Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists in Columbus, OH
See all therapists in Columbus
Chelsea Meyer
Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified
Verified
I enjoy engaging with clients through a multifaceted approach which includes Internal
Family Systems
, ACT, CBT, relaxation and mindfulness, guided imagery, narrative reprocessing, polyvagal theory, and EMDR.
I consider it a supreme privilege to accompany my clients into the work of healing, growth, and self-discovery. Entering into these vulnerable and deeply personal spaces with my clients is sacred to me, and I work hard to provide the kind of safety, compassion, and attention that allows deep change. I work with a huge variety of issues but find that my strengths lie primarily in the area of anxiety, depression, trauma recovery, identity formation, spiritual direction, self-esteem, and relational strengthening. I take a holistic approach to therapy choosing to address the whole person - body, mind, and spirit.

Angela Jerome
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified
Verified
I use an integrative approach heavily influenced by the Internal
Family Systems
model, and I’m trained in trauma-informed care and EMDR.
The stigma surrounding mental health care is finally starting to dissipate. It is my hope that preemptive counseling will eventually become as routine as annual trips to a primary care doctor. There’s much yet to be learned about the uncharted depths of the emotional world. The best place to start is in your own life. By doing your own work, you naturally pave the way for someone else to do theirs. Why not start today? If you’re stuck on your own path toward health, in a struggling relationship, or simply want to develop greater self-awareness, it’d be my honor to work with you.

Michelle Jordan-Frias
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW-S
Verified
Verified
I primarily utilize Internal
Family Systems
(
IFS
), EMDR, mindfulness, and expressive arts/play therapies, depending on my client's unique needs.
Choosing the right therapist to hear your story and support your healing process is a very personal and important decision. I provide therapy that is affirming, holistic, and collaborative, and I create an environment where honest self-exploration and healing can occur. Individuals see me for a range of concerns including anxiety and mood disorders, trauma, grief and loss, and gender and sexuality concerns.
Columbus, OH 43212
& Online
Not accepting new clients

Katie Wine-Appleton
Counselor, LPCC-S
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I am a Certified
IFS
Therapist.
Licensed in OHIO and ARIZONA! Do you struggle with that little voice in your head that says "You're not good enough" or "You are guaranteed to fail so why try"? Do you feel torn between parts of you that say "Go, go, go! So much to get done" and a part that says "I can't handle this. I'm so overwhelmed"? In Internal
Family Systems
Therapy, we don't try to control or make these thoughts go away, we help you get into a relationship with those parts of yourself. In
IFS
we believe that everyone has a Self- an inner wisdom that embodies calm, clarity, compassion, creativity, connectedness, courage, confidence, and curiousity.

Stephanie Rotuno
Marriage & Family Therapist, IMFT-S
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I have completed Level 2 Training in Internal
Family Systems
and am trained in EMDR and Brainspotting.
I specialize in supporting people in healing from trauma and finding health and well-being in their lives and relationships. I realize that my clients come to my office to talk about some of their deepest pains and experiences. Sometimes they carry shame, fear, and anxiety or depression due to these events. I'll welcome you with an open, warm, and deeply present therapeutic experience. Therapy is designed to provide an emotionally safe and supportive space where we do very sensitive work.
Columbus, OH 43206
& Online
Waitlist for new clients

Amber Furness
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I work from an informed Internal
Family Systems
(
IFS
) model and often use “parts work” with my clients.
Do you find yourself constantly thinking about the future or the past, procrastinating issues in the present, and often feel like you're unable to live in the moment? Trauma, anxiety, and depression can be a great burden on our mental and physical well being. Through training and experience, I’ve learned that our brain and body have an innate ability to heal and recover. It is possible to find peace and feel more confident in who you are. I look at therapy as an opportunity for transformation. To improve your understanding and relationship with yourself and others.

Kristen Santel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW-S
Verified
Verified
Psychotherapy, EMDR, Internal
Family Systems
, interpersonal neurobiology, attachment focused work, and talk therapy are all integral parts of my practice.
Are you in emotional pain? Have you been through difficult or traumatic life experiences? Learning to deal with life's challenges and finding your way out of deep emotional pain can be overwhelming. The decision to attend counseling is not always easy and choosing the right therapist to partner with you is important. If you are ready to work to find hope and healing, I am ready to help you. My practice is effective because I work with all parts of the self-- helping you move through the difficult experiences you have encountered and help bring meaning back to life!

