Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists in Portland, OR
The heart and soul of my practice is IFS/parts (and related emotion- and body-focused modalities), and the structure or "bones" of our work together is SFBT, or a more cognitive, here-and-now orientation.
Healing is a journey. For some, "healing" means reversing years of trauma, and for others it means 'getting out of my own head' or 'getting un-stuck.' For everyone, the path to healing is a difficult one, and it is lighter, easier, more meaningful when others join in with you. To you who have tried to go it alone, I invite you to reach out. Connecting with a counselor is a way to get un-stuck in your journey towards health, to bring healing to those deeper places of hurt.
The heart and soul of my practice is IFS/parts (and related emotion- and body-focused modalities), and the structure or "bones" of our work together is SFBT, or a more cognitive, here-and-now orientation.
Healing is a journey. For some, "healing" means reversing years of trauma, and for others it means 'getting out of my own head' or 'getting un-stuck.' For everyone, the path to healing is a difficult one, and it is lighter, easier, more meaningful when others join in with you. To you who have tried to go it alone, I invite you to reach out. Connecting with a counselor is a way to get un-stuck in your journey towards health, to bring healing to those deeper places of hurt.
I often use Internal Family Systems as well as Somatic and Creative therapies in my practice.
It feels like nothing you do is good enough, sapping your energy and joy from life. The critical inner voice as at a volume 10, and things just don’t feel worth attempting to do anymore. You are worn out, and tired of repeating the same patterns. You feel alone.
I often use Internal Family Systems as well as Somatic and Creative therapies in my practice.
It feels like nothing you do is good enough, sapping your energy and joy from life. The critical inner voice as at a volume 10, and things just don’t feel worth attempting to do anymore. You are worn out, and tired of repeating the same patterns. You feel alone.
Melanie Swallow
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97214
Waitlist for new clients
I have over 15 years experience as a therapist, and am trained in somatic healing as well as intemal family systems, DBT & CBT.
Are you struggling with parts of your identity or how you experience the world? Is trauma or PTSD standing in the way between who you are and who you want to be? Have you been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, or other mood disorders? Do you feel stigma related to your challenges?
I have over 15 years experience as a therapist, and am trained in somatic healing as well as intemal family systems, DBT & CBT.
Are you struggling with parts of your identity or how you experience the world? Is trauma or PTSD standing in the way between who you are and who you want to be? Have you been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, or other mood disorders? Do you feel stigma related to your challenges?
I primarily use the therapy models of Internal Family Systems and Strategic Therapy and use interventions from other models such as family systems theory, the Gottman approach, emotionally focused therapy, narrative therapy, solutions focused therapy, collaborative language therapy, etc.
I am a registered associate. If you need to dismantle trauma and rebuild your life, find answers to questions that burden you, save or repair your relationships, or you need fresh skills to manage your emotional state, I can serve you. It is not too late to find what you are looking for by learning new patterns and I make that process easy for you. In fact, it's the perfect time. You can find clarity and create a life that feels peaceful and whole. I'm here to help your life be what you want. I am under supervision and have interests in relational problems, couples, parenting, children, disability, anxiety, sex therapy, and trauma.
I primarily use the therapy models of Internal Family Systems and Strategic Therapy and use interventions from other models such as family systems theory, the Gottman approach, emotionally focused therapy, narrative therapy, solutions focused therapy, collaborative language therapy, etc.
I am a registered associate. If you need to dismantle trauma and rebuild your life, find answers to questions that burden you, save or repair your relationships, or you need fresh skills to manage your emotional state, I can serve you. It is not too late to find what you are looking for by learning new patterns and I make that process easy for you. In fact, it's the perfect time. You can find clarity and create a life that feels peaceful and whole. I'm here to help your life be what you want. I am under supervision and have interests in relational problems, couples, parenting, children, disability, anxiety, sex therapy, and trauma.
I wholeheartedly believe in harm reduction and approach treatment holistically, utilizing IFS, ACT, and DBT interventions in session.
