Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists in Bellaire, TX
![Photo of Edna Lee, MA, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c0ba0205-8791-4d1f-aaac-992ef5c29869/1/320x400.jpeg)
I use evidence-based therapy modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Psychodynamic Therapy.
Since 2003, I have specialized in counseling women struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, grief, burnout, relationships, faith and other life adjustments. I offer a compassionate and action-oriented approach to therapy. Clients are empowered with insights and practical tools for genuine transformation. I am also a corporate speaker on mental health topics to Fortune 500 companies through Modern Health.
I use evidence-based therapy modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Psychodynamic Therapy.
Since 2003, I have specialized in counseling women struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, grief, burnout, relationships, faith and other life adjustments. I offer a compassionate and action-oriented approach to therapy. Clients are empowered with insights and practical tools for genuine transformation. I am also a corporate speaker on mental health topics to Fortune 500 companies through Modern Health.
![Photo of Andrea Addie, LCSW-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/28a2d17f-7e58-47e6-b476-4186c5dc52d2/2/320x400.png)
My extensive training & experience in proven trauma therapies such as EMDR, IFS, Brainspotting & somatic therapy allows me to help adults heal their inner child from complex trauma experiences, explore all aspects of themselves to become more self-actualized versions of themselves, leave intergenerational trauma behind & reframe themselves as survivors.
Have you found yourself overwhelmed by the weight of past trauma either from childhood abuse, intergenerational trauma, or sexual assault & feeling stuck with the memories playing out in your head? Or maybe you’ve been saying “I need to get back to my old self,” or “I’ve been dealing with a lot lately” & hoping for the insight or tools to change that? I work with adults & LGBTQIA folks just like you: ones that have it within them to thrive again after trauma & life challenges, but just need the support to tap into their strengths to get there or support gathering & sorting pieces of life to make sense of everything.
My extensive training & experience in proven trauma therapies such as EMDR, IFS, Brainspotting & somatic therapy allows me to help adults heal their inner child from complex trauma experiences, explore all aspects of themselves to become more self-actualized versions of themselves, leave intergenerational trauma behind & reframe themselves as survivors.
Have you found yourself overwhelmed by the weight of past trauma either from childhood abuse, intergenerational trauma, or sexual assault & feeling stuck with the memories playing out in your head? Or maybe you’ve been saying “I need to get back to my old self,” or “I’ve been dealing with a lot lately” & hoping for the insight or tools to change that? I work with adults & LGBTQIA folks just like you: ones that have it within them to thrive again after trauma & life challenges, but just need the support to tap into their strengths to get there or support gathering & sorting pieces of life to make sense of everything.
![Photo of Kayla Adel, MS, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/23224657-9738-45b7-8e2f-7bb30377ff44/3/320x400.jpeg)
I utilize EMDR, IFS, meditation & somatic approaches to release the grips trauma has over your life.
Do you often find yourself stuck repeating painful cycles as a result of trauma? Are you allowing past childhood trauma or sexual assault to contain & limit you? Trauma makes it difficult to regulate our nervous system and can leave us feeling powerless, hopeless & broken beyond repair. Your body contains the wisdom & ability to return to balance even from your most painful life experiences. I work with members of the BIPOC & LGBTQIA+ community. I take pride as a first-generation, Arab American. Together we will meet your wounded parts & be transformed by their reintegration to become harmonious in spirit.
I utilize EMDR, IFS, meditation & somatic approaches to release the grips trauma has over your life.
Do you often find yourself stuck repeating painful cycles as a result of trauma? Are you allowing past childhood trauma or sexual assault to contain & limit you? Trauma makes it difficult to regulate our nervous system and can leave us feeling powerless, hopeless & broken beyond repair. Your body contains the wisdom & ability to return to balance even from your most painful life experiences. I work with members of the BIPOC & LGBTQIA+ community. I take pride as a first-generation, Arab American. Together we will meet your wounded parts & be transformed by their reintegration to become harmonious in spirit.
