Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists in Charlotte, NC
Being a teen or burgeoning adult can be difficult at times. Going through these phases can bring up lots of struggles and not enough answers or guidance. I specialize in working with teens and young adults who are navigating eating disorders, disordered eating, and the pressure to perform in a world that often makes us feel like we’re not enough. Alongside these challenges, I also work with anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, neurodiversity, and relationship concerns - whether it's family, friends, or partners. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you don't have to go through it alone.
Being a teen or burgeoning adult can be difficult at times. Going through these phases can bring up lots of struggles and not enough answers or guidance. I specialize in working with teens and young adults who are navigating eating disorders, disordered eating, and the pressure to perform in a world that often makes us feel like we’re not enough. Alongside these challenges, I also work with anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, neurodiversity, and relationship concerns - whether it's family, friends, or partners. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you don't have to go through it alone.
Partner 1: "I reach for you, but it feels like you’re already gone. I’m left wondering if I matter to you at all." Partner 2: "When you come close, I feel the pressure to be perfect. I can’t get it right, so I pull back to protect us both." These unspoken messages live under the surface in many relationships. One partner is aching for connection, the other is protecting against pain—both are lonely, both are longing, both are stuck. I help couples break free from this anxious–avoidant cycle so they can feel safe, seen, and deeply connected again.
Partner 1: "I reach for you, but it feels like you’re already gone. I’m left wondering if I matter to you at all." Partner 2: "When you come close, I feel the pressure to be perfect. I can’t get it right, so I pull back to protect us both." These unspoken messages live under the surface in many relationships. One partner is aching for connection, the other is protecting against pain—both are lonely, both are longing, both are stuck. I help couples break free from this anxious–avoidant cycle so they can feel safe, seen, and deeply connected again.
I believe it is my job to collaborate with my clients to create a Narrative that feels authentic and attuned to passions, identities, and values. We often get lost in what we feel like we should or can't do, which confines us in little boxes that make it hard for us to feel vibrant and celebrate our uniqueness. When we explore and deconstruct the social constraints and the context of the environment that shaped us, we begin to discover the biases that don't align with our personal experiences or beliefs. This grants the autonomy and freedom to get in touch with our most core self and better understand how we interact with our world.
I believe it is my job to collaborate with my clients to create a Narrative that feels authentic and attuned to passions, identities, and values. We often get lost in what we feel like we should or can't do, which confines us in little boxes that make it hard for us to feel vibrant and celebrate our uniqueness. When we explore and deconstruct the social constraints and the context of the environment that shaped us, we begin to discover the biases that don't align with our personal experiences or beliefs. This grants the autonomy and freedom to get in touch with our most core self and better understand how we interact with our world.
Scott Alan Smith
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHC, CSAT, CPTT
5 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28226
I utilize multiple therapeutic modalities in my counseling, including but not limited to Brainspotting, Internal Family Systems, cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral, emotionally-focused couples counseling, solution-focused, and rational-emotive behavior therapies while emphasizing a spiritual perspective that treats the entire person.
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist and a Certified Partner Trauma Therapist. I am also a Licensed Professional Counselor in the STate of South Carolina. I have a master's degree in Christian counseling from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. I have been working as a therapist since 2012, specializing in helping couples and individuals with sex addiction, betrayal trauma, relationships, and mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, grief and loss.
I utilize multiple therapeutic modalities in my counseling, including but not limited to Brainspotting, Internal Family Systems, cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral, emotionally-focused couples counseling, solution-focused, and rational-emotive behavior therapies while emphasizing a spiritual perspective that treats the entire person.
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist and a Certified Partner Trauma Therapist. I am also a Licensed Professional Counselor in the STate of South Carolina. I have a master's degree in Christian counseling from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. I have been working as a therapist since 2012, specializing in helping couples and individuals with sex addiction, betrayal trauma, relationships, and mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, grief and loss.
Mosaic Integrative
Licensed Professional Counselor, MACC, LCMHCS, LPCS
2 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28226
You’ve survived a lot—and now you’re ready to do more than just survive.
We help people who carry the deep wounds of trauma, abuse, and neglect move toward greater resilience, self-understanding, and peace. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, or the lingering effects of a painful past, you don’t have to do it alone. At Mosaic Integrative Counseling, we offer compassionate, research-informed care rooted in the belief that every person has inherent worth.
You’ve survived a lot—and now you’re ready to do more than just survive.
