Internal Family Systems: Internal Family Systems therapy
An approach that treats the mind as a family of parts, each trying to help in its own way, and helps you lead them with curiosity instead of criticism.
- Best known for
- Inner conflict, trauma and self-criticism
- What you do
- Get to know the parts of you and what they are protecting
- Format
- In person or virtual, individual sessions
- Offered by
- 3 clinicians
01
What it is
Developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, Internal Family Systems starts from something most people already feel: part of me wants this, and part of me wants the opposite.
Some parts work hard to keep you safe, like the inner critic or the part that keeps everyone happy. Others carry old pain. Underneath them is a calm, compassionate Self that can lead.
02
What a session is like
Instead of fighting the part of you that overworks or shuts down, you get curious about it: what it is afraid would happen if it stopped, and what it needs. It can feel surprisingly gentle.
Every part of you is trying to help, even the ones that make things harder.
03
Is it right for me?
If you are tired of being at war with yourself, or you know exactly where a pattern came from but it still runs the show, IFS is worth exploring.
04
Often used for
- Self-criticism
- People-pleasing
- Complex trauma
- Inner conflict
- Shame
Offered through individual counselling.
05
Clinicians who offer it
Ask whether IFS is right for you.
Every plan is tailored. Book a session, or call and we will match you with a clinician trained in this approach.
Wondering about cost? See coverage options.