I work well with clients who are coping with issues related to neurodivergence and mood dysregulation or are seeking addiction and recovery support outside of a 12-step model. I also work with couples by exploring ways to strengthen communication and conflict resolution skills to forge a deeper connection between partners.
I wholeheartedly believe in harm reduction and approach treatment holistically, utilizing IFS, ACT, and DBT interventions in session.
I work well with clients who are coping with issues related to neurodivergence and mood dysregulation or are seeking addiction and recovery support outside of a 12-step model. I also work with couples by exploring ways to strengthen communication and conflict resolution skills to forge a deeper connection between partners.
I use a Person Centered approach using Gestalt techniques, Somatic awareness, Internal Family Systems, DBT, CBT, Narrative Therapy, and creative expressive tools.
As your counselor, I strive to create a safe space to process, set goals, and work on making meaningful change in your life. Right now you may feel "stuck" and unsure of how to move forward. You are dealing with unresolved trauma, depression, anxiety or other complications that are making life difficult and make your feel disconnected from yourself and others. I believe that together we can work towards helping you feel more joy, motivation, and empowerment in your life.
I use a Person Centered approach using Gestalt techniques, Somatic awareness, Internal Family Systems, DBT, CBT, Narrative Therapy, and creative expressive tools.
As your counselor, I strive to create a safe space to process, set goals, and work on making meaningful change in your life. Right now you may feel "stuck" and unsure of how to move forward. You are dealing with unresolved trauma, depression, anxiety or other complications that are making life difficult and make your feel disconnected from yourself and others. I believe that together we can work towards helping you feel more joy, motivation, and empowerment in your life.
Abigail Morgan Olivares
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97214
Waitlist for new clients
I offer support by using therapeutic models including IFS, grief/loss/bereavement specific interventions, CBT, DBT, and several other ways to process your experience.
Life can be hard, can cause twists, turns, and sometimes unexpected trauma happens to us or those we love. This can include grief and loss, particularly painful when it involves loss of a child or fertility loss. That is where good therapy is key to relieving the pain and understanding how to process such abstract emotions that often consume our entirety. I specialize in helping adults navigate such hurtles, particularly those attached to fertility related trauma, infant loss/miscarriage, traumatic births, postpartum depression/anxiety and bereavement. I welcome all those who seek support; therapy is hard, but you are here.
I offer support by using therapeutic models including IFS, grief/loss/bereavement specific interventions, CBT, DBT, and several other ways to process your experience.
Life can be hard, can cause twists, turns, and sometimes unexpected trauma happens to us or those we love. This can include grief and loss, particularly painful when it involves loss of a child or fertility loss. That is where good therapy is key to relieving the pain and understanding how to process such abstract emotions that often consume our entirety. I specialize in helping adults navigate such hurtles, particularly those attached to fertility related trauma, infant loss/miscarriage, traumatic births, postpartum depression/anxiety and bereavement. I welcome all those who seek support; therapy is hard, but you are here.
My approach body-centered; I use integrative somatic parts work, diverse awareness practices and mindfulness tools, IFS, emotion focused therapy, Jungian, and compassion-focused awareness practices to deepen self-awareness, increase self-empowerment, connect to your inner wisdom, and release limiting beliefs, repressed emotions, and trauma from the body.
I offer support to adults who are desiring to reconcile traumatic experiences, understand behavior patterns and recurring emotional disturbances, deepen authenticity and self-compassion, and question social conditioning. I also support those who may feel at odds with social expectations. I use Somatic Experiencing, parts work, and awareness practices to release stuck nervous systems patterns and emotions, increase understanding of who you are, and reconnect to your internal guidance system.
Using curiosity and compassion, we explore body sensations that arise in the now moment, and access information in the subconscious mind.
My approach body-centered; I use integrative somatic parts work, diverse awareness practices and mindfulness tools, IFS, emotion focused therapy, Jungian, and compassion-focused awareness practices to deepen self-awareness, increase self-empowerment, connect to your inner wisdom, and release limiting beliefs, repressed emotions, and trauma from the body.
