Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists in Elmwood Park, IL
![Photo of Autumn Starks, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/520b03c5-2055-4a66-b222-37f4e57795d0/2/320x400.png)
Autumn Starks
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Elmwood Park, IL 60707
I use experiential therapies including Internal Family Systems, Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy and psychedelic integration support with clients to support them as they explore their inner world and resources.
As a therapist, I provide the structure and support needed to deepen inner work. Have you been in therapy for a while and feel stuck? Many of us get through our initial experience in counseling and feel better, have healthier boundaries and feel more sure of ourselves. This is so incredible and many stop therapy here. For others, often therapists, creatives, spiritual seekers or those in helping professions, we have a sense that there is more to be uncovered here. That is my focus as a therapist. Inner work can feel murky. I provide a clarifying container to deepen in the midst of the unknown and the hunch that there is more to see.
I use experiential therapies including Internal Family Systems, Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy and psychedelic integration support with clients to support them as they explore their inner world and resources.
As a therapist, I provide the structure and support needed to deepen inner work. Have you been in therapy for a while and feel stuck? Many of us get through our initial experience in counseling and feel better, have healthier boundaries and feel more sure of ourselves. This is so incredible and many stop therapy here. For others, often therapists, creatives, spiritual seekers or those in helping professions, we have a sense that there is more to be uncovered here. That is my focus as a therapist. Inner work can feel murky. I provide a clarifying container to deepen in the midst of the unknown and the hunch that there is more to see.
![Photo of Kary Ream, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f5511203-d583-485e-9b0b-7ad80ae6098d/4/320x400.jpeg)
Kary Ream
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Elmwood Park, IL 60707 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
“The ability to be in the present moment is a major component of mental wellness." - Abraham Maslow
“The ability to be in the present moment is a major component of mental wellness." - Abraham Maslow
![Photo of Tania E Nunez, LCPC , Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45ca89c1-35f5-4e55-860b-473b0b5f732e/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have experience in working with adults and adolescents that have experienced trauma, anxiety and depression. Most of my clients that I have supported have been uncomfortable with their daily lifestyle and are seeking to make active changes to improve their quality of life.
I have experience in working with adults and adolescents that have experienced trauma, anxiety and depression. Most of my clients that I have supported have been uncomfortable with their daily lifestyle and are seeking to make active changes to improve their quality of life.
![Photo of Dr. Heidi D Schwartz, PsyD, LCPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48790179-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Heidi D Schwartz
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PsyD, LCPC
Verified Verified
Elmwood Park, IL 60707
I have been practicing psychotherapy for 32 years. My clinical work centers around helping people develop satisfying relationships and lifestyles. We will work collaboratively to help you heal old wounds and make insightful meaning of your patterns of self-defeating thoughts and behaviors as they impact your current functioning and relationships. I will help you develop inner strength and creativity to remedy depression, anxiety, and unhappiness. Ultimately, you will ably make intentional choices about managing your life, goals, work, and relationships.
I have been practicing psychotherapy for 32 years. My clinical work centers around helping people develop satisfying relationships and lifestyles. We will work collaboratively to help you heal old wounds and make insightful meaning of your patterns of self-defeating thoughts and behaviors as they impact your current functioning and relationships. I will help you develop inner strength and creativity to remedy depression, anxiety, and unhappiness. Ultimately, you will ably make intentional choices about managing your life, goals, work, and relationships.
![Photo of Katarina Berin, MA, LCPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1e70a6fd-262a-41a5-b898-81b69ababa3e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Katarina Berin
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Elmwood Park, IL 60707
Welcome and best wishes on your search for help. Please know that therapy is a good option that has helped many others in difficult times. I offer a compassionate, calm and supportive environment for clients to talk about their experiences, organize their thoughts and understand their emotions. You may be struggling with behaviours that you feel are unhealthy, or emotional difficulties that are impacting functioning. Maybe it’s thoughts that are not serving you well or life events that are hard to process. You do not have to go through it alone.
Welcome and best wishes on your search for help. Please know that therapy is a good option that has helped many others in difficult times. I offer a compassionate, calm and supportive environment for clients to talk about their experiences, organize their thoughts and understand their emotions. You may be struggling with behaviours that you feel are unhealthy, or emotional difficulties that are impacting functioning. Maybe it’s thoughts that are not serving you well or life events that are hard to process. You do not have to go through it alone.