![Photo of Gregory D. Drummond, LCSW, LCDC, CSAT-C, MBA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fa90326f-de1d-46d8-9184-ec96ace85804/2/320x400.jpeg)
Gregory D. Drummond
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCDC, CSAT-C, MBA
Verified Verified
Bellaire, TX 77401
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and Certified Sex Addiction Therapist Candidate. I currently work in a private practice setting in the heart of Houston, Texas. I am experienced in assessing and treating individuals of all ages and specialize in utilizing cognitive and behavioral-based treatment. I utilize a family systems evaluation and diagnostic approach, psychodynamic/analytic interpretive style, solution focused and crisis therapy techniques. I primarily work with individuals, couples and groups with anxiety, and depression, substance use issues.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and Certified Sex Addiction Therapist Candidate. I currently work in a private practice setting in the heart of Houston, Texas. I am experienced in assessing and treating individuals of all ages and specialize in utilizing cognitive and behavioral-based treatment. I utilize a family systems evaluation and diagnostic approach, psychodynamic/analytic interpretive style, solution focused and crisis therapy techniques. I primarily work with individuals, couples and groups with anxiety, and depression, substance use issues.
![Photo of Lisette Theriot, LCSW, CCTP-II, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/95a607ff-b9b3-461f-8501-b9208a08b462/1/320x400.jpeg)
Compassionate counseling . Humanist forward with ACT/ IFS/CBT/Brainspotting. Houston therapy for depression, anxiety, compassion fatigue, executive burnout, crisis, suicidality, alcohol use disorder, adjustment to illness, grief, neurodivergent individuals, professional burnout. Certified in complex trauma and perinatal mental health as well as CBT and IFS. Adults and older teens.
Compassionate counseling . Humanist forward with ACT/ IFS/CBT/Brainspotting. Houston therapy for depression, anxiety, compassion fatigue, executive burnout, crisis, suicidality, alcohol use disorder, adjustment to illness, grief, neurodivergent individuals, professional burnout. Certified in complex trauma and perinatal mental health as well as CBT and IFS. Adults and older teens.
![Photo of Guy Bender, MS, EMDR, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d346dee7-c632-43ea-98dd-13f71d4c0261/2/320x400.jpeg)
Guy Bender
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, EMDR
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bellaire, TX 77401
Guy Bender brings over 14 years of experience to his counseling practice and personalized outpatient services. Guy began his career as a trauma specialist at a premier treatment center. Through the experience, Guy learned that many mental health diagnoses, including anxiety, depression and substance abuse, are often rooted in physical and emotional trauma. Guy continues to focus his professional training on trauma modalities, including EMDR, Brainspotting, Internal Family Systems, and Neurofeedback. Guy is a Neurofeedback practitioner and is passionate about understanding neuroscience and the brain-body connection.
Guy Bender brings over 14 years of experience to his counseling practice and personalized outpatient services. Guy began his career as a trauma specialist at a premier treatment center. Through the experience, Guy learned that many mental health diagnoses, including anxiety, depression and substance abuse, are often rooted in physical and emotional trauma. Guy continues to focus his professional training on trauma modalities, including EMDR, Brainspotting, Internal Family Systems, and Neurofeedback. Guy is a Neurofeedback practitioner and is passionate about understanding neuroscience and the brain-body connection.
![Photo of Inna Meskin Wizig, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f080192e-2e0c-48ae-8dd8-2951367cde01/3/320x400.jpeg)
Inna Meskin Wizig
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Bellaire, TX 77401
My work is influenced by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Systems-Based Couples Therapy, Strength-Based Couples Therapy, & Dialogue Couples Therapy.
Are you struggling to figure out your career or intimate relationship? Has anxiety taken over your life? Have you experienced a traumatic event that’s holding you back from living your life more fully? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, you’ve come to the right place. With 25 years of experience in private practice therapy, I have the knowledge and expertise to help you get your life back on track.
My work is influenced by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Systems-Based Couples Therapy, Strength-Based Couples Therapy, & Dialogue Couples Therapy.
Are you struggling to figure out your career or intimate relationship? Has anxiety taken over your life? Have you experienced a traumatic event that’s holding you back from living your life more fully? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, you’ve come to the right place. With 25 years of experience in private practice therapy, I have the knowledge and expertise to help you get your life back on track.
![Photo of Alexandra Blekhman, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c532987-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I use psychodynamic therapy (including transference focused therapy and mentalization based treatment), emotionally focused therapy, internal family systems, cognitive-behavioral therapy, family systems, and existential therapy.
The ability to love, work, and play lies at the heart of human happiness. With trauma, unresolved conflicts, chronic stress or difficult relationships, this ability is often impeded or diminished. I help my patients regain their strength, discover their true selves, and form authentic connections with their loved ones, resulting in a fulfilling and productive life. My clinical interests include anxiety, depression, trauma, dissociation, addiction, personality disorders (particularly borderline and narcissistic), and difficulties relating to others.