We help people who carry the deep wounds of trauma, abuse, and neglect move toward greater resilience, self-understanding, and peace. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, or the lingering effects of a painful past, you don’t have to do it alone. At Mosaic Integrative Counseling, we offer compassionate, research-informed care rooted in the belief that every person has inherent worth.
I guide my work through evidence based practices such as IFS, EMDR, and Somatic experiencing to build the mind and body connection and create long term changes.
Do you feel like you intellectually understand yourself and yet still struggle with emotion identification, body awareness, and making larger life changes? Have you been in therapy before or are you a therapist yourself? Are you looking for a different approach to therapy than you have had before? Bottom-up therapy provides a therapeutic relationship that can help guide you toward building a connection with your body and understanding of yourself. Do you want to have a better sense of identity and rest? The modalities that I utilize can provide you with the tools to discover yourSelf through a strong mental and physical connection.
I guide my work through evidence based practices such as IFS, EMDR, and Somatic experiencing to build the mind and body connection and create long term changes.
Do you feel like you intellectually understand yourself and yet still struggle with emotion identification, body awareness, and making larger life changes? Have you been in therapy before or are you a therapist yourself? Are you looking for a different approach to therapy than you have had before? Bottom-up therapy provides a therapeutic relationship that can help guide you toward building a connection with your body and understanding of yourself. Do you want to have a better sense of identity and rest? The modalities that I utilize can provide you with the tools to discover yourSelf through a strong mental and physical connection.
My counseling approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic, and Dialectical Behavioral therapy. There is no greater joy (for me) than helping individuals to overcome mental and emotional barriers/ traumas that impede overall health & well-being. I believe that we are the “Author of our story” and our personal voyage is to own the "Pen" that writes “Our” story. It is important that my clients are provided a safe space, free of judgement, and are given an environment to express themselves. I am committed as a Clinical Therapist to create an emotional environment where change and healing is possible.
My counseling approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic, and Dialectical Behavioral therapy. There is no greater joy (for me) than helping individuals to overcome mental and emotional barriers/ traumas that impede overall health & well-being. I believe that we are the “Author of our story” and our personal voyage is to own the "Pen" that writes “Our” story. It is important that my clients are provided a safe space, free of judgement, and are given an environment to express themselves. I am committed as a Clinical Therapist to create an emotional environment where change and healing is possible.
With over 19 years of experience and advanced trainings in EMDR, IFS, Gottman and EFT, I offer counseling in Charlotte and online across North and South Carolina.
I offer a gentle approach to counseling for anxiety, OCD, childhood trauma, PTSD, depression, and relationship struggles. If you struggle with aftermath of trauma, I will help you process and make sense of past experiences, regulate your emotions, and build trust with yourself and others. If you experience anxiety or depression, we
will work on skills to find greater calm, build meaningful relationships and discover
ways to experience joy, peace and life purpose. If you seek counseling for OCD, I will
help you build skills to tolerate uncertainty and distress, face your fears and increase your sense of freedom and life satisfaction.
With over 19 years of experience and advanced trainings in EMDR, IFS, Gottman and EFT, I offer counseling in Charlotte and online across North and South Carolina.
I offer a gentle approach to counseling for anxiety, OCD, childhood trauma, PTSD, depression, and relationship struggles. If you struggle with aftermath of trauma, I will help you process and make sense of past experiences, regulate your emotions, and build trust with yourself and others. If you experience anxiety or depression, we
will work on skills to find greater calm, build meaningful relationships and discover
ways to experience joy, peace and life purpose. If you seek counseling for OCD, I will
help you build skills to tolerate uncertainty and distress, face your fears and increase your sense of freedom and life satisfaction.
I am passionate about helping clients develop stronger and happier relationships with themselves and their loved ones, as I believe the quality of these dynamics determines the quality of our lives. I enjoy working alongside individuals as we navigate the patterns and events of their past and present in the hopes of creating healthier and more fulfilling futures. I also enjoy working with couples to help them better understand how their individual patterns show up in their relationship in order to deepen the connection with themselves and their partners.
I am passionate about helping clients develop stronger and happier relationships with themselves and their loved ones, as I believe the quality of these dynamics determines the quality of our lives. I enjoy working alongside individuals as we navigate the patterns and events of their past and present in the hopes of creating healthier and more fulfilling futures. I also enjoy working with couples to help them better understand how their individual patterns show up in their relationship in order to deepen the connection with themselves and their partners.