![Photo of Abraham Diaz, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b311bdcc-77bd-4db1-9a8b-dd168a4c8366/2/320x400.jpeg)
Abraham Diaz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Elmwood Park, IL 60707 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I help adults who have experienced symptoms related to depression, anxiety and adjustment disorder, amongst other things. I provide a safe space for those who are hoping to gain insight into their experiences and develop adaptive coping skills to adjust to their struggles. Among the other issues I have assisted clients with are: Struggles with ADHD and other learning disabilities, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, sexual abuse, adjustment disorder, issues related to struggles in the work force such as burnout and Vicarious Trauma, working through relationship issues, and issues related to systemic oppression.
I help adults who have experienced symptoms related to depression, anxiety and adjustment disorder, amongst other things. I provide a safe space for those who are hoping to gain insight into their experiences and develop adaptive coping skills to adjust to their struggles. Among the other issues I have assisted clients with are: Struggles with ADHD and other learning disabilities, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, sexual abuse, adjustment disorder, issues related to struggles in the work force such as burnout and Vicarious Trauma, working through relationship issues, and issues related to systemic oppression.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Grace Harrington, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/442ff99f-f460-48ad-a7e9-88934436c7b4/4/320x400.jpeg)
Grace Harrington
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60301
Warmth, compassion, and curiosity are values that drive me as a therapist and a person. I use humor and empathy often, as I believe both laughter and difficult emotions are important parts of the human experience of healing. You won't hear me dispensing answers or advice, but I will continue to invite you into a process of self-discovery and curiosity. That way you will be able make decisions that align with the core of who you are. I do therapy with both a relational and big picture lens, as well as utilizing strategies from Internal Family Systems Theory.
Warmth, compassion, and curiosity are values that drive me as a therapist and a person. I use humor and empathy often, as I believe both laughter and difficult emotions are important parts of the human experience of healing. You won't hear me dispensing answers or advice, but I will continue to invite you into a process of self-discovery and curiosity. That way you will be able make decisions that align with the core of who you are. I do therapy with both a relational and big picture lens, as well as utilizing strategies from Internal Family Systems Theory.
![Photo of Amanda Zoloto, MSW, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7f22d0c6-4a0d-4277-8892-ed1c7916f16b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Amanda Zoloto
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60302 (Online Only)
Using a client-centered, body-neutral approach, I incorporate solutions-focused therapies, systems theories, IFS/Somatic Parts Work, and mindfulness and meditative techniques.
I love supporting my clients in discovering the brightest versions of themselves. I strive to be a grounding presence, offering strengths-based insight in a consistent, nurturing, and nourishing space where you can stretch, grow, and thrive. My trauma-informed clinical work also names the heavy impact of the systems at play in our lives - racism, white supremacy, colonization, capitalism, patriarchy, anti-queerness, anti-fatness and ableism must be acknowledged as complex and enduring influences on our institutions and therefore on our individual and collective healing.
Using a client-centered, body-neutral approach, I incorporate solutions-focused therapies, systems theories, IFS/Somatic Parts Work, and mindfulness and meditative techniques.
I love supporting my clients in discovering the brightest versions of themselves. I strive to be a grounding presence, offering strengths-based insight in a consistent, nurturing, and nourishing space where you can stretch, grow, and thrive. My trauma-informed clinical work also names the heavy impact of the systems at play in our lives - racism, white supremacy, colonization, capitalism, patriarchy, anti-queerness, anti-fatness and ableism must be acknowledged as complex and enduring influences on our institutions and therefore on our individual and collective healing.
![Photo of Hezekiah Franklin, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5017d349-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
By employing Existential-Humanistic, ACT, and IFS techniques, I strive to promote wellness in mind, body, and spirit.
Living well is an extremely difficult affair. Whether a hard relationship, a traumatic event, or a rough season of life that makes little sense - there is hope. As a lover of stories, I have found that the most potent ones often lie buried beneath layers of pain, guilt, and shame, where they subconsciously influence the way we think, feel, and connect with others. The process of healing can only begin as we tell the very stories that bring us pain and choose to love the parts of ourselves that may seem most frightening. Whatever you're facing, I know having a safe space to better understand your world will make it more manageable.
By employing Existential-Humanistic, ACT, and IFS techniques, I strive to promote wellness in mind, body, and spirit.
Living well is an extremely difficult affair. Whether a hard relationship, a traumatic event, or a rough season of life that makes little sense - there is hope. As a lover of stories, I have found that the most potent ones often lie buried beneath layers of pain, guilt, and shame, where they subconsciously influence the way we think, feel, and connect with others. The process of healing can only begin as we tell the very stories that bring us pain and choose to love the parts of ourselves that may seem most frightening. Whatever you're facing, I know having a safe space to better understand your world will make it more manageable.
