Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists in Oakland Park, FL
Assurgent Healing LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland Park, FL 33334
It feels like you’re about to 🅴🆇🅿🅻🅾🅳🅴! You're stuck in a repetitive cycle with little improvement. You find it hard to smile sometimes and it makes you wonder when peace will arrive. You’re burnt OUT, too tired to hang with friends, too OVERWHELMED to play with your kids and the sight of your significant other is not helping. How long will continue with these repetitive cycles? This isn’t a healthy way to live and if you continue you may end up resenting the world and yourself. Operating from a place of discomfort is never easy and finding the help you deserve can be even harder.
It feels like you’re about to 🅴🆇🅿🅻🅾🅳🅴! You're stuck in a repetitive cycle with little improvement. You find it hard to smile sometimes and it makes you wonder when peace will arrive. You’re burnt OUT, too tired to hang with friends, too OVERWHELMED to play with your kids and the sight of your significant other is not helping. How long will continue with these repetitive cycles? This isn’t a healthy way to live and if you continue you may end up resenting the world and yourself. Operating from a place of discomfort is never easy and finding the help you deserve can be even harder.
Emergent Counseling & Consulting LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland Park, FL 33311
Emergent Counseling is ideal for adults and adolescents facing anxiety, depression, or difficulties navigating toxic relationships. They may feel alone in their suffering, overwhelmed by racing thoughts, intense emotions, and a sense of being stuck. They long for peace—whether that means breaking free from self-doubt, setting healthy boundaries, or finding a way to manage emotions that feel too heavy to carry alone. They want to regain control, to feel empowered, and to live more creatively and peacefully, with a sense of vitality. We’re committed to meeting you where you are and helping you cultivate resilience and inner strength.
Emergent Counseling is ideal for adults and adolescents facing anxiety, depression, or difficulties navigating toxic relationships. They may feel alone in their suffering, overwhelmed by racing thoughts, intense emotions, and a sense of being stuck. They long for peace—whether that means breaking free from self-doubt, setting healthy boundaries, or finding a way to manage emotions that feel too heavy to carry alone. They want to regain control, to feel empowered, and to live more creatively and peacefully, with a sense of vitality. We’re committed to meeting you where you are and helping you cultivate resilience and inner strength.
William D Sawyer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland Park, FL 33309 (Online Only)
Relationship expert, William Sawyer, is the kind, compassionate, queer, psychotherapist you want when you are coming out, transitioning, or struggling with mental health. Straight couples find their way to his practice for queer solutions to modern love. Known for his boundary pushing, sex positive approach, Will specializes in helping his clients navigate complex relationship dynamics, infidelity, and intimacy issues emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and communication for healthier more fulfilling relationships. Queer neurodivergent clients will find my
Relationship expert, William Sawyer, is the kind, compassionate, queer, psychotherapist you want when you are coming out, transitioning, or struggling with mental health. Straight couples find their way to his practice for queer solutions to modern love. Known for his boundary pushing, sex positive approach, Will specializes in helping his clients navigate complex relationship dynamics, infidelity, and intimacy issues emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and communication for healthier more fulfilling relationships. Queer neurodivergent clients will find my
Making the decision to begin therapy is not an easy one. Have you experienced the inner tension between the desire for healing and the fear of being vulnerable and exploring certain parts of your story? My true passion is walking alongside those that choose to walk into the challenges of their story in search of hope. During our time together I will provide a space for you to share your burdens, heal, and work towards your goals. I specialize in working with people who have experienced trauma and with people who experience depression and/or anxiety.
Making the decision to begin therapy is not an easy one. Have you experienced the inner tension between the desire for healing and the fear of being vulnerable and exploring certain parts of your story? My true passion is walking alongside those that choose to walk into the challenges of their story in search of hope. During our time together I will provide a space for you to share your burdens, heal, and work towards your goals. I specialize in working with people who have experienced trauma and with people who experience depression and/or anxiety.