I use psychodynamic therapy (including transference focused therapy and mentalization based treatment), emotionally focused therapy, internal family systems, cognitive-behavioral therapy, family systems, and existential therapy.
The ability to love, work, and play lies at the heart of human happiness. With trauma, unresolved conflicts, chronic stress or difficult relationships, this ability is often impeded or diminished. I help my patients regain their strength, discover their true selves, and form authentic connections with their loved ones, resulting in a fulfilling and productive life. My clinical interests include anxiety, depression, trauma, dissociation, addiction, personality disorders (particularly borderline and narcissistic), and difficulties relating to others.
![Photo of Cesar Seveso, MA, PhD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ed55a88c-b28f-48a0-900a-f88a1242355c/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have also completed training in internal family systems, accelerated resolution therapy, written exposure therapy, and collaborative assessment and management of suicidality.
I believe that the quality of our mind shapes the quality of our life. You can regain the freedom to choose how you feel and respond to challenges and difficulties while nurturing richer and happier relationships. My experience and training revolve around four major areas: anxiety, depression, trauma, and cancer. I know how to address your psychological distress with empathy and support, harnessing your strengths to master new coping skills. I view therapy as a collaborative effort and continually seek out feedback as to how treatment is progressing.
I have also completed training in internal family systems, accelerated resolution therapy, written exposure therapy, and collaborative assessment and management of suicidality.
I believe that the quality of our mind shapes the quality of our life. You can regain the freedom to choose how you feel and respond to challenges and difficulties while nurturing richer and happier relationships. My experience and training revolve around four major areas: anxiety, depression, trauma, and cancer. I know how to address your psychological distress with empathy and support, harnessing your strengths to master new coping skills. I view therapy as a collaborative effort and continually seek out feedback as to how treatment is progressing.
![Photo of Sharon Aguilar, MA, LPC, ATR, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/04255990-e868-4034-a52f-6aa2eb032205/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sharon Aguilar
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, ATR
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bellaire, TX 77401 (Online Only)
Through specialized trainings in EMDR, IFS, and maternal mental health, I aim to tailor our therapeutic relationship to your specific goals.
You have been wondering if maybe you are neurodivergent but don’t know where to start exploring this new identity. You have recently become a parent and realize you are having a hard time with the sensory aspects of parenthood. You are a new college student and realize that you have been masking, or hiding your authentic self, due to societal expectations. I am here to help, whether this is a new diagnosis, a self-diagnosis, or if you were diagnosed long ago and dealing with the potential trauma and affects related to a medicalized diagnosis.
Through specialized trainings in EMDR, IFS, and maternal mental health, I aim to tailor our therapeutic relationship to your specific goals.
You have been wondering if maybe you are neurodivergent but don’t know where to start exploring this new identity. You have recently become a parent and realize you are having a hard time with the sensory aspects of parenthood. You are a new college student and realize that you have been masking, or hiding your authentic self, due to societal expectations. I am here to help, whether this is a new diagnosis, a self-diagnosis, or if you were diagnosed long ago and dealing with the potential trauma and affects related to a medicalized diagnosis.
![Photo of Kristen Berglund, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e086c6a3-3c86-43f5-af88-363d9e877515/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kristen Berglund
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Bellaire, TX 77401 (Online Only)
I have over 15 years of experience working with teens and adults. My passions include providing affirming care to the transgender and nonbinary community (ages 14+) and treating sexual and other trauma, including complex PTSD. I do this with an eclectic approach, borrowing techniques and theory from several different areas (DBT, IFS, EMDR, Humanism and psychoeducation). I collaborate with each of my clients to provide care tailored to their needs. I am dually licensed in Texas and Oregon.
I have over 15 years of experience working with teens and adults. My passions include providing affirming care to the transgender and nonbinary community (ages 14+) and treating sexual and other trauma, including complex PTSD. I do this with an eclectic approach, borrowing techniques and theory from several different areas (DBT, IFS, EMDR, Humanism and psychoeducation). I collaborate with each of my clients to provide care tailored to their needs. I am dually licensed in Texas and Oregon.
![Photo of Ayesha Lakhani, MA, LPC-S, RPT-S, NCC, CART, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cdcab07-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Ayesha Lakhani
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S, RPT-S, NCC, CART
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bellaire, TX 77401
Drawing on a desire to help people overcome obstacles in their personal relationships, my professional work involves counseling individuals and families in order to achieve conflict resolution and better communication. As a neutral third party, I am better able to identify the challenges my patients face and facilitate positive change. Working with families, it is essential to foster a high level of trust between the therapist and family members. Mutual respect and open communication are essential to the therapeutic process. Engaging patients at their level, I help people find the change that they desire and the strength within themselves to achieve that change.