![Photo of Rebecca Davis, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f547cc0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rebecca Davis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60302 (Online Only)
I have spent the last 13 years becoming formally trained in therapeutic models that are both restorative and result producing (Internal Family Systems, Somatic Internal Family Systems, EMDR, Art Therapy).
When we are able to truly understand ourselves and our relationships, we can build a life of genuine meaning and connection. Many people enter into therapy only to find themselves gaining small amounts of insight that produce little or no changes in their life. My therapeutic methods produce results that not only change the way we feel about ourselves in the world but change our behaviors. I am respectful of the fact that everyone's pace and tolerance to different interventions varies. My work is reflective of the care and respect I have for each and every client as individuals.
I have spent the last 13 years becoming formally trained in therapeutic models that are both restorative and result producing (Internal Family Systems, Somatic Internal Family Systems, EMDR, Art Therapy).
When we are able to truly understand ourselves and our relationships, we can build a life of genuine meaning and connection. Many people enter into therapy only to find themselves gaining small amounts of insight that produce little or no changes in their life. My therapeutic methods produce results that not only change the way we feel about ourselves in the world but change our behaviors. I am respectful of the fact that everyone's pace and tolerance to different interventions varies. My work is reflective of the care and respect I have for each and every client as individuals.
![Photo of Anna Fredrick, MSW, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9f2334cd-719d-4d83-86cb-55d749a0f96d/2/320x400.jpeg)
I predominantly draw from the Internal Family Systems approach, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and mindfulness to increase an individual's understanding of their own experiences and responses as well as develop skills in order to continue their growth and development.
I am a psychotherapist that works with children, adolescents, young adults and families. I work with depression, anxiety, gender exploration and ADHD, with experience treating oppositional defiant disorder, adjustment disorders, bipolar, and PTSD.
I predominantly draw from the Internal Family Systems approach, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and mindfulness to increase an individual's understanding of their own experiences and responses as well as develop skills in order to continue their growth and development.
I am a psychotherapist that works with children, adolescents, young adults and families. I work with depression, anxiety, gender exploration and ADHD, with experience treating oppositional defiant disorder, adjustment disorders, bipolar, and PTSD.
![Photo of Innovative Counseling Partners Pllc - Innovative Counseling Partners, PLLC, LPC, LSW, LCPC, LCSW, MA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/58179b92-dc3e-4f6e-87f4-52539ecd9b06/2/320x400.jpeg)
Innovative Counseling Partners, PLLC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LPC, LSW, LCPC, LCSW, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60301
We have a client centered, Family Systems, and Integrated holistic approach to therapy.
Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers, finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward an Integrative approach and help our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tends toward a systems based approach using behavior methods.
We have a client centered, Family Systems, and Integrated holistic approach to therapy.
Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers, finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward an Integrative approach and help our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tends toward a systems based approach using behavior methods.
![Photo of Blair Barbour, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e5d723f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Blair Barbour
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60301
Waitlist for new clients
Having received training in a number of treatment modalities, including being a Level 3 IFS therapist, I offer tools for improving the quality of your life, and support for the emotional learning that comes with psychotherapy.
People with stressful lives, who have been trying their best to deal with anxiety, self esteem, relationship issues -- all reasons people contact me initially. You may have noticed feeling or behaving in ways that are self-defeating, or you are disappointed that you don't feel more authentic with others, or fully engaged in your life. Crises such as divorce or loss, challenges in parenting or work pressures can serve as catalysts for reevaluating the way we've been living. Psychotherapy offers a unique opportunity to discover what I believe is inherent in everyone: the ability to change and grow and heal.
Having received training in a number of treatment modalities, including being a Level 3 IFS therapist, I offer tools for improving the quality of your life, and support for the emotional learning that comes with psychotherapy.
People with stressful lives, who have been trying their best to deal with anxiety, self esteem, relationship issues -- all reasons people contact me initially. You may have noticed feeling or behaving in ways that are self-defeating, or you are disappointed that you don't feel more authentic with others, or fully engaged in your life. Crises such as divorce or loss, challenges in parenting or work pressures can serve as catalysts for reevaluating the way we've been living. Psychotherapy offers a unique opportunity to discover what I believe is inherent in everyone: the ability to change and grow and heal.
![Photo of Rachel Steele, MA, MSW, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f248e30-4208-4d60-a0f8-ee3d9299af07/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rachel Steele
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60644
Rachel’s goal in therapy is to provide clients with a strong, stable sense of self and the confidence to live more honestly in relationship with others. As a therapist, Rachel draws heavily on her psychoanalytic training, helping clients access unconscious thoughts that may be affecting day to day life and relationships with the belief that insight itself can be liberating. Rachel’s approach extends beyond the psychoanalytic and is integrative, pulling from behavioralist models as well as family systems and attachment theory when and where appropriate. Rachel works primarily with adolescents, adults, and couples.