I believe therapy is a unique gift you can give yourself, yet finding a therapist that will make you feel like they 'get you', can be daunting and paralyzing. The first step of making a phone call and appointment might fill you with dread, fear, shame or hopelessness. For you to feel safe enough to share your struggles with me, I will have to earn your trust. As we begin our work, I will make every effort to meet you with genuine warmth, openness and patience.
I believe therapy is a unique gift you can give yourself, yet finding a therapist that will make you feel like they 'get you', can be daunting and paralyzing. The first step of making a phone call and appointment might fill you with dread, fear, shame or hopelessness. For you to feel safe enough to share your struggles with me, I will have to earn your trust. As we begin our work, I will make every effort to meet you with genuine warmth, openness and patience.
I provide a comfortable safe space to express your mental health concerns. With compassionate support and a holistic approach I can guide and empower you to have a deeper understanding of your true self.
I provide a comfortable safe space to express your mental health concerns. With compassionate support and a holistic approach I can guide and empower you to have a deeper understanding of your true self.
I work with evidence-based practices, primarily using Internal Family Systems ( IFS) (trauma-informed), and Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), and allow the client space to have a say in their treatment.
You don’t need to have it all figured out to begin therapy. Many of my clients feel anxious, stuck, or unsure, wanting change but uncertain where to start. I create a warm, welcoming space where all parts of you are invited. We’ll explore what’s going on beneath the surface, at your own pace. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, emotional blocks, or simply feeling off, I’m here to help you feel safe, seen, and supported.
I work with evidence-based practices, primarily using Internal Family Systems ( IFS) (trauma-informed), and Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), and allow the client space to have a say in their treatment.
You don’t need to have it all figured out to begin therapy. Many of my clients feel anxious, stuck, or unsure, wanting change but uncertain where to start. I create a warm, welcoming space where all parts of you are invited. We’ll explore what’s going on beneath the surface, at your own pace. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, emotional blocks, or simply feeling off, I’m here to help you feel safe, seen, and supported.
Together, we'll use techniques like Internal Family Systems, Narrative Therapy, and mindfulness practices to help you build confidence, practice self-compassion, and release emotional burdens.
Are you feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, struggling with relationship challenges, or carrying the weight of emotional wounds? Do you long for clarity, connection, and the freedom to grow into your best self? You're not alone, and I’m here to help. I specialize in relational trauma, anxiety disorders, family of origin dynamics, and intimate relationships. I offer person-centered, compassionate guidance that is empowering and strength-focused. Additionally, I have specialized training in proven, trauma-sensitive therapies that can help you heal, including EMDR.
Together, we'll use techniques like Internal Family Systems, Narrative Therapy, and mindfulness practices to help you build confidence, practice self-compassion, and release emotional burdens.
Are you feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, struggling with relationship challenges, or carrying the weight of emotional wounds? Do you long for clarity, connection, and the freedom to grow into your best self? You're not alone, and I’m here to help. I specialize in relational trauma, anxiety disorders, family of origin dynamics, and intimate relationships. I offer person-centered, compassionate guidance that is empowering and strength-focused. Additionally, I have specialized training in proven, trauma-sensitive therapies that can help you heal, including EMDR.
My "ideal" client is someone who has made the choice to start, restart, or continue their therapeutic journey. This is someone who is open to being vulnerable for the sake of personal growth. This client would attend regular sessions as well as do the work outside of our sessions to maximize growth potential. The "why" is not a requirement to start, but being open to learning more about yourself is.
My "ideal" client is someone who has made the choice to start, restart, or continue their therapeutic journey. This is someone who is open to being vulnerable for the sake of personal growth. This client would attend regular sessions as well as do the work outside of our sessions to maximize growth potential. The "why" is not a requirement to start, but being open to learning more about yourself is.
Stacey Ward
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28226
Waitlist for new clients
I am a LCSW who has been providing therapy services for nine years. I am committed to providing a safe and supportive environment that promotes healing and will encourage personal growth, self empowerment and self-fulfillment.
I am a LCSW who has been providing therapy services for nine years. I am committed to providing a safe and supportive environment that promotes healing and will encourage personal growth, self empowerment and self-fulfillment.
Every day, I interact with people who are brokenhearted, grieving, and/or anxiously waiting to be seen for who they are. Suppose you are looking for an environment to work through these or similarly complex spaces and would like to improve the quality of life for yourself or those you love. As a counselor, I know vulnerability can be scary because of the possibility of being hurt while hoping for better. As a human, I am passionate about providing safe spaces filled with care, compassion, and collaboration.
