Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists in Philadelphia, PA
Are you looking for a space to process anxiety, trauma, or other life events? I enjoy working with those who are living with ADHD, have experienced trauma, or have anxiety. I tailor our work to your unique situation. I bring warmth, energy, and openness to each session. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and bring a trauma-informed approach to therapy. I integrate psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and holistic therapy in my work. We will work together to achieve your goals and address underlying factors. My style is strengths-based and non-judgmental. I look forward to working with you!
Are you looking for a space to process anxiety, trauma, or other life events? I enjoy working with those who are living with ADHD, have experienced trauma, or have anxiety. I tailor our work to your unique situation. I bring warmth, energy, and openness to each session. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and bring a trauma-informed approach to therapy. I integrate psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and holistic therapy in my work. We will work together to achieve your goals and address underlying factors. My style is strengths-based and non-judgmental. I look forward to working with you!
My approach is person-centered, pulling from psychodynamic, relational, internal family systems ( IFS), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and mindfulness techniques to meet your needs.
I believe that therapy is for everyone, and that no “problem” is too big or too small to bring to the therapeutic space—whether you have a specific concern in mind or have just been feeling a bit stuck lately. I strive to foster a supportive, non-judgemental environment so you can create a life with more connection and purpose outside of my office. Embracing the social work value of social justice, I make space to explore ways in which oppression and marginalization impact your lived experiences and the context in which you navigate the world and heal. As a queer therapist, I aim to provide care that affirms your various identities.
My approach is person-centered, pulling from psychodynamic, relational, internal family systems ( IFS), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and mindfulness techniques to meet your needs.
I believe that therapy is for everyone, and that no “problem” is too big or too small to bring to the therapeutic space—whether you have a specific concern in mind or have just been feeling a bit stuck lately. I strive to foster a supportive, non-judgemental environment so you can create a life with more connection and purpose outside of my office. Embracing the social work value of social justice, I make space to explore ways in which oppression and marginalization impact your lived experiences and the context in which you navigate the world and heal. As a queer therapist, I aim to provide care that affirms your various identities.
Tweens and teens are undergoing a wondrous and uncertain time of discovery and growth. Parent/child conflicts become common and risky behaviors more prevalent. Navigating this territory may be a time of great uncertainty and tension. For 20 years I have been helping children and families work through issues such as depression and anxiety, friendship or school problems, communication and social troubles, on-line behavior and family conflict, sexuality and gender questions, and autism and learning differences. Call and we can discuss your particular concerns and decide if I would be a good fit for you and/or your child.
Tweens and teens are undergoing a wondrous and uncertain time of discovery and growth. Parent/child conflicts become common and risky behaviors more prevalent. Navigating this territory may be a time of great uncertainty and tension. For 20 years I have been helping children and families work through issues such as depression and anxiety, friendship or school problems, communication and social troubles, on-line behavior and family conflict, sexuality and gender questions, and autism and learning differences. Call and we can discuss your particular concerns and decide if I would be a good fit for you and/or your child.
Clinical Supervision $75
Clinical Supervision $75
I am accepting new clients! I am a relational therapist who has a passion for working with teens and adults experiencing life transitions, complex trauma, and anxiety.
I am accepting new clients! I am a relational therapist who has a passion for working with teens and adults experiencing life transitions, complex trauma, and anxiety.
I draw from extensive training in experiential, attachment-based, trauma-informed approaches, including EMDR, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Somatic Approaches.
If you’re feeling stuck, disconnected, or unsure where to turn, you’re not alone. So much of being human involves longing for closeness and understanding, and therapy can be a place to find your way back to both. As your therapist, my goal is to help you feel free from judgment and grounded in the possibility of real change. I work from an experiential and attachment-based approach, helping you not only understand what’s happening but experience new ways of relating to yourself and others. As a queer, biracial, and neurodivergent therapist, my work is rooted in lived experience and grounded in compassion.
I draw from extensive training in experiential, attachment-based, trauma-informed approaches, including EMDR, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Somatic Approaches.
If you’re feeling stuck, disconnected, or unsure where to turn, you’re not alone. So much of being human involves longing for closeness and understanding, and therapy can be a place to find your way back to both. As your therapist, my goal is to help you feel free from judgment and grounded in the possibility of real change. I work from an experiential and attachment-based approach, helping you not only understand what’s happening but experience new ways of relating to yourself and others. As a queer, biracial, and neurodivergent therapist, my work is rooted in lived experience and grounded in compassion.