Rachel’s goal in therapy is to provide clients with a strong, stable sense of self and the confidence to live more honestly in relationship with others. As a therapist, Rachel draws heavily on her psychoanalytic training, helping clients access unconscious thoughts that may be affecting day to day life and relationships with the belief that insight itself can be liberating. Rachel’s approach extends beyond the psychoanalytic and is integrative, pulling from behavioralist models as well as family systems and attachment theory when and where appropriate. Rachel works primarily with adolescents, adults, and couples.
![Photo of Tracy Leman, LCPC, PMH-C, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/59c62f73-6cd8-4e7c-a16a-13e2bfc726af/1/320x400.jpeg)
I use tools and ideas from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, mindfulness, meditation, and self compassion practices.
I work with people who are recovering from religious trauma, deconstructing their faith, or reintegrating spirituality into their lives, including those from the LGBTQIA+ community who have been harmed by religious groups. I am dedicated to an anti-oppression approach and love to learn and grow with clients seeking similar values. I value working with teenagers and young adults to empower them care for themselves and grow in confidence. I have expertise in working with adoptive families and birth parents. I am certified in Perinatal Mental Health to guide parents navigating the intense life changes of pregnancy and parenthood.
I use tools and ideas from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, mindfulness, meditation, and self compassion practices.
I work with people who are recovering from religious trauma, deconstructing their faith, or reintegrating spirituality into their lives, including those from the LGBTQIA+ community who have been harmed by religious groups. I am dedicated to an anti-oppression approach and love to learn and grow with clients seeking similar values. I value working with teenagers and young adults to empower them care for themselves and grow in confidence. I have expertise in working with adoptive families and birth parents. I am certified in Perinatal Mental Health to guide parents navigating the intense life changes of pregnancy and parenthood.
![Photo of Kayla Wingert, MA, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/63fbb6a1-612a-4dc8-8f9f-ddfac35f7fb2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kayla Wingert
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60301
I draw from principles of Psychodynamic Therapy, Relational Cultural Theory, Internal Family Systems, Attachment Theory, ACT, Health at Every Size, and Somatic therapies, and practice from a trauma-informed perspective.
As a queer and polyamorous therapist, I am passionate about working with queer and trans people, polyamorous individuals and relationships, kink and BDSM communities, and folks living life outside the religious traditions they were raised in. I particularly enjoy working with couples who are exploring opening their relationship or otherwise restructuring their relationship. I also work with triads, polycules, metamours, and other non-monogamous relationship configurations around communication and conflict, jealousy and insecurity, dating and breakups, and rethinking relationships.
I draw from principles of Psychodynamic Therapy, Relational Cultural Theory, Internal Family Systems, Attachment Theory, ACT, Health at Every Size, and Somatic therapies, and practice from a trauma-informed perspective.
As a queer and polyamorous therapist, I am passionate about working with queer and trans people, polyamorous individuals and relationships, kink and BDSM communities, and folks living life outside the religious traditions they were raised in. I particularly enjoy working with couples who are exploring opening their relationship or otherwise restructuring their relationship. I also work with triads, polycules, metamours, and other non-monogamous relationship configurations around communication and conflict, jealousy and insecurity, dating and breakups, and rethinking relationships.
![Photo of Madigan Kent, LCSW, SEP, SSP, Coach, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4627984f-f292-42df-bc7b-b45d5c2b5d26/2/320x400.jpeg)
Madigan Kent
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SEP, SSP, Coach
Verified Verified
River Forest, IL 60305
I use Internal Family System (IFS) to reclaim disconnected parts of self, mindfulness and meditation to support better stress responses, DBT and ACT to reshape black and white thinking and Coaching to do forward thinking work.
Hello! And welcome to my practice. I have a couple of specialities. First, I help sufferers of trauma become safely emobodied after years of disconnection and fear of feeling. Second, I help clients build nervous system regulation and secure attachment so they may feel safer and more free in the world. Third, I coach clients make room for their true 'selves' in their lives, without sacrificing family or connection, blending individuation/exploration with secure attachment. And finally, I help clients remove barriers between them and their goals so they may lead more purpose driven lives for themselves and those around them.
I use Internal Family System (IFS) to reclaim disconnected parts of self, mindfulness and meditation to support better stress responses, DBT and ACT to reshape black and white thinking and Coaching to do forward thinking work.