More Therapists Nearby
I integrate a variety of therapeutic approaches that draw from solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, relational, attachment, and family systems to address your specific needs throughout the therapeutic process.
Are you feeling overwhelmed or anxious with the events in your life? Perhaps, you often feel alone in the company of other people. Or continually find yourself making attempts? Or work on your relationship, yet nothing seems to change? Do you want to build lasting relationships with the people around you? Perhaps you need support as you make a major life transition. As your therapist, we can explore your past; your past holds precious keys to who you are today, and finding those keys can open new doors to show up in relationships differently and not allow the past to dictate your current relationships.
I integrate a variety of therapeutic approaches that draw from solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, relational, attachment, and family systems to address your specific needs throughout the therapeutic process.
Are you feeling overwhelmed or anxious with the events in your life? Perhaps, you often feel alone in the company of other people. Or continually find yourself making attempts? Or work on your relationship, yet nothing seems to change? Do you want to build lasting relationships with the people around you? Perhaps you need support as you make a major life transition. As your therapist, we can explore your past; your past holds precious keys to who you are today, and finding those keys can open new doors to show up in relationships differently and not allow the past to dictate your current relationships.
Mark S Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACSW, PhD
Verified Verified
Wilton Manors, FL 33306
I utilize a variety of useful approaches including: narrative, DBT, acceptance and commitment therapy, attachment-focused practice, internal family systems, mindfulness, play therapy/sand tray, and group therapy.
For over 30 years I have been helping people overcome life obstacles and interpersonal struggles. Clients report significant benefit when they seek help dealing with transforming ideas of self that result from trauma, relationship changes, chronic illness, grief & loss, gender dysphoria, and coming out as LGBTQ. I utilize a variety of approaches including narrative, DBT, ACT, attachment-focused therapy, internal family systems and trauma informed practices. I now am seeing clients in person as well as virtually.
I utilize a variety of useful approaches including: narrative, DBT, acceptance and commitment therapy, attachment-focused practice, internal family systems, mindfulness, play therapy/sand tray, and group therapy.
For over 30 years I have been helping people overcome life obstacles and interpersonal struggles. Clients report significant benefit when they seek help dealing with transforming ideas of self that result from trauma, relationship changes, chronic illness, grief & loss, gender dysphoria, and coming out as LGBTQ. I utilize a variety of approaches including narrative, DBT, ACT, attachment-focused therapy, internal family systems and trauma informed practices. I now am seeing clients in person as well as virtually.
We might include personality profiles and values assessments, alongside evidenced-based practices like IFS therapy and Attachment-Focused EMDR.
I believe in a holistic kind of therapy where mental health care isn't just mental; therapy that takes into account your past, present, and future; that holds space for every single part of you and your experiences. I specialize in trauma and loss of all kinds, anxiety and depression, chronic illness/disability, disordered eating (anti-diet/weight-inclusive), LGBTQ+ issues, and, most of all, helping clients find holistic and embodied healing. I aim to partner you on the journey to finding more inner stability, empowerment, more fulfilling connections with others, and a greater sense of your own worth.
We might include personality profiles and values assessments, alongside evidenced-based practices like IFS therapy and Attachment-Focused EMDR.
I believe in a holistic kind of therapy where mental health care isn't just mental; therapy that takes into account your past, present, and future; that holds space for every single part of you and your experiences. I specialize in trauma and loss of all kinds, anxiety and depression, chronic illness/disability, disordered eating (anti-diet/weight-inclusive), LGBTQ+ issues, and, most of all, helping clients find holistic and embodied healing. I aim to partner you on the journey to finding more inner stability, empowerment, more fulfilling connections with others, and a greater sense of your own worth.
We will work together from an Internal Family Systems perspective, an integrative, holistic approach to therapy which will guide you in transforming your life from the inside out by tapping into your innate ability to heal deep emotional wounds, release toxic beliefs, and lead your life from a place of true self-confidence, balance, and purpose.
