story. While some clients experience challenges in just one area, most experience difficulty multiple areas (mental health, trauma, loss, addiction), creating a complex, vicious cycle if not all parts are addressed. The circumstances that bring someone to therapy do not come in 'neat little packages.' I enjoy sorting out the pieces with each client, getting to the root of the issue, and offering a combination of evidence-based therapeutic interventions that help clients finally begin to experience relief, and start living a happier, more fulfilled life.
Every person I serve has a unique story. While some clients experience challenges in just one area, most experience difficulty multiple areas (mental health, trauma, loss, addiction), creating a complex, vicious cycle if not all parts are addressed. The circumstances that bring someone to therapy do not come in 'neat little packages.' I enjoy sorting out the pieces with each client, getting to the root of the issue, and offering a combination of evidence-based therapeutic interventions that help clients finally begin to experience relief, and start living a happier, more fulfilled life.
Do you feel mentally or emotionally depleted? Are your experiences with trauma impacting your relationships? Are you tired of making decisions that don't serve who you want to be? Individual therapy explores how all parts of your life work together and, with various treatment strategies, can support you in managing distress. In our time together, we will explore experiences, thoughts, and core beliefs that may prevent you from being where you truly want to be. Additionally, you gain tools and skills to equip you for the journey ahead.
Do you feel mentally or emotionally depleted? Are your experiences with trauma impacting your relationships? Are you tired of making decisions that don't serve who you want to be? Individual therapy explores how all parts of your life work together and, with various treatment strategies, can support you in managing distress. In our time together, we will explore experiences, thoughts, and core beliefs that may prevent you from being where you truly want to be. Additionally, you gain tools and skills to equip you for the journey ahead.
I work with college age individuals and adults who know something’s off—they understand their anxiety, OCD, depression, or trauma responses but still feel stuck. Many are high-functioning yet overwhelmed, navigating big emotions, life transitions, or intrusive thoughts. They’re ready for change and craving relief, clarity, and real tools to feel better. I help them move from just coping to truly healing—so they can live with more confidence, connection, and peace.
I work with college age individuals and adults who know something’s off—they understand their anxiety, OCD, depression, or trauma responses but still feel stuck. Many are high-functioning yet overwhelmed, navigating big emotions, life transitions, or intrusive thoughts. They’re ready for change and craving relief, clarity, and real tools to feel better. I help them move from just coping to truly healing—so they can live with more confidence, connection, and peace.
Depression, anxiety, bad lifestyle habits, inability to forgive oneself, or thinking you do not deserve better in life, can all be too big of a weight to carry alone. Perhaps you want to live a fulfilled life and enjoy the present moment but aren't sure how to get there. The first step is to share your story and invite someone into your world.
Depression, anxiety, bad lifestyle habits, inability to forgive oneself, or thinking you do not deserve better in life, can all be too big of a weight to carry alone. Perhaps you want to live a fulfilled life and enjoy the present moment but aren't sure how to get there. The first step is to share your story and invite someone into your world.
Center for Healing and Wellness PC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MEd, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Graham, NC 27253
We all want to live peaceful, productive and happy lives. We long for the company of family and friends, the comfort of loving relationships and the security of a safe, peaceful and prosperous world. But the wear and tear of life can create emotional, spiritual and psychological challenges. Much of what we experience in life is influenced by the lenses through which we view our world. I believe that people have all they need to address the problems they face. My task is to help them find those resources, skills, and talents that reside within and apply them in ways that will enable the individual to live their best life.
We all want to live peaceful, productive and happy lives. We long for the company of family and friends, the comfort of loving relationships and the security of a safe, peaceful and prosperous world. But the wear and tear of life can create emotional, spiritual and psychological challenges. Much of what we experience in life is influenced by the lenses through which we view our world. I believe that people have all they need to address the problems they face. My task is to help them find those resources, skills, and talents that reside within and apply them in ways that will enable the individual to live their best life.
