Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists in Sewanee, TN
![Photo of Emily Ezell, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0c1ff385-796a-4009-bfb9-f824ba62d74a/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am passionate about providing a safe and welcoming space for people to receive support and heal. I care deeply about meeting clients where they are and tailoring sessions to their specific needs. In my work with clients, I strive to create a space in which we can become curious about patterns that are no longer working, and how they might have developed in the first place. I help people develop more effective ways of coping, and I support them in changing the ways they relate to themselves and others.
I am passionate about providing a safe and welcoming space for people to receive support and heal. I care deeply about meeting clients where they are and tailoring sessions to their specific needs. In my work with clients, I strive to create a space in which we can become curious about patterns that are no longer working, and how they might have developed in the first place. I help people develop more effective ways of coping, and I support them in changing the ways they relate to themselves and others.
![Photo of Ashley Liston-Avnaim, LPC, MHSP, MA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/74482b15-5ef6-4152-a29b-be760a4f3152/1/320x400.jpeg)
It is my hope to partner with you in learning how to first be with and then move through life's painful experiences in such a way that feels authentic to you. If you have unresolved grief, trauma or other barriers to your ability to thrive, I would love to join you in opening new doors to embodied and conscious living. I enjoy working with folks from most walks of life, those with body-based concerns such as chronic illness, chronic pain or difficult to diagnose physical symptoms that may be having an impact on mental health.
It is my hope to partner with you in learning how to first be with and then move through life's painful experiences in such a way that feels authentic to you. If you have unresolved grief, trauma or other barriers to your ability to thrive, I would love to join you in opening new doors to embodied and conscious living. I enjoy working with folks from most walks of life, those with body-based concerns such as chronic illness, chronic pain or difficult to diagnose physical symptoms that may be having an impact on mental health.
![Photo of Tom G Camp, MDiv, MS, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/87c1bbf3-67dd-4e82-af1b-2acb7a9dc7e0/2/320x400.jpeg)
We all seek safety, health and happiness in our lives, sometimes supported by, and other times challenged by, our life experiences, relationships and larger environment. Life often provides many resources for safety, health and happiness. When our connection with these resources is somehow block or reduced, we can use a supportive, caring relationship to find our way through worries, depression, dependencies, grief, low self-esteem, relationship disturbances, and spiritual struggles.
We all seek safety, health and happiness in our lives, sometimes supported by, and other times challenged by, our life experiences, relationships and larger environment. Life often provides many resources for safety, health and happiness. When our connection with these resources is somehow block or reduced, we can use a supportive, caring relationship to find our way through worries, depression, dependencies, grief, low self-esteem, relationship disturbances, and spiritual struggles.
![Photo of Bailey Basham, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cb78608f-3740-40e4-9e5c-ae4b2cea4599/1/320x400.jpeg)
As a long-time client myself, I believe therapy is a vital part of challenging the parts of our brains that operate from places of pain. I understand the importance of having the opportunity to share experiences with those who can hold space for us. In my practice, I strive to create a comfortable, welcoming environment for all clients.
As a long-time client myself, I believe therapy is a vital part of challenging the parts of our brains that operate from places of pain. I understand the importance of having the opportunity to share experiences with those who can hold space for us. In my practice, I strive to create a comfortable, welcoming environment for all clients.
![Photo of Braxton Foster, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f5e7db09-4efc-4a2a-a434-69141ff09c28/1/320x400.jpeg)
Braxton Foster
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Sewanee, TN 37375 (Online Only)
Are you feeling stuck, confused, or unsure in life? Do you have the desire to make changes but don’t know where or how to start? You may experience fear of feeling uncomfortable emotions, heartbreak at the loss of a dear friend, stress related to finances or work, anxiety with building new connections with others, or shame surrounding addictive behaviors.
Are you feeling stuck, confused, or unsure in life? Do you have the desire to make changes but don’t know where or how to start? You may experience fear of feeling uncomfortable emotions, heartbreak at the loss of a dear friend, stress related to finances or work, anxiety with building new connections with others, or shame surrounding addictive behaviors.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Jones Zimmerman, Jones Zimmerman, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dd55a3ba-3d9f-4a8e-a6eb-9cf9f9814ab5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jones Zimmerman
Licensed Professional Counselor, Jones Zimmerman
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37212
Most of the folks I work with have experienced relational trauma (abuse/neglect), dysfunctional family systems, and/or social marginalization. Our brains and nervous systems are incredibly resilient and creative in adapting to these challenges. Ironically, sometimes the very adaptations that once helped us survive keep us stuck in painful patterns. My clients often struggle with chronic anxiety, panic attacks, overwhelming emotions, or numbness and disconnection. They may feel intense self-doubt or internal criticism. They may long for close connections but also feel terrified of relationships.