Hello! I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) practicing in the State of Florida with 5+ years of professional experience supporting and empowering adults struggling with a wide array of mental health challenges such as anxiety, low self-esteem, stress, trauma & abuse, addiction, depression, meaninglessness, grief & loss, family conflict, anger management, identity issues, and relationship problems. I maintain an open and safe space for you to explore your innermost thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment.
We will work together from an Internal Family Systems perspective, an integrative, holistic approach to therapy which will guide you in transforming your life from the inside out by tapping into your innate ability to heal deep emotional wounds, release toxic beliefs, and lead your life from a place of true self-confidence, balance, and purpose.
Hello! I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) practicing in the State of Florida with 5+ years of professional experience supporting and empowering adults struggling with a wide array of mental health challenges such as anxiety, low self-esteem, stress, trauma & abuse, addiction, depression, meaninglessness, grief & loss, family conflict, anger management, identity issues, and relationship problems. I maintain an open and safe space for you to explore your innermost thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment.
James Valdes, LifeLift Wellness
Counselor, LMHC, NCC, MBA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33303
Focus and methods: Mindfulness, IFS, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), recovery from addictions, relationship issues, commitment phobia, co-dependence, love addiction, sex addiction, and porn addiction.
You feel stuck, even broken. Your life is not going the way you thought it would. Career fog, failed relationships. People have called you a commitment-phobe. Stuck in behaviors like drinking or using porn or pursuing sex. You have a pattern of getting very depressed over break-ups. Do you run to, and then run away from, relationships? Let me help guide you through difficult times. With compassion, without judgment, I can help you reduce suffering, and create a renewed life.
Focus and methods: Mindfulness, IFS, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), recovery from addictions, relationship issues, commitment phobia, co-dependence, love addiction, sex addiction, and porn addiction.
You feel stuck, even broken. Your life is not going the way you thought it would. Career fog, failed relationships. People have called you a commitment-phobe. Stuck in behaviors like drinking or using porn or pursuing sex. You have a pattern of getting very depressed over break-ups. Do you run to, and then run away from, relationships? Let me help guide you through difficult times. With compassion, without judgment, I can help you reduce suffering, and create a renewed life.
IFS therapy looks at our inner world as a family system of sub-personalities which all have their own needs, it helps us talk to them, solve inner conflicts, remove blocks and limiting beliefs, heal trauma so that our internal system becomes balanced and functions smoothly.
IFS Therapist with an eclectic and inventive approach. Practicing Internal Family Systems Therapy ( IFS) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). I believe that people already have within themselves what they need in order to overcome their struggles. All it takes is a bit of guidance and someone to ask the right questions. My wish for my clients is that they find the inner freedom to live the life that they want. I mostly work with expats, travelers, digital nomads, burners - I can relate to the lifestyle and can appreciate the need for flexibility and rescheduling sessions when necessary, however, anyone is welcome.
IFS therapy looks at our inner world as a family system of sub-personalities which all have their own needs, it helps us talk to them, solve inner conflicts, remove blocks and limiting beliefs, heal trauma so that our internal system becomes balanced and functions smoothly.
IFS Therapist with an eclectic and inventive approach. Practicing Internal Family Systems Therapy ( IFS) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). I believe that people already have within themselves what they need in order to overcome their struggles. All it takes is a bit of guidance and someone to ask the right questions. My wish for my clients is that they find the inner freedom to live the life that they want. I mostly work with expats, travelers, digital nomads, burners - I can relate to the lifestyle and can appreciate the need for flexibility and rescheduling sessions when necessary, however, anyone is welcome.
Mark Muse
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 (Online Only)
Utilizing person-centered and strengths-based techniques, such as Internal Family Systems and Positive Psychology, I will support you in unlocking your inner wisdom, identifying your strengths, and overcoming the barriers that stand in the way of your personal growth and fulfillment.
Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey towards embracing your true self and overcoming life's challenges? As a licensed clinical social worker with a decade of experience, specializing in LGBTQIA+ issues, gender-affirming care, and trauma, I am here to guide and support you every step of the way. With years of dedicated practice in both group and private settings, I am deeply committed to providing compassionate, nonjudgmental, and affirming therapy. My approach is rooted in the belief that you are the expert of your own life. I am here to meet you where you are and honor your unique experiences.
Utilizing person-centered and strengths-based techniques, such as Internal Family Systems and Positive Psychology, I will support you in unlocking your inner wisdom, identifying your strengths, and overcoming the barriers that stand in the way of your personal growth and fulfillment.
Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey towards embracing your true self and overcoming life's challenges? As a licensed clinical social worker with a decade of experience, specializing in LGBTQIA+ issues, gender-affirming care, and trauma, I am here to guide and support you every step of the way. With years of dedicated practice in both group and private settings, I am deeply committed to providing compassionate, nonjudgmental, and affirming therapy. My approach is rooted in the belief that you are the expert of your own life. I am here to meet you where you are and honor your unique experiences.
My approach to therapy is client centered, using a variety of modalities including CBT, DBT and family systems therapy.
I specialize in Anxiety, Depression, & Mood Disorders. I am a licensed professional counselor that has been working in behavioral health for over 20 years, obtaining my Bachelors and Masters degrees from La Salle University in Philadelphia. I have been fortunate to have backgrounds in both addiction and mental health at all levels of care, including inpatient residential, intensive outpatient and outpatient. My approach to therapy is client centered, using a variety of modalities including CBT, DBT and family systems therapy. I believe in the mind/body connection and offer guided imagery.
My approach to therapy is client centered, using a variety of modalities including CBT, DBT and family systems therapy.
I specialize in Anxiety, Depression, & Mood Disorders. I am a licensed professional counselor that has been working in behavioral health for over 20 years, obtaining my Bachelors and Masters degrees from La Salle University in Philadelphia. I have been fortunate to have backgrounds in both addiction and mental health at all levels of care, including inpatient residential, intensive outpatient and outpatient. My approach to therapy is client centered, using a variety of modalities including CBT, DBT and family systems therapy. I believe in the mind/body connection and offer guided imagery.
Kerry A McGuire
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wilton Manors, FL 33305
I’m here to help you navigate life's challenges! I specialize in a blend of techniques—like DBT, CBT, trauma therapy, Attatchment, IFS, EMDR—tailored just for you, in order for you to apply coping skills, build support, explore & change old patterns, move through past pain, and be at peace! My focus is creating a warm, safe space where you feel understood.
Welcome! I’m here to help you navigate the tough emotions that can arise from life’s challenges. I understand the feelings of confusion, overwhelm, and isolation that often accompany struggles with life transitions, relationship/family dynamics, mental health challenges, trauma, or addiction. I provide a warm and supportive environment where you can feel safe exploring these emotions. I’m passionate about empowering you to find your own path to happiness. We can work together to develop healthier coping strategies and build a fulfilling and authentic life! You deserve to feel understood and supported and I’m here to help.
I’m here to help you navigate life's challenges! I specialize in a blend of techniques—like DBT, CBT, trauma therapy, Attatchment, IFS, EMDR—tailored just for you, in order for you to apply coping skills, build support, explore & change old patterns, move through past pain, and be at peace! My focus is creating a warm, safe space where you feel understood.
Welcome! I’m here to help you navigate the tough emotions that can arise from life’s challenges. I understand the feelings of confusion, overwhelm, and isolation that often accompany struggles with life transitions, relationship/family dynamics, mental health challenges, trauma, or addiction. I provide a warm and supportive environment where you can feel safe exploring these emotions. I’m passionate about empowering you to find your own path to happiness. We can work together to develop healthier coping strategies and build a fulfilling and authentic life! You deserve to feel understood and supported and I’m here to help.
