Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists in Charlottesville, VA
Life can feel like a tremendous gift or an incredible challenge - and sometimes both feel true in the same day. Therapy can help by providing space and support to better understand your own life, and how to align it more closely with your individual nature and purpose. This inquiry into who we really are is often catalyzed by difficult circumstances: when life as we knew it changes, or needs to change. Seasons of flux can become pathways to identity development, growth, and spiritual maturity. Undertaking life-rebuilding on purpose, with support, can create a trustworthy new source of self-confidence and increased life force.
Life can feel like a tremendous gift or an incredible challenge - and sometimes both feel true in the same day. Therapy can help by providing space and support to better understand your own life, and how to align it more closely with your individual nature and purpose. This inquiry into who we really are is often catalyzed by difficult circumstances: when life as we knew it changes, or needs to change. Seasons of flux can become pathways to identity development, growth, and spiritual maturity. Undertaking life-rebuilding on purpose, with support, can create a trustworthy new source of self-confidence and increased life force.
My work is focused on all types of addictive behaviors, especially the use and abuse of substances. An Addiction is simply the use of something outside of ourselves to change the way we feel inside. I help individuals cope with their Addiction and Co-Occurring Disorders by using an eclectic array of theories. CBT and EMDR are extremely effective in treating addiction disorders, but I use whatever techniques are required to help individuals overcome their addiction and face the underlying issues that are being medicated by their behaviors. I received a Masters in Community and Addictions Counseling from William & Mary in 2000.
My work is focused on all types of addictive behaviors, especially the use and abuse of substances. An Addiction is simply the use of something outside of ourselves to change the way we feel inside. I help individuals cope with their Addiction and Co-Occurring Disorders by using an eclectic array of theories. CBT and EMDR are extremely effective in treating addiction disorders, but I use whatever techniques are required to help individuals overcome their addiction and face the underlying issues that are being medicated by their behaviors. I received a Masters in Community and Addictions Counseling from William & Mary in 2000.
Therapy is a great gift to yourself. The connection provided in a safe, therapeutic relationship is healing. I encourage self exploration to find and heal wounds that are blocking one's own self-love and connection to the authentic self that feels true and right. I provide a gentle, accepting presence to join you on your journey toward increased life satisfaction. I enjoy working with adults struggling with life transitions, anxiety, shame, depression, anger and grief or just feeling stuck.
Therapy is a great gift to yourself. The connection provided in a safe, therapeutic relationship is healing. I encourage self exploration to find and heal wounds that are blocking one's own self-love and connection to the authentic self that feels true and right. I provide a gentle, accepting presence to join you on your journey toward increased life satisfaction. I enjoy working with adults struggling with life transitions, anxiety, shame, depression, anger and grief or just feeling stuck.
If you’re living with anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, or chronic self-doubt—and especially if you identify as neurodivergent, highly sensitive, autistic, or ADHD—you may feel overwhelmed, tense, shut down, or misunderstood. I offer trauma-informed therapy grounded in nervous system regulation, attachment, and somatic approaches. Together, we explore patterns shaping your relationships, work, and inner life, at a pace that honors your sensitivity. I believe healing happens through safety, attunement, and collaboration, helping you move toward greater ease, clarity, and self-trust.
If you’re living with anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, or chronic self-doubt—and especially if you identify as neurodivergent, highly sensitive, autistic, or ADHD—you may feel overwhelmed, tense, shut down, or misunderstood. I offer trauma-informed therapy grounded in nervous system regulation, attachment, and somatic approaches. Together, we explore patterns shaping your relationships, work, and inner life, at a pace that honors your sensitivity. I believe healing happens through safety, attunement, and collaboration, helping you move toward greater ease, clarity, and self-trust.
Sarah Lawson
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW
1 Endorsed
Charlottesville, VA 22901
Waitlist for new clients
When you're feeling anxious and depression, living with a chronic illness, feeling all the things when it comes to neurodivergence, or in a relationship that just doesn't feel good, you're not alone. I know it can feel difficult to reach out for help but I'm here to listen and provide a safe, affirming, and supportive space for you to learn new ways of being in the world while also exploring your needs, values, and goals.
When you're feeling anxious and depression, living with a chronic illness, feeling all the things when it comes to neurodivergence, or in a relationship that just doesn't feel good, you're not alone. I know it can feel difficult to reach out for help but I'm here to listen and provide a safe, affirming, and supportive space for you to learn new ways of being in the world while also exploring your needs, values, and goals.