I offer support to adults who are desiring to reconcile traumatic experiences, understand behavior patterns and recurring emotional disturbances, deepen authenticity and self-compassion, and question social conditioning. I also support those who may feel at odds with social expectations. I use Somatic Experiencing, parts work, and awareness practices to release stuck nervous systems patterns and emotions, increase understanding of who you are, and reconnect to your internal guidance system.
Using curiosity and compassion, we explore body sensations that arise in the now moment, and access information in the subconscious mind.
I am EMDR trained, Internal Family Systems informed and believe strongly in the power of relationships to both form who we are and to heal.
My clinical practice is trauma informed and person centered. I enjoy working with people who are navigating difficulties related to major life transitions, sexual and gender identity development, conflicts within their family of origin, relationship issues and surviving and healing from trauma. I also value and strive to work effectively across cultural, ethnic and racial identities.
I am EMDR trained, Internal Family Systems informed and believe strongly in the power of relationships to both form who we are and to heal.
My clinical practice is trauma informed and person centered. I enjoy working with people who are navigating difficulties related to major life transitions, sexual and gender identity development, conflicts within their family of origin, relationship issues and surviving and healing from trauma. I also value and strive to work effectively across cultural, ethnic and racial identities.
Dayna Leslie Sanders
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Portland, OR 97232
Waitlist for new clients
I also draw from IFS/Parts-Work.
I have significant experience supporting people of color, LGBTQIA+, complex family systems, and individuals who have experienced trauma. In addition to direct client therapy, I offer Clinical Supervision for Social Workers on path for Licensure.
I also draw from IFS/Parts-Work.
I have significant experience supporting people of color, LGBTQIA+, complex family systems, and individuals who have experienced trauma. In addition to direct client therapy, I offer Clinical Supervision for Social Workers on path for Licensure.
I primarily use somatic, IFS, and energy healing practices
People sacrifice their connection to themselves, to their playfulness, and their joy to feel worthy and safe.
This stems from childhood
Trauma and the relationships that follow.
Let's uncover and integrate those root issues. Let’s examine your different abandoned parts and held somatic experiences, to heal and integrate into your authentic and whole self.
In relationships you can heal these issues together, learning vulnerability, kindness and corrective support. Together you can feel truly seen, truly heard. You can heal through your relationship.
I primarily use somatic, IFS, and energy healing practices
People sacrifice their connection to themselves, to their playfulness, and their joy to feel worthy and safe.
This stems from childhood
Trauma and the relationships that follow.
Let's uncover and integrate those root issues. Let’s examine your different abandoned parts and held somatic experiences, to heal and integrate into your authentic and whole self.
In relationships you can heal these issues together, learning vulnerability, kindness and corrective support. Together you can feel truly seen, truly heard. You can heal through your relationship.
I use insight-oriented, mindfulness-based, trauma-informed and ND affirming approaches including Internal Family Systems therapy.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and a licensed school psychologist. I hold a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY. Urban and rural, inpatient and outpatient work settings have taught me about the many challenges an individual may face including experiences of oppression and injustice, as well as a deep appreciation for the richness of the human experience. My style is described as warm, analytical and collaborative, balancing deep emotional work with elements of humor and lightness when appropriate. I aim to help clients address the root of complex challenges, in a safe and supported way.
I use insight-oriented, mindfulness-based, trauma-informed and ND affirming approaches including Internal Family Systems therapy.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and a licensed school psychologist. I hold a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY. Urban and rural, inpatient and outpatient work settings have taught me about the many challenges an individual may face including experiences of oppression and injustice, as well as a deep appreciation for the richness of the human experience. My style is described as warm, analytical and collaborative, balancing deep emotional work with elements of humor and lightness when appropriate. I aim to help clients address the root of complex challenges, in a safe and supported way.
Eden Baron-Williams
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
5 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97205
Waitlist for new clients
My work is based in Attachment/Emotion-Focused therapy, somatic, Intergenerational, Internal Family Systems/Parts Work, Inner Child, and Polyvagal Theory.