Drawing on a desire to help people overcome obstacles in their personal relationships, my professional work involves counseling individuals and families in order to achieve conflict resolution and better communication. As a neutral third party, I am better able to identify the challenges my patients face and facilitate positive change. Working with families, it is essential to foster a high level of trust between the therapist and family members. Mutual respect and open communication are essential to the therapeutic process. Engaging patients at their level, I help people find the change that they desire and the strength within themselves to achieve that change.
![Photo of Erica Billings, LPC-A](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1d883a07-0c3d-42a8-b9fd-33bfcf35aed5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hello and welcome. Looking for therapy is often hard work. Trying to find a good therapist can feel overwhelming, hopeless, or exhausting. If you are reading this, you or someone close to you is probably hurting. I can help. I wonder what brought you here and what’s going on in your life. What’s coming up for you now as you sift through listings and look at pictures of therapists? Are you skimming them or going through them with a fine-toothed comb? What physical sensations are in your body? What thoughts and ideas are coming up for you? What emotions are you feeling?
Hello and welcome. Looking for therapy is often hard work. Trying to find a good therapist can feel overwhelming, hopeless, or exhausting. If you are reading this, you or someone close to you is probably hurting. I can help. I wonder what brought you here and what’s going on in your life. What’s coming up for you now as you sift through listings and look at pictures of therapists? Are you skimming them or going through them with a fine-toothed comb? What physical sensations are in your body? What thoughts and ideas are coming up for you? What emotions are you feeling?
![Photo of Shanna J. Evering, MA, LCPC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f4d4bb33-a3b7-498e-9cf6-febf6255f8eb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shanna J. Evering
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, LPC
Verified Verified
16 Endorsed
Bellaire, TX 77401
Have you ever just wanted to sit down to off-load something that’s been eating away at you for too long? Recognizing the need for help and seeking professional therapy is a sign of strength and determination to live a productive and meaningful life. As a part of living our lives, we may encounter situations that are difficult to manage alone. Some seek support due to a situational crisis. Others seek treatment as a necessary aspect of managing a medical disorder, commonly known as a mental illness. Whether you are experiencing a life adjustment or more complex medical conditions, it is a well known fact that therapy helps.
Have you ever just wanted to sit down to off-load something that’s been eating away at you for too long? Recognizing the need for help and seeking professional therapy is a sign of strength and determination to live a productive and meaningful life. As a part of living our lives, we may encounter situations that are difficult to manage alone. Some seek support due to a situational crisis. Others seek treatment as a necessary aspect of managing a medical disorder, commonly known as a mental illness. Whether you are experiencing a life adjustment or more complex medical conditions, it is a well known fact that therapy helps.
![Photo of Elizabeth Arango, LCSW-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/827acfb7-fa42-458c-9793-9e37069d5934/2/320x400.png)
I earned my B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Washington in Seattle and my master’s degree in Social Work from New York University in Manhattan, New York. My background prior to private practice comprised diverse settings such as hospital social work, community mental health, and working within the New York City Public Schools. For 5 years I was a family and individual therapist on the Compass Unit for Young Adults at The Menninger Clinic. For 4+ years I was the Director of Eating Disorder Services at The Menninger Clinic.
I earned my B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Washington in Seattle and my master’s degree in Social Work from New York University in Manhattan, New York. My background prior to private practice comprised diverse settings such as hospital social work, community mental health, and working within the New York City Public Schools. For 5 years I was a family and individual therapist on the Compass Unit for Young Adults at The Menninger Clinic. For 4+ years I was the Director of Eating Disorder Services at The Menninger Clinic.
![Photo of Judi E. Turner, LPC, LMFT, CART, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/504c633b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Judi E. Turner
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMFT, CART
Verified Verified
Bellaire, TX 77401
Therapy is often times a difficult and personal journey that one enters for a variety of reasons. It provides a safe place for people to process and work through circumstances while also offering valuable insight and perspective into whatever journey they may find themselves on. I feel humbled and a sense of gratitude that you would allow me to be a part of this very personal journey that you have chosen to go on. My philosophy is to welcome & embrace you regardless of where you are at in the journey and walk beside you as you see it to it's end.