I highly value trust and connection in order for humans to heal. I bring my authentic self and transparency into session in order to give clients the ability to be fully themselves. My goal is to help ease psychological suffering brought on by trauma and other negative life circumstances and then make sense of the overwhelming emotions/responses. It is through compassion and connection that corrective emotional experiences can occur. I believe that our ability to both experience and understand our Self and others is a key component in building secure (emotionally safe) relationships.
I highly value trust and connection in order for humans to heal. I bring my authentic self and transparency into session in order to give clients the ability to be fully themselves. My goal is to help ease psychological suffering brought on by trauma and other negative life circumstances and then make sense of the overwhelming emotions/responses. It is through compassion and connection that corrective emotional experiences can occur. I believe that our ability to both experience and understand our Self and others is a key component in building secure (emotionally safe) relationships.
I am trained in EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, IFS, mindfulness, and CBT.
I believe that we heal in the presence of compassion and understanding within relationships. In sessions, I support emotional awareness, self-understanding and promote mind-body connection in order to cultivate nervous system regulation. This allows clients to look at themselves with lovingkindness and to embrace all parts of their being.
I am trained in EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, IFS, mindfulness, and CBT.
I believe that we heal in the presence of compassion and understanding within relationships. In sessions, I support emotional awareness, self-understanding and promote mind-body connection in order to cultivate nervous system regulation. This allows clients to look at themselves with lovingkindness and to embrace all parts of their being.
I am passionate about providing a welcoming and safe environment to empower clients to explore trauma and life experiences. If you are experiencing feelings of depression and anxiety, struggling with past trauma, feeling challenged by romantic relationships or friendships, having a hard time processing race-related stress or concerns being a first-generation college student or simply feel that you have been unable to prioritize self-care, develop coping skills, or set boundaries consider participating in individual counseling to help you refocus your life.
I am passionate about providing a welcoming and safe environment to empower clients to explore trauma and life experiences. If you are experiencing feelings of depression and anxiety, struggling with past trauma, feeling challenged by romantic relationships or friendships, having a hard time processing race-related stress or concerns being a first-generation college student or simply feel that you have been unable to prioritize self-care, develop coping skills, or set boundaries consider participating in individual counseling to help you refocus your life.
I provide evidence-based and culturally sensitive services, integrating multiple approaches in my work, including mindfulness, Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), cognitive-behavioral therapy, EMDR, and Internal Family Systems ( IFS).
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience in working with clients from diverse backgrounds. I have extensive experiences in addressing anxiety, depression, college mental health, trauma, relationship issues, and adjustment/life transitions. Additionally, I have worked with many Asian/Asian American individuals, international students, and immigrants. With extensive training in multicultural counseling and personal cross-cultural experience, I am sensitive to how social, cultural, political, and historical contexts influence individuals' levels of distress.
I provide evidence-based and culturally sensitive services, integrating multiple approaches in my work, including mindfulness, Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), cognitive-behavioral therapy, EMDR, and Internal Family Systems ( IFS).
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience in working with clients from diverse backgrounds. I have extensive experiences in addressing anxiety, depression, college mental health, trauma, relationship issues, and adjustment/life transitions. Additionally, I have worked with many Asian/Asian American individuals, international students, and immigrants. With extensive training in multicultural counseling and personal cross-cultural experience, I am sensitive to how social, cultural, political, and historical contexts influence individuals' levels of distress.
Jackie Street Rose
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Charlottesville, VA 22911
Waitlist for new clients
We live in a wonderful but difficult world where most of us have encountered painful experiences or relationships that can leave us feeling empty, confused, alone, angry, and scared. We all develop protective mechanisms and coping strategies that help us adapt to our challenges and simply survive. However, we may still feel stuck even after the dust settles. Whether we have experienced childhood abuse, betrayal in a trusted relationship, witnessed or been subject to violence (physically, emotionally, or spiritually), we are all capable of healing from our hurt.
We live in a wonderful but difficult world where most of us have encountered painful experiences or relationships that can leave us feeling empty, confused, alone, angry, and scared. We all develop protective mechanisms and coping strategies that help us adapt to our challenges and simply survive. However, we may still feel stuck even after the dust settles. Whether we have experienced childhood abuse, betrayal in a trusted relationship, witnessed or been subject to violence (physically, emotionally, or spiritually), we are all capable of healing from our hurt.
My approach integrates narrative, light somatic and Internal Family Systems ( IFS) alongside Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
My counseling style is warm, compassionate, and collaborative. I see my clients as the true experts of their own lives, and my role is to provide support, clarity, and understanding as they navigate their unique journeys. I especially enjoy working with individuals who are ready to explore deeper layers of themselves and cultivate a sense of wholeness.