Hilary Bucell: Mindfulness-Focused Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
5 Endorsed
Online Only
Do you look like you have it all “put together” from the outside, yet internally you’re breaking? Are you constantly questioning, comparing, or judging yourself? Do you feel distant or anxious in your relationships, while at the same time desperately craving deep, knowing connection? Do events from your past still seem to dictate your current decisions and feelings? Or, maybe you don't know what to do with the tremendous grief of a loss that you think “shouldn’t” be so devastating? If any of these resonate with you, you're not alone. Therapy can help, and together we can create more balance, joy, and connection in your life.
Do you look like you have it all “put together” from the outside, yet internally you’re breaking? Are you constantly questioning, comparing, or judging yourself? Do you feel distant or anxious in your relationships, while at the same time desperately craving deep, knowing connection? Do events from your past still seem to dictate your current decisions and feelings? Or, maybe you don't know what to do with the tremendous grief of a loss that you think “shouldn’t” be so devastating? If any of these resonate with you, you're not alone. Therapy can help, and together we can create more balance, joy, and connection in your life.
Everyone has things in life they want or need to do. As an occupational therapist, I believe that healing often happens through engagement in “occupations”—anything meaningful that occupies your time. Therefore, my work centers on supporting individuals with practical goals like managing daily tasks, building routines, and enhancing organization, as well as exploring creative outlets for emotional expression when words just aren’t enough. I work with individuals seeking support in areas such as attention, motivation, sensory processing, relationship building, and time management.
Everyone has things in life they want or need to do. As an occupational therapist, I believe that healing often happens through engagement in “occupations”—anything meaningful that occupies your time. Therefore, my work centers on supporting individuals with practical goals like managing daily tasks, building routines, and enhancing organization, as well as exploring creative outlets for emotional expression when words just aren’t enough. I work with individuals seeking support in areas such as attention, motivation, sensory processing, relationship building, and time management.
Known for her calm, grounded presence, she integrates EMDR, CBT, IFS (Parts Work), and somatic tools with a mind-body perspective to restore clarity, balance, and self-trust.
Drawing on her background as a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach, Dorothy helps clients explore the root causes of stress and emotional imbalance. Her approach supports healing at the source—restoring nervous system balance, building resilience, and deepening self-trust and authenticity in everyday life.
Known for her calm, grounded presence, she integrates EMDR, CBT, IFS (Parts Work), and somatic tools with a mind-body perspective to restore clarity, balance, and self-trust.
Drawing on her background as a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach, Dorothy helps clients explore the root causes of stress and emotional imbalance. Her approach supports healing at the source—restoring nervous system balance, building resilience, and deepening self-trust and authenticity in everyday life.
I have additional training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems ( IFS), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma-informed somatics/embodiment, and mindfulness.
Waitlist available for new clients (PA & NJ).
I have 8+ years of experience supporting people as they deepen their embodied understandings and connections with self/in relationships towards healing trauma and nourishing a sense of agency. I welcome anyone who may be unsure or critical of existing "health" systems. In general, therapy together will aim to disentangle inherited ideas about "correct" ways to be/heal, learn from what already works and doesn't work for you, practice self-exploration and discernment of what truly matters to you as life-long skills, and cultivate possibilities and experiences in accordance with your goals.
I have additional training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems ( IFS), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma-informed somatics/embodiment, and mindfulness.
Waitlist available for new clients (PA & NJ).
I have 8+ years of experience supporting people as they deepen their embodied understandings and connections with self/in relationships towards healing trauma and nourishing a sense of agency. I welcome anyone who may be unsure or critical of existing "health" systems. In general, therapy together will aim to disentangle inherited ideas about "correct" ways to be/heal, learn from what already works and doesn't work for you, practice self-exploration and discernment of what truly matters to you as life-long skills, and cultivate possibilities and experiences in accordance with your goals.
I also incorporate Internal Family Systems IFS.
Because of my own struggles I am most passionate about Trauma, Inner Child Healing, Chronic Illness and Relationships. Many of our deepest patterns come from Childhood where our brain and personality are formed without our conscious knowledge, creating shadows and blocks which can prevent us from living the adult life we crave.