Hello! And welcome to my practice. I have a couple of specialities. First, I help sufferers of trauma become safely emobodied after years of disconnection and fear of feeling. Second, I help clients build nervous system regulation and secure attachment so they may feel safer and more free in the world. Third, I coach clients make room for their true 'selves' in their lives, without sacrificing family or connection, blending individuation/exploration with secure attachment. And finally, I help clients remove barriers between them and their goals so they may lead more purpose driven lives for themselves and those around them.
![Photo of Terri M Hager, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a3012b54-3eec-4f6c-a7b9-9b987c8e0c84/1/320x400.jpeg)
Terri M Hager
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60301
Waitlist for new clients
My main form of therapy is Internal Family Systems Therapy, a psycho-spiritual method that is completely non-judgmental, kind, respectful, and effective.
Starting on a course of healing takes courage, but it is one of the most rewarding things we can do for ourselves. We have all been hurt at different times, and those hurt parts of ourselves are very grateful when we give them some loving attention and start the healing process. We unconsciously create blocks to our own health, but we can also learn to gently release those blocks. We are actually hard-wired for loving ourselves, believe it or not, even those parts we don't like, are afraid of, or are embarrassed about, and that self-love is healing. Therapy is not an instant process, but is very worthwhile.
My main form of therapy is Internal Family Systems Therapy, a psycho-spiritual method that is completely non-judgmental, kind, respectful, and effective.
Starting on a course of healing takes courage, but it is one of the most rewarding things we can do for ourselves. We have all been hurt at different times, and those hurt parts of ourselves are very grateful when we give them some loving attention and start the healing process. We unconsciously create blocks to our own health, but we can also learn to gently release those blocks. We are actually hard-wired for loving ourselves, believe it or not, even those parts we don't like, are afraid of, or are embarrassed about, and that self-love is healing. Therapy is not an instant process, but is very worthwhile.
![Photo of Jesenia Chavez, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a8c0dac5-ef19-4896-9f14-2596c86cc600/1/320x400.png)
Jesenia Chavez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60302 (Online Only)
I am a trauma-informed psychotherapist and borrow from Internal Family Systems (IFS), attachment theory, and psychodynamic approaches.
I am a queer, second-generation immigrant Latine psychotherapist who partners with folks to navigate the demands of a society that is so often limiting and oppressive to us. I'm passionate about working with adults that were parentified as children, grew up in dysfunctional family systems, and BIPOC and queer adults that have historically felt "different." Therapy can be an opportunity to slow down and become curious about what in ourselves might need our attention. As you embark on this journey toward self-awareness, I will collaborate with you to turn toward the parts of yourself that have been disowned or burdened by pain.
I am a trauma-informed psychotherapist and borrow from Internal Family Systems (IFS), attachment theory, and psychodynamic approaches.
I am a queer, second-generation immigrant Latine psychotherapist who partners with folks to navigate the demands of a society that is so often limiting and oppressive to us. I'm passionate about working with adults that were parentified as children, grew up in dysfunctional family systems, and BIPOC and queer adults that have historically felt "different." Therapy can be an opportunity to slow down and become curious about what in ourselves might need our attention. As you embark on this journey toward self-awareness, I will collaborate with you to turn toward the parts of yourself that have been disowned or burdened by pain.
![Photo of Celina Huerta, LCPC, CCTP, CSTIP, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/38457a62-10a9-443b-a2ee-9f9a30a5d8e0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Celina Huerta
Counselor, LCPC, CCTP, CSTIP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60634 (Online Only)
As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Certified Trauma Professional, and Certified Sex Therapy Informed Professional, with 10 years of experience, I have worked with youth & adults to help them overcome obstacles sustained through life’s challenges. I also have experience providing therapy to other fellow clinicians and provide a safe space for them to be their authentic selves. Whether a first therapeutic experience or continued services for you, I focus on building healthy and trusting therapeutic relationships and provide an empowering experience in therapy for individuals of different ethnicities, ages and sex.
As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Certified Trauma Professional, and Certified Sex Therapy Informed Professional, with 10 years of experience, I have worked with youth & adults to help them overcome obstacles sustained through life’s challenges. I also have experience providing therapy to other fellow clinicians and provide a safe space for them to be their authentic selves. Whether a first therapeutic experience or continued services for you, I focus on building healthy and trusting therapeutic relationships and provide an empowering experience in therapy for individuals of different ethnicities, ages and sex.
See more therapy options for Elmwood Park
Nearby Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists Searches for Elmwood Park
- Berwyn
- Brookfield
- Cicero
- Elmhurst
- Forest Park
- Lakeview
- Lincolnwood
- Niles
- Oak Park
- Park Ridge
- River Forest
- Riverside
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.