Most of the folks I work with have experienced relational trauma (abuse/neglect), dysfunctional family systems, and/or social marginalization. Our brains and nervous systems are incredibly resilient and creative in adapting to these challenges. Ironically, sometimes the very adaptations that once helped us survive keep us stuck in painful patterns. My clients often struggle with chronic anxiety, panic attacks, overwhelming emotions, or numbness and disconnection. They may feel intense self-doubt or internal criticism. They may long for close connections but also feel terrified of relationships.
![Photo of Zachary Spoerl, MDiv, MA, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5343ca42-5126-45f6-99f7-4c428c1ea612/2/320x400.jpeg)
Zachary Spoerl
Licensed Professional Counselor, MDiv, MA, MHSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cookeville, TN 38501 (Online Only)
and Internal Family Systems, both of which can be used to treat common symptoms, as well as those with more complex or traumatic histories.
I work with individuals, couples, and families from a range of experiences, but find that most are dealing with some form of anxiety, depression, or shame-based symptoms. It can be very difficult to address these issues with others in our lives for a number of valid and practical reasons. As a therapist, I offer a safe, private, and nonjudgemental space for people to begin discussing and exploring these often uncomfortable parts of self, with the hope that more understanding will lead to a lessening of symptoms, as well as a clearer path forward.
and Internal Family Systems, both of which can be used to treat common symptoms, as well as those with more complex or traumatic histories.
I work with individuals, couples, and families from a range of experiences, but find that most are dealing with some form of anxiety, depression, or shame-based symptoms. It can be very difficult to address these issues with others in our lives for a number of valid and practical reasons. As a therapist, I offer a safe, private, and nonjudgemental space for people to begin discussing and exploring these often uncomfortable parts of self, with the hope that more understanding will lead to a lessening of symptoms, as well as a clearer path forward.
![Photo of Erin Taylor Cabe, MMFT, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8ac37c90-6079-482f-af4e-d63fcf4418ac/1/320x400.jpeg)
I do this by creating a safe and warm environment for you and then act as a guide as we process past experiences using IFS and/or EMDR trauma therapies.
I believe that everyone can benefit from therapy at any point in time. Humans experience both immense joy and deep grief and trauma. Sometimes the latter overwhelms our ability to see the joy in our life or makes us feel like we are not living as we were meant to. If you keep feeling stuck no matter what you've tried to do on your own or in other therapies, that normally means there is trauma or pain that has not been processed yet. Enter me, I'm not like a regular therapist; I'm a cool therapist (I'm actually not cool, but I think I can be fun even when therapy isn't always the most fun). I want to help you feel unstuck.
I do this by creating a safe and warm environment for you and then act as a guide as we process past experiences using IFS and/or EMDR trauma therapies.
I believe that everyone can benefit from therapy at any point in time. Humans experience both immense joy and deep grief and trauma. Sometimes the latter overwhelms our ability to see the joy in our life or makes us feel like we are not living as we were meant to. If you keep feeling stuck no matter what you've tried to do on your own or in other therapies, that normally means there is trauma or pain that has not been processed yet. Enter me, I'm not like a regular therapist; I'm a cool therapist (I'm actually not cool, but I think I can be fun even when therapy isn't always the most fun). I want to help you feel unstuck.
![Photo of Taylor Rose-Allen, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2d8cc3b3-b151-4d62-9843-fbdd482b378d/3/320x400.jpeg)
Taylor Rose-Allen
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37214 (Online Only)
Do you feel stuck? Are you struggling with knowing what to do, but having a hard time getting there? Maybe you don't know where to begin! When working with clients I come from a holistic approach. We are all created with a mind, body and soul; therapy with me will tend to all parts of you. I am trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, IFS and EFT- all evidenced based practices proven to be effective for treating trauma, depression, anxiety and other issues. Through talking and engaging in more structured interventions during therapy, you can begin to heal and create a value driven, purposeful life filled with joy and contentment.
Do you feel stuck? Are you struggling with knowing what to do, but having a hard time getting there? Maybe you don't know where to begin! When working with clients I come from a holistic approach. We are all created with a mind, body and soul; therapy with me will tend to all parts of you. I am trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, IFS and EFT- all evidenced based practices proven to be effective for treating trauma, depression, anxiety and other issues. Through talking and engaging in more structured interventions during therapy, you can begin to heal and create a value driven, purposeful life filled with joy and contentment.