I am trained in family systems theory, NeuroAffective Relationship Model, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
Hey! I'm Josh, I am a relationship and trauma therapist. I specialize in helping individuals and partners navigate relationship trauma. I'm passionate about assisting people in building more satisfying and fulfilling connections with themselves and others, helping them overcome barriers that cause disconnection. I work with all types of relationship dynamics, including monogamous couples, open relationships, Queer and LGBTQIA+ partnerships, and non-traditional relationships. I love helping individuals and partners connect, accept, and love their authentic selves while facilitating a deeper connection with their loved ones.
I am trained in family systems theory, NeuroAffective Relationship Model, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
Hey! I'm Josh, I am a relationship and trauma therapist. I specialize in helping individuals and partners navigate relationship trauma. I'm passionate about assisting people in building more satisfying and fulfilling connections with themselves and others, helping them overcome barriers that cause disconnection. I work with all types of relationship dynamics, including monogamous couples, open relationships, Queer and LGBTQIA+ partnerships, and non-traditional relationships. I love helping individuals and partners connect, accept, and love their authentic selves while facilitating a deeper connection with their loved ones.
Lindsay M Syeh
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC, NCC, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 (Online Only)
I am a professionally trained EMDR therapist working towards certification, Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Trauma-Informed approaches.
Accepting NEW Client's - - - - If you're here you're wondering "how do I"... unpack unhelpful/toxic behaviors and beliefs? and/or unhealthy self-sabotaging patterns that may interfere with being emotionally present/available, emotionally aware, accessing meaning, joy, intimate connections, peace, purpose, and an authentic-wholehearted life. We will work together to deconstruct limiting beliefs, unhealthy attachments, mood dysregulation, and discover different ways to incorporate adaptive beliefs that contribute to a healthy, thriving, and a vibrant life.
I am a professionally trained EMDR therapist working towards certification, Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Trauma-Informed approaches.
Accepting NEW Client's - - - - If you're here you're wondering "how do I"... unpack unhelpful/toxic behaviors and beliefs? and/or unhealthy self-sabotaging patterns that may interfere with being emotionally present/available, emotionally aware, accessing meaning, joy, intimate connections, peace, purpose, and an authentic-wholehearted life. We will work together to deconstruct limiting beliefs, unhealthy attachments, mood dysregulation, and discover different ways to incorporate adaptive beliefs that contribute to a healthy, thriving, and a vibrant life.
Some of the techniques I tend to use are: person-centered, dialectical behavioral therapy, internal family systems, play therapy, mindfulness, art therapy, and trauma-informed approaches.
Hi, I’m Brenna and my pronouns are she/her. I am really passionate about helping Latinx, neurodivergent, and queer kids, teens, and adults navigate their identities, set boundaries, improve parent/child relationships, and heal their inner child. My goal is to guide you through your healing journey, while ensuring you feel safe in sharing your story in an inclusive and holistic environment. I have helped clients through a variety of personal challenges, such as ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, generational trauma, grief/loss, identity, family/relationship dynamics, and life transitions.
Some of the techniques I tend to use are: person-centered, dialectical behavioral therapy, internal family systems, play therapy, mindfulness, art therapy, and trauma-informed approaches.
Hi, I’m Brenna and my pronouns are she/her. I am really passionate about helping Latinx, neurodivergent, and queer kids, teens, and adults navigate their identities, set boundaries, improve parent/child relationships, and heal their inner child. My goal is to guide you through your healing journey, while ensuring you feel safe in sharing your story in an inclusive and holistic environment. I have helped clients through a variety of personal challenges, such as ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, generational trauma, grief/loss, identity, family/relationship dynamics, and life transitions.
Gabby Rascati
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PMH-C, RYT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306 (Online Only)
I use primarily Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (learning how to acknowledge and accept feelings without getting stuck, while using your own values to guide behavior), and Internal Family Systems (understanding our own complexity, getting to know parts of ourselves that have various needs, and learning how to meet them).