Therapy is often times a difficult and personal journey that one enters for a variety of reasons. It provides a safe place for people to process and work through circumstances while also offering valuable insight and perspective into whatever journey they may find themselves on. I feel humbled and a sense of gratitude that you would allow me to be a part of this very personal journey that you have chosen to go on. My philosophy is to welcome & embrace you regardless of where you are at in the journey and walk beside you as you see it to it's end.
![Photo of Rachel A Duvvuri, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/422ff0fa-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I'm so glad you're considering counseling. It means that, at a deep level, you know you deserve better and are capable of more. You may be troubled by persistent negative thoughts and feelings, dissatisfied with certain important relationships, or frustrated that the choices you've made are no longer working for you. Either way, I applaud you for taking this step. Through psychotherapy, we will explore one of the most important subjects in your life - yourself. And we will journey together towards a future that reflects your deepest values and goals.
I'm so glad you're considering counseling. It means that, at a deep level, you know you deserve better and are capable of more. You may be troubled by persistent negative thoughts and feelings, dissatisfied with certain important relationships, or frustrated that the choices you've made are no longer working for you. Either way, I applaud you for taking this step. Through psychotherapy, we will explore one of the most important subjects in your life - yourself. And we will journey together towards a future that reflects your deepest values and goals.
![Photo of Erin R Whitney, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5221b2c7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Only the strongest and most courageous know when it is time to get help. Together we can work through nearly any difficulty. I personalize my counseling and coaching practices based on your or your family's needs, using effective, yet gentle and powerful, proven methods. With 25+ years in practice working with people who have depression, anxiety, OCD, childhood/teen behavioral concerns, ADHD, trauma, autism spectrum disorders, and adjustments to significant life changes, I have the experience to meet your needs . Not sure if counseling or coaching is right for you? Please call me for a free consultation. Warmest regards, Erin
Only the strongest and most courageous know when it is time to get help. Together we can work through nearly any difficulty. I personalize my counseling and coaching practices based on your or your family's needs, using effective, yet gentle and powerful, proven methods. With 25+ years in practice working with people who have depression, anxiety, OCD, childhood/teen behavioral concerns, ADHD, trauma, autism spectrum disorders, and adjustments to significant life changes, I have the experience to meet your needs . Not sure if counseling or coaching is right for you? Please call me for a free consultation. Warmest regards, Erin
![Photo of Barbie Atkinson, MS, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/461e0903-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Barbie Atkinson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC-S
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Bellaire, TX 77401
You are feeling tired, restless, antsy, empty, confused, and wanting to sort out the *stuff* in your head and heart. You want to find your footing in your family, or your marriage, or your parenting and yourself. You are done with doing things the same ol' way. You are reading these profiles asking yourself "who will hear me", "who will get me", or "who can I tell my story to?" I have good news, you are the expert of your own life and with that, you and I create a partnership and it is the foundation of our therapeutic alliance.
You are feeling tired, restless, antsy, empty, confused, and wanting to sort out the *stuff* in your head and heart. You want to find your footing in your family, or your marriage, or your parenting and yourself. You are done with doing things the same ol' way. You are reading these profiles asking yourself "who will hear me", "who will get me", or "who can I tell my story to?" I have good news, you are the expert of your own life and with that, you and I create a partnership and it is the foundation of our therapeutic alliance.
![Photo of Jinelle Williams, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/88098918-37e1-4527-a53c-d57cb11b39d3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jinelle Williams
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Bellaire, TX 77401 (Online Only)
The bulk of my experience is working with BIPOC women. When working with clients, my goal is not to tell clients what to do. I spend time listening and asking questions so clients can come to their realizations. I find it more effective when clients develop a clear understanding of their own. When they hear what they say aloud, they often have an "aha" moment. Once they come to the realization, I sometimes turn to a solution-focused model to offer guidance in determining the next steps.
The bulk of my experience is working with BIPOC women. When working with clients, my goal is not to tell clients what to do. I spend time listening and asking questions so clients can come to their realizations. I find it more effective when clients develop a clear understanding of their own. When they hear what they say aloud, they often have an "aha" moment. Once they come to the realization, I sometimes turn to a solution-focused model to offer guidance in determining the next steps.
See more therapy options for Bellaire
Nearby Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists Searches for Bellaire
- Cypress
- Friendswood
- Houston
- Katy
- Manvel
- Missouri City
- Pearland
- Richmond
- Stafford
- Sugar Land
- Webster
- West University Place
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.