Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy: Healing from Within
Discover a Deeper Path to Healing
What if the key to healing anxiety, trauma, and emotional struggles was already inside you?
That’s exactly what Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy helps you uncover. IFS is a powerful, evidence-based therapy that helps you understand and heal the different "parts" of yourself — the ones that protect you, the ones that carry pain, and the ones that feel stuck.
IFS helps you build a compassionate relationship with these parts, allowing you to heal from within. Many people experience profound relief and greater emotional clarity after just a few sessions.
As a trained IFS therapist, I’m here to guide you through this process with warmth and understanding. Together, we’ll help you access your inner Self — the calm, confident core that knows how to heal.
What is Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy?
IFS was developed in the 1980s by Dr. Richard Schwartz. It’s based on the idea that we all have an internal system of “parts” — like a family within our mind. These parts take on different roles to protect us and help us cope with life’s challenges.
There are three main types of parts:
- Exiles – Parts that carry painful memories, trauma, and vulnerability.
- Managers – Parts that try to keep you safe by controlling your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions.
- Firefighters – Parts that jump in to protect you from pain, often using intense coping strategies like numbing, avoidance, or anger.
At the center of it all is your Self — the calm, compassionate, wise core that knows how to heal. IFS helps you access your Self and create a trusting relationship with your parts so they no longer have to work so hard to protect you.
How Does IFS Work?
IFS helps you engage with your internal system in a safe and supportive way. Here’s how it works:
Identifying Parts
We’ll explore the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that different parts of you are carrying.
Building Trust
Instead of fighting or rejecting your parts, we’ll approach them with curiosity and compassion.
Unburdening
Once your parts feel heard and understood, they can release the pain and protective patterns they’ve been carrying.
Restoring Balance
When your parts feel safe, they naturally step back, allowing your Self to lead with calm and confidence.
IFS helps you shift from feeling overwhelmed by inner conflict to feeling calm and integrated.
What Can IFS Help With?
IFS is highly effective for a wide range of mental health concerns, including:
- Trauma and PTSD – Healing the deep emotional wounds caused by distressing life events.
- Anxiety and Panic – Helping you feel more grounded and reducing the intensity of anxious thoughts.
- Depression – Releasing the emotional weight that keeps you feeling stuck.
- Self-Criticism and Shame – Soothing the inner critic and developing self-compassion.
- Relationship Issues – Understanding why certain patterns repeat and creating healthier connections.
- Addictive Behaviors – Helping your system find healthier ways to cope.
- Grief and Loss – Processing complex feelings and finding peace after a loss.
IFS works because it helps you engage with your emotional pain at the source — the protective patterns and wounded parts that drive your reactions.
What Clients Say After IFS
Clients often describe feeling more balanced and at peace after just a few sessions:
💬 “I finally understand why I react the way I do — and now I know how to shift it.”
💬 “I don’t feel so controlled by anxiety anymore. I feel calmer and more grounded.”
💬 “I’ve stopped fighting with myself. My parts finally feel like they’re working together.”
💬 “IFS has helped me feel more confident and connected in my relationships.”
Is IFS Right for You?
IFS could be a good fit if you:
✔️ Feel stuck in patterns of anxiety, self-criticism, or emotional distress.
✔️ Want to understand why you react the way you do — and learn how to change it.
✔️ Are open to exploring your inner world with curiosity and compassion.
✔️ Feel ready to engage in a deeper healing process.
Why IFS Works When Other Approaches Don’t
Traditional talk therapy focuses on changing thoughts and behaviors — but IFS goes deeper by healing the protective patterns driving those thoughts and behaviors.
✅ No need to relive trauma – We work with parts at your pace, without needing to revisit every painful detail.
✅ Empowering – You build a stronger relationship with your internal world, putting you in charge of your healing.
✅ Compassion-Based – Instead of fighting against yourself, you’ll develop a more loving relationship with your inner parts.
✅ Lasting Change – When parts are unburdened and healed, the emotional shifts tend to stick.
IFS offers a clear path toward healing and inner peace.
You don’t have to stay stuck in cycles of anxiety, overwhelm, or self-doubt.
How I Offer ART
In-Person Therapy
Experience IFS in a comfortable, private setting.
Online Therapy
Get the same powerful results from the comfort of your home via secure video sessions.