As a neurodivergent individual who utilizes a bionic arm, I'm no stranger to feeling different. Maybe you're struggling with self-esteem, anxiety or depression, having trouble with your relationships, or needing support with overwhelming feelings. I'm here to accept you as you are, provide tools, and support you as we find new strategies for managing your life stressors.
As a neurodivergent individual who utilizes a bionic arm, I'm no stranger to feeling different. Maybe you're struggling with self-esteem, anxiety or depression, having trouble with your relationships, or needing support with overwhelming feelings. I'm here to accept you as you are, provide tools, and support you as we find new strategies for managing your life stressors.
Meet Our Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists
Insight Therapeutic and Wellness Solutions
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHCS, ACS, CCATP, NCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Burlington, NC 27215
On the outside, it appears you have a great life, but deep down, something is missing. You may feel anxious, guilty, overwhelmed, resentful, exhausted, or empty. You often do not think you're "good enough." Despite your achievements, you expected life to be more fulfilling. You're not living the life you dreamed of and need help figuring out where to begin. You can make a change starting today. You deserve to live a fulfilled and authentic life. We help people like you discover self-care strategies, slow down and reconnect with themselves,
On the outside, it appears you have a great life, but deep down, something is missing. You may feel anxious, guilty, overwhelmed, resentful, exhausted, or empty. You often do not think you're "good enough." Despite your achievements, you expected life to be more fulfilling. You're not living the life you dreamed of and need help figuring out where to begin. You can make a change starting today. You deserve to live a fulfilled and authentic life. We help people like you discover self-care strategies, slow down and reconnect with themselves,
GracePoint Recovery Services, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCASA, LCSWA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Burlington, NC 27215
Therapy can often feel like unfamiliar territory even when we know we need help. I provide a calm, safe, judgment-free zone. I meet the client where they are. I believe that what we think and feel can affect our everyday lives. In addition to that, our physical and spiritual wellbeing can also affect our mental health. Whether this is your first time in therapy or you’re familiar with the process, I’m here to take that leap of faith with you!
Therapy can often feel like unfamiliar territory even when we know we need help. I provide a calm, safe, judgment-free zone. I meet the client where they are. I believe that what we think and feel can affect our everyday lives. In addition to that, our physical and spiritual wellbeing can also affect our mental health. Whether this is your first time in therapy or you’re familiar with the process, I’m here to take that leap of faith with you!
Navigating life's challenges can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with depression, anxiety, stress, or past traumas. As a therapist specializing in these areas, I primarily work with adults, understanding that this phase of life often brings a deeper capacity for self-reflection and language to process emotions. My ultimate goal is to empower you to move beyond fear, address your present issues, and heal the wounds of the past. Together, we’ll create a safe and nonjudgmental space where you can freely express yourself without fear of being held back or judged.
Navigating life's challenges can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with depression, anxiety, stress, or past traumas. As a therapist specializing in these areas, I primarily work with adults, understanding that this phase of life often brings a deeper capacity for self-reflection and language to process emotions. My ultimate goal is to empower you to move beyond fear, address your present issues, and heal the wounds of the past. Together, we’ll create a safe and nonjudgmental space where you can freely express yourself without fear of being held back or judged.
Space available in ongoing ZOOM therapy GROUP! Only accepting previous clients for individual therapy. As a seasoned counseling psychologist, I have found that you "can't heal what you don't feel" and that most emotional difficulties stem from difficult experiences and relationships earlier in life. Helping you understand how your past experiences result in current struggles is a pivotal part of the help I offer. Additionally, I will provide you with tools such as mindfulness, and coping strategies, and emotional awareness exercises. The foundation for our work is a compassionate and nonjudgmental therapeutic partnership.
Space available in ongoing ZOOM therapy GROUP! Only accepting previous clients for individual therapy. As a seasoned counseling psychologist, I have found that you "can't heal what you don't feel" and that most emotional difficulties stem from difficult experiences and relationships earlier in life. Helping you understand how your past experiences result in current struggles is a pivotal part of the help I offer. Additionally, I will provide you with tools such as mindfulness, and coping strategies, and emotional awareness exercises. The foundation for our work is a compassionate and nonjudgmental therapeutic partnership.