Sara Grace Bates
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW-S
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Ms. Sara Bates is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervision Designation trained in Trauma-Informed Care for All, Family Therapy, Gender-Affirming Care and Therapy, Sex-Positive Therapy, Pleasure Education and Intimacy Coaching, Couples Counseling, CBT, DBT, and
IFS
; treating both adolescents and adult populations. Her clinical approach is to meet the clients where they are, by building on personal strengths and supporting them through life’s difficult challenges. She provides EAP services as a contractor, for local and federal law enforcement agencies.
Columbus, OH 43228
& Online

Ellen Heddleston
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I currently pull from a multitude of evidence-based practices including EMDR, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Internal
Family Systems
(
IFS
).
Presence, trust, and empathy are the basic building blocks to creating any healing relationship. In a society that doesn’t always support wellness, isolation, grief, and overstimulation are all too familiar. My aim is to provide you with a space to feel seen and supported, where you can open up as your empowered, authentic Self. Together in a non-judgmental environment, we’ll explore the parts of you that are stuck to discover your highest potential. Whether we’re sitting with grief, working towards developing boundaries, or navigating stress and anxiety, we’ll explore your inner landscapes in an affirming, safe environment.
Not accepting new clients

Jill Clemans Niswonger
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
My training in Marriage and
Family Systems
and Emotionally Focused Therapy will help to understand and repair your relationships.
You want to feel better and you don't know where to start. You feel afraid, angry, overwhelmed, lost, and, depressed most of the time. Maybe your marriage is unfulfilling, your teenagers and kids drive you crazy, or you can't even name what it is that feels so awful. You don't know how to show up, or how to fix things, and you are tired yet, the idea of contacting a therapist might be terrifying. I understand that it can be hard to seek help, but it might change your life.

Jamie Blalock
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, PhD
Verified
Verified
When working with individuals, I use Internal-
Family Systems
and Dialectical Behavioral models.
We all have innate needs for closeness, connection, and comfort. Sometimes, nothing is more painful or lonely than feeling like we aren't getting the support and investment from others that we desire. I am committed to helping individuals and romantic partners embrace curiosity and compassion – towards themselves, towards their loved ones, and towards their individual and relational patterns. I love helping partners relearn how to be vulnerable with each other, as well as access and own their individual and shared needs for connection.
15 Second Videos
Katie Wine-Appleton
Ellen Heddleston
Syd King
John Maxwell
Diana Cofsky
Diana Cofsky
Rebecca Flowers Schamess
Lacy Purdum
Holistic Consultation
Caitlin Faas
Jennie Anahata
Josh Gill
Kim DuBose
Jaret Wiblin
Dr. Mitch and Lisa Private Couples Workshops
Laura Mae Johnson
Wellness Coaching & Therapy, LLC
Hopscotch - Therapy for Kids and Teens
Stephanie A Moore
Erika Eisenberg
John-Paul Dombrowski
Searchlight Family Therapy
Reclaim Your Path LLC
Shannon Braxton

Nathaniel Raymond Keller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified
Verified
I use a variety of therapeutic techniques from modalities such as
IFS
, CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, and solution focused skills.
I have experience working with adults and adolescents in an outpatient capacity. I have experience working with a variety of issues such as complex trauma, anxiety, depression as well as many other behavioral and emotional challenges.

Mandi Pierson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW-S
Verified
Verified
I am
IFS
informed and continue to seek consultation for the major interventions I use in treatment.
For more than ten years, I have counseled individuals impacted by trauma and addiction. I have specialized in working with vulnerable populations who have complex trauma or post traumatic stress disorder with a focus on survivors of human trafficking. Over the years, I have also had the opportunity to address the unique needs of the first responder community. Much of my experience has been with individuals impacted by substance abuse or addiction, including those in recovery and their loved ones. I have been trained in a variety of interventions that allow clients to process their traumatic experiences effectively and efficiently.