My approach integrates narrative, light somatic and Internal Family Systems ( IFS) alongside Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
My counseling style is warm, compassionate, and collaborative. I see my clients as the true experts of their own lives, and my role is to provide support, clarity, and understanding as they navigate their unique journeys. I especially enjoy working with individuals who are ready to explore deeper layers of themselves and cultivate a sense of wholeness.
I employ the evidence-based theories of Neuropsychological-Informed CBT, Internal Family Systems, ( IFS) Motivational Interviewing- which all help in improving insight and both life and coping skills.
I help people of any and all cultures, genders, and identities learn to explore their core self; understand body signals related to mental and psychological health, and live free of anxious worry and unwanted behaviors. I help folks create more mental, emotional space to live each moment with meaningful intent.
I employ the evidence-based theories of Neuropsychological-Informed CBT, Internal Family Systems, ( IFS) Motivational Interviewing- which all help in improving insight and both life and coping skills.
I help people of any and all cultures, genders, and identities learn to explore their core self; understand body signals related to mental and psychological health, and live free of anxious worry and unwanted behaviors. I help folks create more mental, emotional space to live each moment with meaningful intent.
My clinical approach emphasizes evidence-based therapies including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems ( IFS), and Narrative Exposure Therapy
Hello! I specialize in working with teens, young adults, adults and families navigating anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, grief, life transitions, and self-harm. If you or your child is struggling to manage their emotions, cope with difficult situations, or improve their social relationships, I can help. I prioritize developing an authentic relationship with my clients in order to help navigate life's challenges, process difficult emotions, and try new ways of coping. Together, we can work towards healing and growth.
My clinical approach emphasizes evidence-based therapies including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems ( IFS), and Narrative Exposure Therapy
Hello! I specialize in working with teens, young adults, adults and families navigating anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, grief, life transitions, and self-harm. If you or your child is struggling to manage their emotions, cope with difficult situations, or improve their social relationships, I can help. I prioritize developing an authentic relationship with my clients in order to help navigate life's challenges, process difficult emotions, and try new ways of coping. Together, we can work towards healing and growth.
You’re feeling anxious, stressed, and overwhelmed. Lacking confidence, struggling with your emotions and wanting better solutions for how to cope. Stress and anxiety disrupt your life and can show up at work, academically, in relationships or during a big life change and transition. You don’t have to struggle on your own. Let’s work together to help you process what's happening, find solutions & relief, create more confidence, ease and gain control in your life. I help adults with anxiety, 'overthinking', worry, panic attacks, relationship issues, self-esteem, stress management, navigating life changes, irritability & depression.
You’re feeling anxious, stressed, and overwhelmed. Lacking confidence, struggling with your emotions and wanting better solutions for how to cope. Stress and anxiety disrupt your life and can show up at work, academically, in relationships or during a big life change and transition. You don’t have to struggle on your own. Let’s work together to help you process what's happening, find solutions & relief, create more confidence, ease and gain control in your life. I help adults with anxiety, 'overthinking', worry, panic attacks, relationship issues, self-esteem, stress management, navigating life changes, irritability & depression.
My goal is to make you feel supported, understood, and empowered. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space, where we will explore thoughts and feelings, engage in self-reflection, and ultimately gain greater self-acceptance and sense of self.
My goal is to make you feel supported, understood, and empowered. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space, where we will explore thoughts and feelings, engage in self-reflection, and ultimately gain greater self-acceptance and sense of self.
To facilitate this work, I often utilize mindfulness, AEDP, Internal Family Systems, and EMDR.
My approach to therapy is trauma informed, person-centered, attachment focused, and culturally sensitive. I value building trust in the therapeutic relationship and strive to prioritize the ongoing process of cultivating safety together. From this place, I believe people are able to be curious, explore, heal, and expand fully into their lives.
To facilitate this work, I often utilize mindfulness, AEDP, Internal Family Systems, and EMDR.
My approach to therapy is trauma informed, person-centered, attachment focused, and culturally sensitive. I value building trust in the therapeutic relationship and strive to prioritize the ongoing process of cultivating safety together. From this place, I believe people are able to be curious, explore, heal, and expand fully into their lives.
These are the treatment types I use, including CBT, DBT, ACT, IFS, somatic, and trauma-focused approaches, and your experience will be collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to your needs.
You may be longing to feel more at peace with yourself and your life. Maybe you're ready to build confidence, reduce anxiety, or ease the weight of depression and past trauma. You might be seeking clarity in relationships or noticing patterns of putting others first while neglecting your own needs. In therapy, I offer a safe, supportive space for healing, self-discovery, and growth. Using evidence-based approaches, we’ll build coping skills, process difficult experiences, and help you feel more grounded and empowered. You don’t have to carry this alone; support is here.