Defining New Beginnings
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CLC, LISW-CP, LICSW
Verified Verified
Online Only
Danielle's mission in life is Order, Service & Accountability. The ideal partner (client) for her counseling, coaching or consulting services range from adults struggling in their family and/or social relationships to couples deciding to commit or to sever ties. These adults may have underlying social/emotional areas of growth (illnesses) hindering their progress in personal or professional goals.
Danielle's mission in life is Order, Service & Accountability. The ideal partner (client) for her counseling, coaching or consulting services range from adults struggling in their family and/or social relationships to couples deciding to commit or to sever ties. These adults may have underlying social/emotional areas of growth (illnesses) hindering their progress in personal or professional goals.
My ideal client desires to understand their story, experiences, and life-themes; they desire to no longer live by hiding or in shame, bringing acceptance and understanding to their story. Whether they are the high-performer, exhausted from abilities or stuck in maladaptive coping and isolation, my clients desire to bring their whole selves (mind, body, heart, and spirit) into the light and live from their full story (the good and the hard).
I also work with parents struggling to connect with their children/teens, training them in listening, play, and resilience building. I do this paired with their own story work to bring awareness
My ideal client desires to understand their story, experiences, and life-themes; they desire to no longer live by hiding or in shame, bringing acceptance and understanding to their story. Whether they are the high-performer, exhausted from abilities or stuck in maladaptive coping and isolation, my clients desire to bring their whole selves (mind, body, heart, and spirit) into the light and live from their full story (the good and the hard).
I also work with parents struggling to connect with their children/teens, training them in listening, play, and resilience building. I do this paired with their own story work to bring awareness
All are welcome to discover new ways to feel secure and look for possibilities. Whether you are healing from trauma, in pain, facing conflicts, seeking connection with your best self, your faith, or your motivation, you deserve joy. You may need help for yourself or in a relationship with a concern that’s new or one you’ve held since childhood or worked through before. I offer an understanding perspective from someone with over a decade of professional experience supporting people through change. I'm ready to help you or your family access your strengths, heal, and feel safe to love and grow.
All are welcome to discover new ways to feel secure and look for possibilities. Whether you are healing from trauma, in pain, facing conflicts, seeking connection with your best self, your faith, or your motivation, you deserve joy. You may need help for yourself or in a relationship with a concern that’s new or one you’ve held since childhood or worked through before. I offer an understanding perspective from someone with over a decade of professional experience supporting people through change. I'm ready to help you or your family access your strengths, heal, and feel safe to love and grow.
Reigning Restoration Counseling Services, PLLC
Counselor, DMin, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
Serves Area
The storms of life bring damaging rain and wind that affect us the same way a storm can damage a physical house. Let me help you restore your life to its rightful state. I will help you gain restoration from the blows of life. I offer counseling in a safe compassionate environment.
The storms of life bring damaging rain and wind that affect us the same way a storm can damage a physical house. Let me help you restore your life to its rightful state. I will help you gain restoration from the blows of life. I offer counseling in a safe compassionate environment.
Life can be unpredictable and can impact how a person copes with the stressors of everyday life. During chaotic times many clients have mentioned feeling overwhelmed, angry and anxious about their current situation. Regardless of the circumstances that led to someone reaching out for therapy, they took the first step toward wanting to change. Therapy can provide a safe and nonjudgmental space where you are validated and encouraged to express how you feel. My goal is to foster a strong therapeutic relationship and help and reach your personal goals.
Life can be unpredictable and can impact how a person copes with the stressors of everyday life. During chaotic times many clients have mentioned feeling overwhelmed, angry and anxious about their current situation. Regardless of the circumstances that led to someone reaching out for therapy, they took the first step toward wanting to change. Therapy can provide a safe and nonjudgmental space where you are validated and encouraged to express how you feel. My goal is to foster a strong therapeutic relationship and help and reach your personal goals.
See more therapy options for Alamance County
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.