Internal Family Systems

The Internal Family Systems Model (IFS), first developed by Richard C. Schwartz, is an integrative approach to individual psychotherapy that combines systems thinking with the view that mind is made up of separate subpersonalities, each with its own viewpoint and qualities. The focus of IFS therapy is to get to know each of these subpersonalities and understand how they work as a whole in order to better achieve healing. IFS can be used to treat individuals, couples, and families and it has been shown to be effective for treating a variety issues, including depression, anxiety, and panic. Think this approach might be right for you? Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s Internal Family Systems specialists today.

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We all have different parts of us that we use to navigate life. By learning more about these aspects we can become better equipped with tools, honoring our intentions, and cultivating inner harmony. I use various linguistic and meditative practices to help us be curious and compassionate towards parts that might feel overworked, misunderstood, or raw.

— Jonathan Vargas, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York, NY

I have participated in IFS myself as a client and have trained in the model as a therapist. I have completed level one IFS training and am in the process of completing level two. I use this model daily in my practice with individuals.

— Pamela Hicks, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Nashville, TN
 

I work with clients with the understanding that we are all made up of different parts. All of these parts are working for your best interest but some of their strategies can be really problematic. We work to connect with these parts, address internal conflicts, and ensure that the you that is the Self is the one driving the bus, not your 5 year old self.

— Tricia Osterberger, Counselor in Weaverville, NC

I am in the process of receiving training and certification in Internal Family Systems therapy.

— Julia Krump, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Fort Collins, CO
 

When we don’t understand our own behavior and feel frustrated that we can’t immediately change, IFS is often helpful. By understanding the parts of ourselves that try to manage and protect us, we can often find more ease, self-empathy, and motivation to change our lives.

— Ravyn Stanfield, Marriage and Family Therapist Associate in Portland, OR

I am an IFS-informed therapist and have undergone several trainings on IFS technique.

— Nicholas Hatcher, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
 

IFS helps clients explore and understand the different “parts” of themselves that influence their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. For example, a protective part may feel the need to avoid conflict, while another part might carry anger or sadness from past wounds. I guide clients in developing a compassionate relationship with these parts, allowing them to heal from inner conflicts and align more with their "Self," a calm, confident, and centered state.

— Carlee Myers, Licensed Professional Counselor in Washington, DC

I use evidence-based methods like Internal Family Systems (IFS), attachment-based therapy, and body-based approaches to personalize your care to honor who you are and what you’re seeking from therapy. In a typical session together, you can expect laughter, authenticity, and a whole lot of compassion. My ultimate aim is to create a safe, “come as you are” space for you to pursue healing—a place where you can authentically share your story, free from shame and feelings of unworthiness.

— The Couch Therapy, Psychotherapist in Colleyville, TX
 

I utilize several "parts work" modalities, including IFS, Ego State Therapy, and Structural Dissociation Theory.

— Meghan Gilliland, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in ,

Honoring the different aspects of our own self, especially when some our in conflict is the basis of new positive changes. Utilizing the different parts of ourself with tenderness and respect, causes healing. Exploring different aspects of ourselves, opens new doors to peace and ease where once there was tension and discomfort. PTSD, self-defeating habits. depression and anxiety can be cleared up. New life experiences can be generated.

— Laurie Moore, Marriage & Family Therapist
 

Jordan finds that IFS pairs well with EMDR, psychedelic-assisted therapy, and treatment-resistant disorders as a way of normalizing clients' diverse inner experience and holding space for parts of self that may be hurting. She has trained with the IFS Online Circle and engages in weekly consultation using an IFS perspective.

— Jordan Dobrowski, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Chicago, IL

IFS identifies and works with the sub-personalities or “families” that exist in each person’s psyche. These sub-personalities — for example, the Inner Critic — represent the places within us that are wounded and store painful emotions that conflict with each other and our core, or divine, essence. I received over a year of individual supervision and consultation to guide my growth and ability to use IFS well.

— Thaeda Franz, Licensed Professional Counselor in Wernersville, PA
 

IFS can foster greater self-acceptance, emotional healing, and deeper relationships by helping us integrate and embrace all parts of ourselves.

— Ellen Heddleston, Social Worker in Columbus, OH

With the current state of the world, do you feel yourself spread thin between different areas of your life? Are you a multifaceted person, whom has the ability to thrive, but is experiencing difficulty finding balance? Internal family systems can you help you work with each unique aspect, or sub-personality, you posses, and help you live fully and vibrantly. I am trained in IFS and am here to help you step into your power and allow all aspects of yourself to flourish.

— Patricia Mulvany, Counselor in Centennial, CO
 

IFS, or Internal Family Systems, is a psychotherapy model developed by Richard Schwartz. It posits that the mind is composed of various "parts," each with its own perspective, emotions, and roles. The goal of IFS therapy is to help individuals understand and integrate these parts, fostering self-awareness and healing by promoting harmony within the internal system. It emphasizes the importance of the "Self," a core, compassionate aspect of the person that can lead the healing process.

— Roderic Burks, MS, MS H.Sc., MA, LPC - Integrative Psychotherapy, Licensed Professional Counselor in Spokane, WA

I have incorporated parts work and exploration of self, manager, and firefighters into my approach from the beginning. It is important, in my opinion, to have a base understanding of your internal system and the role each part plays. I am currently receiving training with IFS as well.

— Monica Bernards, Therapist in Minneapolis, MN