These are the treatment types I use, including CBT, DBT, ACT, IFS, somatic, and trauma-focused approaches, and your experience will be collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to your needs.
You may be longing to feel more at peace with yourself and your life. Maybe you're ready to build confidence, reduce anxiety, or ease the weight of depression and past trauma. You might be seeking clarity in relationships or noticing patterns of putting others first while neglecting your own needs. In therapy, I offer a safe, supportive space for healing, self-discovery, and growth. Using evidence-based approaches, we’ll build coping skills, process difficult experiences, and help you feel more grounded and empowered. You don’t have to carry this alone; support is here.
I use Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Internal Family Systems.
Hello! I am a person centered, trauma informed and strengths based counselor who loves working with children, teens, and adults who are feeling stuck or are struggling with life's challenges. I believe that we are all connected and through healthy relationships and attachments we can heal and become a more authentic version of ourselves. I bring a warm, creative, empathetic and non-judgemental approach to therapy.
I use Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Internal Family Systems.
Hello! I am a person centered, trauma informed and strengths based counselor who loves working with children, teens, and adults who are feeling stuck or are struggling with life's challenges. I believe that we are all connected and through healthy relationships and attachments we can heal and become a more authentic version of ourselves. I bring a warm, creative, empathetic and non-judgemental approach to therapy.
I integrate relationally based psychodynamic therapy with mindfulness-based and experiential interventions, such as Somatic Experiencing, AEDP, and IFS.
As a strengths-based and trauma-informed therapist, I am passionate about helping clients to repair deeply held wounds, especially relational wounds, which are often at the core of symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and addictive behaviors. Though I work with clients to help alleviate their troubling symptoms, my work is more fully anchored in the belief that the sensitive exploration of underlying injuries enables not just symptom-reduction but transformation and growth.
I integrate relationally based psychodynamic therapy with mindfulness-based and experiential interventions, such as Somatic Experiencing, AEDP, and IFS.
As a strengths-based and trauma-informed therapist, I am passionate about helping clients to repair deeply held wounds, especially relational wounds, which are often at the core of symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and addictive behaviors. Though I work with clients to help alleviate their troubling symptoms, my work is more fully anchored in the belief that the sensitive exploration of underlying injuries enables not just symptom-reduction but transformation and growth.
I offer individual therapy for adults and adolescents, and specialize in working with women and teens dealing with the impact of sexual assault, childhood abuse, or other trauma. Other areas of clinical interest include relationship issues, life transitions, anxiety, and identity questions. I believe therapy is a collaborative process that allows us to be deeply seen and heard, and to see ourselves in new and transformative ways. It can build self-esteem and strengthen our sense of who we are and how we fit into the world. As we understand ourselves more fully, relationships with others become richer and more fulfilling. Therapy can strengthen our ability to adapt and adjust to the changing circumstances of our lives, freeing us up to respond more flexibly to the world around us and to experience a more enlivened way of being. For trauma survivors who experience overwhelming waves of shame and fear, a lurking sense of unease, or confusing physical sensations, therapy can help calm the mind and the nervous system, allowing you to move from reliving the past to feeling grounded, present, and whole in mind and body.
I offer individual therapy for adults and adolescents, and specialize in working with women and teens dealing with the impact of sexual assault, childhood abuse, or other trauma. Other areas of clinical interest include relationship issues, life transitions, anxiety, and identity questions. I believe therapy is a collaborative process that allows us to be deeply seen and heard, and to see ourselves in new and transformative ways. It can build self-esteem and strengthen our sense of who we are and how we fit into the world. As we understand ourselves more fully, relationships with others become richer and more fulfilling. Therapy can strengthen our ability to adapt and adjust to the changing circumstances of our lives, freeing us up to respond more flexibly to the world around us and to experience a more enlivened way of being. For trauma survivors who experience overwhelming waves of shame and fear, a lurking sense of unease, or confusing physical sensations, therapy can help calm the mind and the nervous system, allowing you to move from reliving the past to feeling grounded, present, and whole in mind and body.
See more therapy options for Charlottesville
Nearby Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists Searches for Charlottesville
See More Internal Family Systems (IFS) TherapistsNearby Searches for Charlottesville
- Afton
- Barboursville
- Crozet
- Earlysville
- Ivy
- Keswick
- Palmyra
- Ruckersville
- Scottsville
- Troy
- University
- Zion Crossroads
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.