I also incorporate Internal Family Systems IFS.
Because of my own struggles I am most passionate about Trauma, Inner Child Healing, Chronic Illness and Relationships. Many of our deepest patterns come from Childhood where our brain and personality are formed without our conscious knowledge, creating shadows and blocks which can prevent us from living the adult life we crave.
Hey there, I’m Chris!
You’ve built a successful life, but inside, it’s exhausting. You say yes when you want to say no. You second-guess everything. You feel like you’re too much and not enough, all at once. You crave rest, confidence, and peace — without guilt. I help high-achievers break free from burnout, perfectionism, and people-pleasing.
Hey there, I’m Chris!
You’ve built a successful life, but inside, it’s exhausting. You say yes when you want to say no. You second-guess everything. You feel like you’re too much and not enough, all at once. You crave rest, confidence, and peace — without guilt. I help high-achievers break free from burnout, perfectionism, and people-pleasing.
I interweave modalities such as IFS, EMDR, DBT, and somatic work to meet clients needs.
You find yourself searching for calm and peace of mind. You hope to embrace life. To feel safe, seen, and supported during tumultuous times. You envision releasing generational patterns while embracing self compassion and belonging. You can make this a reality with the right support! We are designed to heal and grow. We are capable of embodying peace, love, and joy. Welcome to the journey of co-creating a secure space that empowers you to be your authentic self while calming your body and mind.
I interweave modalities such as IFS, EMDR, DBT, and somatic work to meet clients needs.
You find yourself searching for calm and peace of mind. You hope to embrace life. To feel safe, seen, and supported during tumultuous times. You envision releasing generational patterns while embracing self compassion and belonging. You can make this a reality with the right support! We are designed to heal and grow. We are capable of embodying peace, love, and joy. Welcome to the journey of co-creating a secure space that empowers you to be your authentic self while calming your body and mind.
Cognitive-behavioral (CBT) and in-depth approaches such as IFS are especially useful in my work.
Dr. Adelman has over 25 years of experience as a psychologist. He holds advanced degrees from the University of Pennsylvania as well as Bryn Mawr College. He was also an adjunct clinical professor at Drexel University for over 20 years.
Cognitive-behavioral (CBT) and in-depth approaches such as IFS are especially useful in my work.
Dr. Adelman has over 25 years of experience as a psychologist. He holds advanced degrees from the University of Pennsylvania as well as Bryn Mawr College. He was also an adjunct clinical professor at Drexel University for over 20 years.
As a trauma specialist trained in EMDR, somatic experiencing, and IFS, I guide my clients in releasing stored emotional pain, healing attaching wounds, restoring their nervous system, and reconnecting with their intuition.
I offer a space to slow down, come home to your body, and reconnect with your truest self. My approach blends depth and practicality. With over 20 years of experience, I draw from Internal Family Systems ( IFS), EMDR, somatic therapy, the Gottman Method, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness based strategies.
As a trauma specialist trained in EMDR, somatic experiencing, and IFS, I guide my clients in releasing stored emotional pain, healing attaching wounds, restoring their nervous system, and reconnecting with their intuition.
I offer a space to slow down, come home to your body, and reconnect with your truest self. My approach blends depth and practicality. With over 20 years of experience, I draw from Internal Family Systems ( IFS), EMDR, somatic therapy, the Gottman Method, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness based strategies.
Alex Mays Bryson (he/him) is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) practicing in Pennsylvania. Alex uses a non-judgmental, humanist lens to support clients' inherent ability to heal. Alex believes that healing happens at a meeting place between 1) accepting and deeply feeling your feelings, 2) reprocessing your painful experiences into new stories/lessons, and 3) creating a compassionate internal voice to guide you forward. Using humor, insight, and caring questioning, Alex helps clients reconnect with their aliveness, vitality, and purpose.
Alex Mays Bryson (he/him) is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) practicing in Pennsylvania. Alex uses a non-judgmental, humanist lens to support clients' inherent ability to heal. Alex believes that healing happens at a meeting place between 1) accepting and deeply feeling your feelings, 2) reprocessing your painful experiences into new stories/lessons, and 3) creating a compassionate internal voice to guide you forward. Using humor, insight, and caring questioning, Alex helps clients reconnect with their aliveness, vitality, and purpose.
