Clinician Spotlight: Barbara Wall
Internal Family Systems SM (IFS) therapy, developed by Richard Schwartz Ph.D., is more than just a method — it is a paradigm-shifting approach for deeply understanding and appreciating every part of ourselves. The IFS framework encourages a gentle inquiry that allows us to understand ourselves, our families, and our world in a new and holistic way.
We are thrilled to welcome Barbara Wall, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, as the newest clinician on our New York IFS Telehealth Collective clinical team. Despite over a decade of experience in this field, Barbara shares that she holds it an absolute honor and "beautiful privilege to walk alongside someone, to hear their story, honor their truth, and witness them showing up for themselves in healing and heroic ways."
Q: What Personal experiences drew you to this field? How did you know this is the career path you wanted to pursue?
I became aware of mental illness when I was in 5th grade. I witnessed the devastating effects of what mental illness can do to a family and family system. At that point I had a lot of questions. I was drawn to finding answers. I was interested in this field from a very early age. I initially took a different path, but it was after 9/11 that I began moving in this direction, returning to school. 9/11 was a turning point in my life. I realized I wanted to become someone that could help others.
Q: How do you stay grounded in Self energy?
Definitely prayer and meditation. I also engage in little art exercises that allow me to check in with my parts, giving them space and a voice.
Q: What is it about IFS that speaks to you?
Really everything. I completely resonate with this model and the idea of Self as the healer. This model appealed to parts within me that wanted to bridge two worlds that often felt at odds (spirituality and psychology). The IFS model offers a clinical approach to that which resides deep within a human soul.
Q: How do you explain IFS to clients?
IFS is a model that allows you space to hear from all of your parts without judgment, while also offering those parts comfort, healing, and the chance to become the best version of the part itself.
Q: Therapy is for you when…
… you are struggling to unblend and you really need a sounding board to help you navigate the internal chaos.
Q: What is your favorite analogy that you use with your clients that seems to be helpful to them?
I use the analogy of a school bus. I just talk about the bus being a metaphor for us moving through life. Bus driver - being Self energy and the parts are in the seats behind you. When you feel emotions, it is a part that is coming forward; it has unbuckled, and is tugging on the driver’s sleeve. When we are in a healthy system, we are able to recognize that tugging, turn to that part, and assist it in any way that it needs. In an unhealthy system, the part will get louder, take the wheel, push out the driver. In these times the driver is just barely holding on to the side mirror and the part has taken over, steering where it pleases.
Q: What have clients said about what it's like to work with you?
Clients have said that I help them feel emotionally safe. They have also shared that I am a good listener and able to offer helpful insight when appropriate. Clients have expressed that they feel seen and heard by me and that I am able to assist them in working through challenges.
Q: Do you have a favorite book or therapy resource?
Anything written by Irvin Yalom. He is an existential therapist with great insight. He wrote a book called The Gift of Therapy in which he talks about everything being grist for the mill. Even in the smallest of things there may be something to discover about ourselves. For example, he had a client that came into his space every week and let the screen door slam behind him. It may seem insignificant but it's ok to ask about those things. Not everything is going to have tremendous meaning behind it, but he encourages and invites that exploration.
Q: What specialties and clinical interests do you have?
I love working with folks who are interested in doing the hard work; people that are ready to gain freedom from debilitating anxiety, depression, or toxic relationships and people that are ready to offer themselves healing from past hurts or trauma, or anything holding them back from living authentically.
Q: Shout-out to any of your parts?
I have a part that is very cautious, and when it's off balance it’s not in a good place. It can hold me back with fears and concerns. When it is being heard and working with me, my Self, it's such a valuable part because it allows me to assess for any upcoming things I need to plan for, and it's a helpful part. I can rest and rely on that part to know I will not enter into a bad space. It always has my back. It is a safety that allows me to go out on a limb when my other parts are really excited to do so.
Q: Outside of your therapeutic work, what do you like to do for fun?
Outside of work I can usually be found with my family and friends, gathering around a dinner table or campfire for great conversation. I also enjoy spending time with four-legged friends, either playing with my dogs or horseback riding. And I love all things related to art, both visual and performing, whether I’m creating my own art or just appreciating others.
Does Barbara Wall sound like the right therapist to guide you on your journey? If you are based in New York, contact our Client Care Coordinator or call 503-447-3244 to schedule a consultation.
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