You came here because you have a desire to deepen your relationship with yourself and others, you feel stuck in patterns you hope to change, are processing trauma, or are looking to reclaim lost parts of yourself. You have come to the right place. Working with adults with childhood trauma/complex trauma, couples/relational systems, chronic pain/illness, and queer/trans/non-binary individuals and relationships, I create spaces for care and collaboration. I hope to assist you in building a bridge to yourself that unlocks your inner wisdom and weaves together the vast embroidery of stories, sensations, and emotions in your life.
My work is based in Attachment/Emotion-Focused therapy, somatic, Intergenerational, Internal Family Systems/Parts Work, Inner Child, and Polyvagal Theory.
You came here because you have a desire to deepen your relationship with yourself and others, you feel stuck in patterns you hope to change, are processing trauma, or are looking to reclaim lost parts of yourself. You have come to the right place. Working with adults with childhood trauma/complex trauma, couples/relational systems, chronic pain/illness, and queer/trans/non-binary individuals and relationships, I create spaces for care and collaboration. I hope to assist you in building a bridge to yourself that unlocks your inner wisdom and weaves together the vast embroidery of stories, sensations, and emotions in your life.
Combining Hakomi and Internal Family Systems ( IFS), I use a mindful, body-centered, attachment oriented and relational approach.
I work from a holistic view of the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit, believing in an innate drive toward health. I see old patterns not as pathologies, but as past coping strategies that may now be outdated. Many of us grew up in families that had to adjust to adverse circumstances, oppressive societal beliefs and intergenerational trauma and inherited their beliefs and coping mechanisms. Together we can appreciate the ways these served and protected while updating these strategies to fit present day life and dreams.
Combining Hakomi and Internal Family Systems ( IFS), I use a mindful, body-centered, attachment oriented and relational approach.
I work from a holistic view of the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit, believing in an innate drive toward health. I see old patterns not as pathologies, but as past coping strategies that may now be outdated. Many of us grew up in families that had to adjust to adverse circumstances, oppressive societal beliefs and intergenerational trauma and inherited their beliefs and coping mechanisms. Together we can appreciate the ways these served and protected while updating these strategies to fit present day life and dreams.
EMDR; Polyvagal, Somatic Experiencing therapy, inner child work, IFS, EFT Tapping, psychodynamic, Mindfulness
You feel stuck, reactive, disconnected, lost a sense of self, feel not safe in your body, I could help you. I work with clients who experienced childhood trauma (complex PTSD), clients who have been victims of narcissists, clients who experience grief, life transition, clients with PTSD,anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, religious trauma. I am a certified trauma professional and an EMDR practitioner; I can integrate parts work (Internal Family System) and Polyvagal theory (for nervous system regulation) with EMDR. I also do inner child work, somatic treatments and use depth psychology to get to the roots of my client's issues.
EMDR; Polyvagal, Somatic Experiencing therapy, inner child work, IFS, EFT Tapping, psychodynamic, Mindfulness
You feel stuck, reactive, disconnected, lost a sense of self, feel not safe in your body, I could help you. I work with clients who experienced childhood trauma (complex PTSD), clients who have been victims of narcissists, clients who experience grief, life transition, clients with PTSD,anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, religious trauma. I am a certified trauma professional and an EMDR practitioner; I can integrate parts work (Internal Family System) and Polyvagal theory (for nervous system regulation) with EMDR. I also do inner child work, somatic treatments and use depth psychology to get to the roots of my client's issues.
I like to use a blend of Internal Family Systems-style embodied parts work, Somatic Experiencing nervous system tracking and regulation support, and mindfulness-based present moment inquiry.
Do you feel ready to explore and heal what’s getting in the way of you living your most joyful, creative, connected life? Are depression and anxiety keeping you either feeling weighed down, dull, and purposeless, or else on high alert and living from a place of fear and busyness round the clock? Are habitual thought-loops and tensions in the body keeping you in a perpetual state of mistrust, perfectionism/people-pleasing, and/or judgement towards yourself and others?
I like to use a blend of Internal Family Systems-style embodied parts work, Somatic Experiencing nervous system tracking and regulation support, and mindfulness-based present moment inquiry.