Every day, I interact with people who are brokenhearted, grieving, and/or anxiously waiting to be seen for who they are. Suppose you are looking for an environment to work through these or similarly complex spaces and would like to improve the quality of life for yourself or those you love. As a counselor, I know vulnerability can be scary because of the possibility of being hurt while hoping for better. As a human, I am passionate about providing safe spaces filled with care, compassion, and collaboration.
The treatment modalities that she incorporates are Person-Centered Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy ( IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Child Centered Play Therapy (CCPT).
Brenda Gallardo is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA). She graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelor of Science in Developmental Psychology and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. It is her mission to provide a safe space for all clients. Brenda enjoys working with children (age 4 &up), adolescents, and adults. She has experience working with trauma, adjustment disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), eating disorders, anxiety, and depression.
The treatment modalities that she incorporates are Person-Centered Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy ( IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Child Centered Play Therapy (CCPT).
Brenda Gallardo is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA). She graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelor of Science in Developmental Psychology and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. It is her mission to provide a safe space for all clients. Brenda enjoys working with children (age 4 &up), adolescents, and adults. She has experience working with trauma, adjustment disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), eating disorders, anxiety, and depression.
Christopher A. Cook
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, PhD, MA, LCMHC, LPC, QS
9 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28226
If you have had painful past experiences, you may feel stuck or as if you aren't really living your life. That painful past may suddenly rear its head in the present or create a feeling that it has never really let you go. You may be experiencing panic, racing heartrate, or be feeling trapped, or you could suddenly find yourself back in those painful past events. The world that you once knew may no longer make sense to you or you may have not ever really feel safe or cared for. Relationships can feel fragile, risky, or perilous.
If you have had painful past experiences, you may feel stuck or as if you aren't really living your life. That painful past may suddenly rear its head in the present or create a feeling that it has never really let you go. You may be experiencing panic, racing heartrate, or be feeling trapped, or you could suddenly find yourself back in those painful past events. The world that you once knew may no longer make sense to you or you may have not ever really feel safe or cared for. Relationships can feel fragile, risky, or perilous.
I am trained in EMDR, NARM, and IFS and my approach is warm, supportive, and collaborative.
I strive to create a nonjudgmental and caring environment where you can feel safe to explore what’s holding you back and begin moving toward meaningful change. Whether you're just starting your therapy journey or returning after time away, I’ll meet you where you are and tailor your treatment to your specific needs and goals.
I am trained in EMDR, NARM, and IFS and my approach is warm, supportive, and collaborative.
I strive to create a nonjudgmental and caring environment where you can feel safe to explore what’s holding you back and begin moving toward meaningful change. Whether you're just starting your therapy journey or returning after time away, I’ll meet you where you are and tailor your treatment to your specific needs and goals.
Karly Perkins
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC, LCAS, NCC
1 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28204
My approach to therapy is often a mix of CBT, DBT, IFS techniques, goal setting, and more than anything getting to know you better as your whole self so we can achieve the change and support you are hoping for.
As a therapist, my hope is to create a space that feels welcoming to your authentic self. I aim to hold space for you to show up as you need to that day, and will honor what you need in each session whether that is a space to vent, explore new skills, be challenged, or create goals that will meet your needs. I specialize in working eating disorders and body image concerns, substance use recovery, college students, and the LGBTQ+ community. I additionally support those experiencing anxiety, depression, impacts from relational trauma, identity development, life transitions, and safety concerns such as self -harm or suicidality.
My approach to therapy is often a mix of CBT, DBT, IFS techniques, goal setting, and more than anything getting to know you better as your whole self so we can achieve the change and support you are hoping for.
As a therapist, my hope is to create a space that feels welcoming to your authentic self. I aim to hold space for you to show up as you need to that day, and will honor what you need in each session whether that is a space to vent, explore new skills, be challenged, or create goals that will meet your needs. I specialize in working eating disorders and body image concerns, substance use recovery, college students, and the LGBTQ+ community. I additionally support those experiencing anxiety, depression, impacts from relational trauma, identity development, life transitions, and safety concerns such as self -harm or suicidality.
See more therapy options for Charlotte
Nearby Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists Searches for Charlotte
- Belmont
- Concord
- Cornelius
- Cramerton
- Huntersville
- Indian Trail
- Marvin
- Matthews
- Mint Hill
- Pineville
- Waxhaw
- Weddington
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.