Katelyn R Helldoerfer
Counselor, MA, LPCC, ATR
Verified
Verified
My background includes: CBT, somatic/ mindfulness-based interventions, EMDR, Internal
Family Systems
, The Instinctual Trauma Response method and expressive art therapies.
I am accepting new clients. Do you feel like it has been hard to find your place in this world? Maybe you have had to make life altering sacrifices just to feel like you could fit in somewhere. I care about creating a therapeutic space that is designed to help you find and embrace the fullest expression of YOU. I enjoy collaboratively working with adult clients that are interested in a compassionate, person-centered, LGBT+ affirming and trauma-informed approach to counseling. With time, patience and a willingness to show up I will help you pick up the pieces and rediscover the value in the person that makes up those pieces.

Brad Unruh
Marriage & Family Therapist, IMFT, LMFT
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
I also have training in Internal
Family Systems
(
IFS
).
I am trained in evidence based models that target emotional experiences to restructure relationships and activate healing. I assist couples by creating an environment that safely moves people towards one another allowing for new and life changing bonding experiences. With individuals, I welcome all parts of each person as they learn to befriend, understand, embrace, and lead themselves. Because I view people as "stuck" and not "sick," it is my hope to be a part of your journey in getting unstuck. Please click the button under my picture to go to my website and find out more!
Waitlist for new clients

Katie Gunter
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MS, LPCC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I use several treatment modalities, including CBT, DBT,
IFS
, mindfulness, reality therapy, and am fully trained in EMDR.
While I have treated a variety of client concerns, I am most passionate about helping survivors of sexual trauma, racial trauma, and those who have experienced incarceration. Helping survivors heal from past pain is something I focus on in sessions. I have worked in a variety of settings including schools, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, and outpatient counseling. I have experience with treating substance abuse, psychosis and thinking disorders, as well as personality and mood disorders. I have worked with all ages of clients but now focus on seeing adults.
Not accepting new clients

Jonathan Sherman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified
Verified
I am an EMDR Certified Therapist,
IFS
informed, have experience with Gottman Method, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Structural Family Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness strategies.
If you’re looking at this page and considering therapy, that means you are already engaging in a journey towards healing. Recognizing that you are struggling can be really terrifying. Telling your story to a new therapist can also be a difficult task. Your thoughts, feelings, and journey deserve to be both honored and respected. My mission as a clinician is to collaboratively walk with you through whatever hardships you are experiencing in order to accomplish the goals that are important to you. I adapt my approach to best fit your needs, because in my office I work for you and want to focus on what is most important to you.

Amy J. Hohman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW-S, CCTP
Verified
Verified
“In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.” -Coco Chanel We all have different life experiences, beliefs, values, strengths, challenges, obstacles, levels of support, etc. I utilize an integrative approach that allows me to work with you to tailor treatment to meet your unique needs. Therapeutic techniques can be integrated from Solution-Focused, Strengths-Based, Culturally Sensitive, Cognitive Behavioral, Acceptance and Commitment, Psychodynamic, Eye Movement Desensitization and Restructuring (EMDR), Internal
Family Systems
(
IFS
), Motivational Interviewing, and Positive Psychology.

Syd King
Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified
Verified
I am trained in Internal
Family Systems
Therapy—a transformative therapeutic modality promoting a holistic, affirming, & non-pathologizing approach to gain harmony within.
We all crave connection with others. We thrive when we experience belonging & acceptance, both within our own souls & the hearts of others. When that connection is weakened or damaged through struggles with communication, lack of safety, or fears of rejection, we often resort to strategies aimed at self-protection. While that protection is sacred, I want to help that protector within you learn to trust your Self & follow your lead. You have within you a powerful resource of connection, compassion, & creativity. I seek to assist you in reclaiming your sacred power—your internal capacity to promote healing, resilience, & pleasure.

Caitlin R. Hay
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW
Verified
Verified
I offer Internal
Family Systems
therapy (
IFS
), which posits that we all have many sub-personalities within our Selves, called "Parts.
I love people's stories and I see my role in the therapeutic relationship as a tremendous privilege. I want to help you understand the behaviors and thought patterns that bring you to therapy, but my approach is then to go deeper. Together, we can discover the underlying root cause of your concerns. So many of us are carrying around past trauma that we don't realize is affecting how we operate in the world today.
See more therapy options for
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.