Do you feel ready to explore and heal what’s getting in the way of you living your most joyful, creative, connected life? Are depression and anxiety keeping you either feeling weighed down, dull, and purposeless, or else on high alert and living from a place of fear and busyness round the clock? Are habitual thought-loops and tensions in the body keeping you in a perpetual state of mistrust, perfectionism/people-pleasing, and/or judgement towards yourself and others?
I integrate expressive arts with Internal Family Systems ( IFS) to help you process feelings and experiences, reduce inner conflict, and improve relationships.
I specialize in trauma (both single incident and complex developmental), grief and loss, secondary trauma of helping professionals, creativity blocks, major life transitions, depression, anxiety, and personal growth.
I integrate expressive arts with Internal Family Systems ( IFS) to help you process feelings and experiences, reduce inner conflict, and improve relationships.
I specialize in trauma (both single incident and complex developmental), grief and loss, secondary trauma of helping professionals, creativity blocks, major life transitions, depression, anxiety, and personal growth.
Joshua Bytendorp
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCMHC
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I pull from DBT, CBT, TF-CBT, EMDR, IFS, Mindfulness, as well as various others forms of therapy as I continue to learn and grow as a therapist.
As a queer neurodivergent (autism/ADHD) sex therapist, I provide a unique experience for my clients to be able to work through issues around sex, sexuality, trauma, religious trauma, gender dysphoria and other mental health issues. I provide a safe nonjudgmental place for those who identify as queer, neurodivergent, kinky, ENM who wants a therapist who has extensive training and understanding of the issues that you face and deal with.
I pull from DBT, CBT, TF-CBT, EMDR, IFS, Mindfulness, as well as various others forms of therapy as I continue to learn and grow as a therapist.
As a queer neurodivergent (autism/ADHD) sex therapist, I provide a unique experience for my clients to be able to work through issues around sex, sexuality, trauma, religious trauma, gender dysphoria and other mental health issues. I provide a safe nonjudgmental place for those who identify as queer, neurodivergent, kinky, ENM who wants a therapist who has extensive training and understanding of the issues that you face and deal with.
I am certified in Somatic Experiencing; a body-based naturalistic approach to healing trauma and also training in IFS; Internal Family Systems therapy and EMDR.
With 20 plus years of experience, I integrate these models with neuroscience that has revolutionized our understanding of the brain and body, as well as my earlier work in relational and attachment theory and practice.
I am certified in Somatic Experiencing; a body-based naturalistic approach to healing trauma and also training in IFS; Internal Family Systems therapy and EMDR.
With 20 plus years of experience, I integrate these models with neuroscience that has revolutionized our understanding of the brain and body, as well as my earlier work in relational and attachment theory and practice.
Sabrina Arnold
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, ASDCS
3 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97205
Waitlist for new clients
I use a mix of CBT, EMDR, and IFS, with little bits of other therapy approaches, depending on what works best for each person.
I work with all sorts of people, though the niche I've found myself is working with those who have experienced trauma and who are neurodivergent and/or LGBTQIA+. One of the most important parts of therapy is the relationship between the client and the therapist. This is why I offer a free fifteen minute consultations so you can get an idea of whether I would be a good fit for you. We can still work together, even if you might not be part of the niche I described above. Also, important note: I only work with individuals, not couples or families.
I use a mix of CBT, EMDR, and IFS, with little bits of other therapy approaches, depending on what works best for each person.
I work with all sorts of people, though the niche I've found myself is working with those who have experienced trauma and who are neurodivergent and/or LGBTQIA+. One of the most important parts of therapy is the relationship between the client and the therapist. This is why I offer a free fifteen minute consultations so you can get an idea of whether I would be a good fit for you. We can still work together, even if you might not be part of the niche I described above. Also, important note: I only work with individuals, not couples or families.
See more therapy options for Portland
Nearby Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists Searches for Portland
- Aloha
- Beaverton
- Clackamas
- Gresham
- Happy Valley
- Hillsboro
- Lake Oswego
- Milwaukie
- Oregon City
- Tigard
- Tualatin
- West Linn
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.