James Lavino is a Resident in Counseling (RIC) and board-certified Music Therapist who works with adolescents, adults, and older adults. James has over 5 years of experience and is passionate about helping people overcome the unique challenges in their lives and improve relationships. He specializes in trauma, depression, grief, and anxiety. James holds a Master’s degree in Music Therapy and Counseling from Drexel University, as well as a Master's degree from Yale University.
James Lavino is a Resident in Counseling (RIC) and board-certified Music Therapist who works with adolescents, adults, and older adults. James has over 5 years of experience and is passionate about helping people overcome the unique challenges in their lives and improve relationships. He specializes in trauma, depression, grief, and anxiety. James holds a Master’s degree in Music Therapy and Counseling from Drexel University, as well as a Master's degree from Yale University.
I bring my authentic self to each session and draw from EMDR, Internal Family Systems ( IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and DBT.
Curiosity is at the heart of my approach to therapy. I believe it invites us to explore our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with openness rather than judgment. Curiosity serves as an antidote to shame, allowing us to sit with uncertainty, gain insight, and offer compassion to the wounded parts of ourselves. I specialize in trauma-informed therapy and am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I offer care that centers lived experience over diagnosis, supports creativity and difference, and challenges oppressive systems—creating a gender-affirming space where healing feels possible.
I bring my authentic self to each session and draw from EMDR, Internal Family Systems ( IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and DBT.
Curiosity is at the heart of my approach to therapy. I believe it invites us to explore our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with openness rather than judgment. Curiosity serves as an antidote to shame, allowing us to sit with uncertainty, gain insight, and offer compassion to the wounded parts of ourselves. I specialize in trauma-informed therapy and am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I offer care that centers lived experience over diagnosis, supports creativity and difference, and challenges oppressive systems—creating a gender-affirming space where healing feels possible.
My work heavily relies on internal family systems and somatic modalities, as well as pulling from relational and “spoon theory” practices.
I am a Peruvian American non-binary trans therapist who believes that therapy should be accessible to everyone. I strive for therapy to be a healing space by ensuring that the therapeutic relationship is collaborative between the client and the clinician. I do this by providing a safer space for clients where they can unmask and feel free to ask for any accommodations they might need.
I like to work with QTBIPOC, neurodivergent, sex positive folks who are interested in ancestral healing, mutual aid and disability justice.
My work heavily relies on internal family systems and somatic modalities, as well as pulling from relational and “spoon theory” practices.
I am a Peruvian American non-binary trans therapist who believes that therapy should be accessible to everyone. I strive for therapy to be a healing space by ensuring that the therapeutic relationship is collaborative between the client and the clinician. I do this by providing a safer space for clients where they can unmask and feel free to ask for any accommodations they might need.
I like to work with QTBIPOC, neurodivergent, sex positive folks who are interested in ancestral healing, mutual aid and disability justice.
I have training in the Gottman method of couples therapy and am informed by Internal Family Systems.
My clients are high-performing people seeking therapy because they feel depressed, trapped, or anxious in ways that prevent them from enjoying the lives they have built. Many feel disconnected from their sense of purpose or from loved ones and wish to reconnect in new and healthy ways. I can help you learn about yourself, improve your sense of well-being, and face obstacles that challenge you with increased skill, ease, and clarity. My practice is 100% teletherapy, which lends itself well to discretion, efficiency, and flexibility. My clients attend therapy between meetings, at work, and from the couch while their baby naps.
I have training in the Gottman method of couples therapy and am informed by Internal Family Systems.
My clients are high-performing people seeking therapy because they feel depressed, trapped, or anxious in ways that prevent them from enjoying the lives they have built. Many feel disconnected from their sense of purpose or from loved ones and wish to reconnect in new and healthy ways. I can help you learn about yourself, improve your sense of well-being, and face obstacles that challenge you with increased skill, ease, and clarity. My practice is 100% teletherapy, which lends itself well to discretion, efficiency, and flexibility. My clients attend therapy between meetings, at work, and from the couch while their baby naps.
See more therapy options for Philadelphia
Nearby Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists Searches for Philadelphia
- Ardmore
- Bala Cynwyd
- Cheltenham
- Elkins Park
- Lansdowne
- Manayunk
- Merion Station
- Mid City East
- Narberth
- Upper Darby
- Wyncote
- Wynnewood
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.