![Photo of Chelsea Bailey, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/214340ff-69d0-4571-a596-80fa084e3f24/1/320x400.jpeg)
In addition to IFS, I use brainspotting, an effective mind/body approach, to help individuals gain symptom relief from depression, anxiety, and trauma.
I believe we all have the intrinsic wisdom to know what we need to live balanced, fulfilling lives. Sometimes the behaviors and beliefs we learn to cope with overwhelming life experiences separate us from that wisdom. We learn to adapt in ways that help us survive. My hope is to provide a non-judgmental, compassionate setting to explore and address barriers to authentic living. I am trained in, and primarily work with, the internal family systems (IFS) model. IFS is a non-pathologizing, evidence-based model that helps us rediscover our authentic selves and explore our intricate systems.
In addition to IFS, I use brainspotting, an effective mind/body approach, to help individuals gain symptom relief from depression, anxiety, and trauma.
I believe we all have the intrinsic wisdom to know what we need to live balanced, fulfilling lives. Sometimes the behaviors and beliefs we learn to cope with overwhelming life experiences separate us from that wisdom. We learn to adapt in ways that help us survive. My hope is to provide a non-judgmental, compassionate setting to explore and address barriers to authentic living. I am trained in, and primarily work with, the internal family systems (IFS) model. IFS is a non-pathologizing, evidence-based model that helps us rediscover our authentic selves and explore our intricate systems.
![Photo of Brooke Casella, MMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/87d0f212-26e0-41b5-804b-387372874ca1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Brooke Casella
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203
I have an integrative approach to therapy drawing from Attachment Therapy, EFT, and IFS (internal family systems), while valuing the therapeutic relationship above all.
Every human at one point or another needs help on their journey in life. Perhaps you are feeling stuck or disconnected, experiencing a loss, or in the midst of a life transition. Maybe life feels overwhelming or your ways of being (beliefs and strategies) are no longer working for you or you are just longing for things to be different but aren’t sure where to even start. It takes great courage to find a counselor and begin the process of healing and wholeness that can come through therapy. I understand this as I have experienced my own transformative growth and healing through personal therapy.
I have an integrative approach to therapy drawing from Attachment Therapy, EFT, and IFS (internal family systems), while valuing the therapeutic relationship above all.
Every human at one point or another needs help on their journey in life. Perhaps you are feeling stuck or disconnected, experiencing a loss, or in the midst of a life transition. Maybe life feels overwhelming or your ways of being (beliefs and strategies) are no longer working for you or you are just longing for things to be different but aren’t sure where to even start. It takes great courage to find a counselor and begin the process of healing and wholeness that can come through therapy. I understand this as I have experienced my own transformative growth and healing through personal therapy.
![Photo of Kara Conner, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dd8b9e0a-81f7-48be-9939-0ffa65a1e6ad/4/320x400.jpeg)
I incorporate a range of evidence-based modalities like DBT, RO-DBT, MI, Mindful Self-Compassion, and IFS, which allows us to tailor treatment to your needs.
My clients have complicated family relationships, which often include addiction, boundary conflicts, or a lack of emotional understanding. They tend to be anxious overthinkers, striving to break intergenerational cycles, but they struggle to connect with themselves on a deeper level. Our work together will focus on increasing your emotional understanding, identifying the patterns that are keeping you from living the life you desire, and moving into a space of self-acceptance.
I incorporate a range of evidence-based modalities like DBT, RO-DBT, MI, Mindful Self-Compassion, and IFS, which allows us to tailor treatment to your needs.
My clients have complicated family relationships, which often include addiction, boundary conflicts, or a lack of emotional understanding. They tend to be anxious overthinkers, striving to break intergenerational cycles, but they struggle to connect with themselves on a deeper level. Our work together will focus on increasing your emotional understanding, identifying the patterns that are keeping you from living the life you desire, and moving into a space of self-acceptance.
![Photo of Alex Derry, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ff0e1d25-3d20-431f-abcf-64dcb97251e5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Alex provides a place for individuals, couples, and families to engage their stories, explore their hearts, and begin to live the life they long for again. His approach is influenced by IFS, EFT, narrative therapy, psychodynamic theories, and existential philosophy. Alex works with people who have experienced life’s heartache and long to find life more fulfilling. He interweaves the IFS approach with his EMDR training to heal trauma and reduce anxiety/ depression. He works with couples to find a common language, allowing for a deeper conversation, healing in areas of relational woundedness, and a more connected relationship.