I support clients who want to better connect to themselves, their emotions, their values, and their body. Because this type of identity work typically happens in early adulthood, I tend to work with folks 18-40. Often, but not always, my work involves understanding and managing anxiety, depression, the impact of trauma, stress, relationships, pregnancy/parenting transitions, and sexuality & gender identity.
I use primarily Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (learning how to acknowledge and accept feelings without getting stuck, while using your own values to guide behavior), and Internal Family Systems (understanding our own complexity, getting to know parts of ourselves that have various needs, and learning how to meet them).
I support clients who want to better connect to themselves, their emotions, their values, and their body. Because this type of identity work typically happens in early adulthood, I tend to work with folks 18-40. Often, but not always, my work involves understanding and managing anxiety, depression, the impact of trauma, stress, relationships, pregnancy/parenting transitions, and sexuality & gender identity.
Do you feel like you would like to change your life and don’t know how? Are you feeling down, lonely, unmotivated, or not knowing what to do? Do you have problems at work or with your family or friends? Life challenges can become difficult to handle when we are alone and sometimes we need someone objective who we can trust and can help us. I am a bilingual Licensed Mental Health Counselor dedicated to helping people get better and feel good about themselves and life. I work with individual clients in person and online, in English and Spanish, ages 18 and up. Call me for a free 15-minute phone consultation.
Do you feel like you would like to change your life and don’t know how? Are you feeling down, lonely, unmotivated, or not knowing what to do? Do you have problems at work or with your family or friends? Life challenges can become difficult to handle when we are alone and sometimes we need someone objective who we can trust and can help us. I am a bilingual Licensed Mental Health Counselor dedicated to helping people get better and feel good about themselves and life. I work with individual clients in person and online, in English and Spanish, ages 18 and up. Call me for a free 15-minute phone consultation.
Alexander Manuel Iribar
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, MS
Verified Verified
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
My ideal clients are individuals navigating the challenges of ADHD, anxiety, depression, burnout, and life transitions. I work with children (age 6+), adolescents, and adults, including college students and parents seeking support. These clients often feel overwhelmed, struggle with focus, or face emotional hurdles. They seek a safe, non-judgmental space to explore their thoughts and feelings, gain insight, and develop coping strategies. My goal is to guide them towards self-understanding, resilience, and improved well-being, empowering them to achieve a balanced, fulfilling life.
My ideal clients are individuals navigating the challenges of ADHD, anxiety, depression, burnout, and life transitions. I work with children (age 6+), adolescents, and adults, including college students and parents seeking support. These clients often feel overwhelmed, struggle with focus, or face emotional hurdles. They seek a safe, non-judgmental space to explore their thoughts and feelings, gain insight, and develop coping strategies. My goal is to guide them towards self-understanding, resilience, and improved well-being, empowering them to achieve a balanced, fulfilling life.
Alisa Gracheva
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Working with trauma is something that I am truly passionate about. I am dedicated to learning and practicing the latest approaches and methods of dealing with and healing from traumatic experiences that all of us had to face more than once in our lifetime. When we bury feelings, we bury them alive. Trauma resides in our bodies, even if we choose to ignore it. I use various methods such as EMDR, CBT, Logotherapy, Spiritual guidance, etc. to get to the root of it.
Working with trauma is something that I am truly passionate about. I am dedicated to learning and practicing the latest approaches and methods of dealing with and healing from traumatic experiences that all of us had to face more than once in our lifetime. When we bury feelings, we bury them alive. Trauma resides in our bodies, even if we choose to ignore it. I use various methods such as EMDR, CBT, Logotherapy, Spiritual guidance, etc. to get to the root of it.
See more therapy options for Oakland Park
Nearby Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists Searches for Oakland Park
- Coconut Creek
- Cooper City
- Coral Springs
- Davie
- Deerfield Beach
- Fort Lauderdale
- Parkland
- Plantation
- Pompano Beach
- Sunrise
- Tamarac
- Wilton Manors
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.