Alex provides a place for individuals, couples, and families to engage their stories, explore their hearts, and begin to live the life they long for again. His approach is influenced by IFS, EFT, narrative therapy, psychodynamic theories, and existential philosophy. Alex works with people who have experienced life’s heartache and long to find life more fulfilling. He interweaves the IFS approach with his EMDR training to heal trauma and reduce anxiety/ depression. He works with couples to find a common language, allowing for a deeper conversation, healing in areas of relational woundedness, and a more connected relationship.
![Photo of Julie Fickley, MA, CMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f246c51-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Julie Fickley
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, CMHC
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37405
I primarily use Internal Family Systems therapy and EMDR to help clients find internal stability and security and heal from wounds both past and present.
Life is filled with so much beauty and pain. We have all been through more than enough difficulties in the past few years. Perhaps what is currently challenging for you has also brought up wounds from your past. Perhaps you are overwhelmed and can no longer manage your emotions, thoughts, or behaviors. Perhaps you feel ashamed or alone or hopeless. I am here to help.
I primarily use Internal Family Systems therapy and EMDR to help clients find internal stability and security and heal from wounds both past and present.
Life is filled with so much beauty and pain. We have all been through more than enough difficulties in the past few years. Perhaps what is currently challenging for you has also brought up wounds from your past. Perhaps you are overwhelmed and can no longer manage your emotions, thoughts, or behaviors. Perhaps you feel ashamed or alone or hopeless. I am here to help.
![Photo of Michelle Stafford, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0eb012f1-7cec-474a-bfa5-cffe881872b5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Michelle Stafford
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37207
I’m trained in EMDR and IFS.
Are you wondering if your life could be more free, authentic, or beautiful than it has been? I’m here to help you get from “not this” to “this, instead”. My clients have described me as warm and grounding. I am comfortable holding steadiness during emotional moments as well as challenging your blind spots with kindness. I believe in the power of humor to soften the heaviness of our stories. My hope is that it is incredibly obvious how much I love my job and how wonderful it is to show up for you. Learn more on my website: goldenhourcounseling.org
I’m trained in EMDR and IFS.
Are you wondering if your life could be more free, authentic, or beautiful than it has been? I’m here to help you get from “not this” to “this, instead”. My clients have described me as warm and grounding. I am comfortable holding steadiness during emotional moments as well as challenging your blind spots with kindness. I believe in the power of humor to soften the heaviness of our stories. My hope is that it is incredibly obvious how much I love my job and how wonderful it is to show up for you. Learn more on my website: goldenhourcounseling.org
![Photo of Christina Jezioro, LPC, MHSP, MS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c0bbdb92-00be-465c-84eb-fdbe30034580/1/320x400.jpeg)
Christina Jezioro
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP, MS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37208
I integrate modalities such as Brainspotting, SomEx, IFS, and Expressive Arts Therapy in session with a loving curiosity for the areas that need your attention.
Being a human can be tough. My practice is centered upon helping people deepen their human experience and live a more embodied, present life. Many of my clients are creative people hoping to harness their power, individuals who have experienced early childhood trauma, or people who simply feel "wounded". Our “body memories” & old stories can often be limiting us from our fullest potential of healing. With a neuro-experiential framework, I offer specializations in life transitions, attachment wounds, relational healing, addictions and self soothing behaviors, building self worth, LGBTQIA+ issues, and managing complex emotions.
I integrate modalities such as Brainspotting, SomEx, IFS, and Expressive Arts Therapy in session with a loving curiosity for the areas that need your attention.
Being a human can be tough. My practice is centered upon helping people deepen their human experience and live a more embodied, present life. Many of my clients are creative people hoping to harness their power, individuals who have experienced early childhood trauma, or people who simply feel "wounded". Our “body memories” & old stories can often be limiting us from our fullest potential of healing. With a neuro-experiential framework, I offer specializations in life transitions, attachment wounds, relational healing, addictions and self soothing behaviors, building self worth, LGBTQIA+ issues, and managing complex emotions.
![Photo of Jenna Gettys, LMFT](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/db5d70f8-27e4-4872-b4d1-34555484f72f/2/320x400.jpeg)
As a compassionate therapist, I specialize in supporting teens and adults navigating through challenges such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, anger, grief, and relational conflicts. Drawing from the transformative Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapeutic model, I empower clients to cultivate curiosity, calm, creativity, clarity, courage, compassion, and connectedness within themselves and their relationships. Additionally, I integrate Restoration Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to tailor treatment to each individual's needs. I aim to guide clients on a journey towards enhanced well-being and healing.
As a compassionate therapist, I specialize in supporting teens and adults navigating through challenges such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, anger, grief, and relational conflicts. Drawing from the transformative Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapeutic model, I empower clients to cultivate curiosity, calm, creativity, clarity, courage, compassion, and connectedness within themselves and their relationships. Additionally, I integrate Restoration Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to tailor treatment to each individual's needs. I aim to guide clients on a journey towards enhanced well-being and healing.
![Photo of Haley Kisner, TLMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d089736b-f9e9-485b-a610-1a7dc76f5f0c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Haley Kisner
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, TLMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203
I utilize trauma-informed and attachment-based practices such as EMDR, IFS/parts work, somatic therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions.
Has traditional talk therapy fallen short in helping you find the root of the issues you repeatedly face? Are you struggling to understand and change the patterns that keep you feeling stuck and disconnected? You may be struggling to navigate relationships, battle loud negative self-talk, or experience debilitating feelings of shame, guilt and embarrassment. If these experiences sound all too familiar, you're in the right place. I aim to equip my clients with the skills to manage difficult thoughts and emotional experiences, navigate relationship struggles, and heal their trauma from the root.
I utilize trauma-informed and attachment-based practices such as EMDR, IFS/parts work, somatic therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions.
Has traditional talk therapy fallen short in helping you find the root of the issues you repeatedly face? Are you struggling to understand and change the patterns that keep you feeling stuck and disconnected? You may be struggling to navigate relationships, battle loud negative self-talk, or experience debilitating feelings of shame, guilt and embarrassment. If these experiences sound all too familiar, you're in the right place. I aim to equip my clients with the skills to manage difficult thoughts and emotional experiences, navigate relationship struggles, and heal their trauma from the root.
![Photo of Grace (Bomar) Finn, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f8693e64-9ed0-4e9f-ad2a-97ea981fde0b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Grace (Bomar) Finn
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37204
I also love incorporating parts work using Internal Family Systems, Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy skills, and Coherence Therapy schemas.
I hear folks on my therapy couch often ask these questions: "Why can't I get a hold on these anxious feelings?" "Why am I still repeating these same patterns?" "Why does (experience) bring up so much (emotion) for me?" I help adults and adolescents (16+) translate this curiosity into insight to develop emotion regulation skills, a sense of self rooted in integrity instead of shame, and more mindfulness in their relationships. I work mostly with anxiety, LGBTQIA+ issues, depression, emotion regulation difficulty, relationship issues, spirituality, and grief, including “identity grief” (grieving the life we thought we’d live).
I also love incorporating parts work using Internal Family Systems, Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy skills, and Coherence Therapy schemas.
I hear folks on my therapy couch often ask these questions: "Why can't I get a hold on these anxious feelings?" "Why am I still repeating these same patterns?" "Why does (experience) bring up so much (emotion) for me?" I help adults and adolescents (16+) translate this curiosity into insight to develop emotion regulation skills, a sense of self rooted in integrity instead of shame, and more mindfulness in their relationships. I work mostly with anxiety, LGBTQIA+ issues, depression, emotion regulation difficulty, relationship issues, spirituality, and grief, including “identity grief” (grieving the life we thought we’d live).
![Photo of Natalie Hoyt, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/833dca7c-e36b-4ea9-9050-c9b3a6af4751/2/320x400.jpeg)
Every individual is worthy of healing and peace, and my favorite part about working with clients is working with them as they find the courage to live out this belief. Journeys of healing are sometimes scary, so using a holistic and collaborative approach, I strive to create a space that is nonjudgmental, safe, and peaceful as I aid clients in their work. My approach to therapy includes a combination of evidence-based practices including Restoration therapy and Internal Family Systems therapy, as well as Gottman Method interventions, common factors, and the expressive arts.
Every individual is worthy of healing and peace, and my favorite part about working with clients is working with them as they find the courage to live out this belief. Journeys of healing are sometimes scary, so using a holistic and collaborative approach, I strive to create a space that is nonjudgmental, safe, and peaceful as I aid clients in their work. My approach to therapy includes a combination of evidence-based practices including Restoration therapy and Internal Family Systems therapy, as well as Gottman Method interventions, common factors, and the expressive arts.
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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.