Clinician Spotlight: Lindsey Ramsey
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.
The IFS Telehealth Collective is delighted to introduce you to Lindsey Ramsey! She is now accepting clients for Online IFS therapy in Oregon. We had the opportunity to chat with Lindsey about the powerful antidote to loneliness provided by IFS and getting to know our parts, and more!
Q: What drew you to IFS therapy?
LR: My first two years as a therapist I was working in a clinical setting, holding a staff support role and an organization policy development role. During those two years, I was exploring, “Do I want to be a therapist or work in the field outside of the therapy setting?”
In 2019, I took a job as a therapist. One month in, a therapist friend mentioned IFS. I became very intrigued. I was starving for structure and thinking “How do I do this”? From the get go, I was very excited about it. I couldn't stop thinking and talking about IFS. I kept wanting more, so I looked up podcasts, Youtube videos, and trainings. In addition to having an IFS supervisor, my therapist was doing Somatic Experiencing in addition to parts work. Through those channels, I had the beginning of my own personal experience. I have been putting IFS into practice since day one of working with individuals as a therapist.
Q: What is one of your favorite moments with IFS as a therapy tool?
LR: By far it’s the moment when someone has only had a negative experience with one of their parts and suddenly they can see that part in a whole new light. Maybe they hated it or were afraid of it before. To see their relationship shift towards, “Oh, that's what that is?”, is easily a favorite.
Q: What is your favorite analogy for describing IFS that seems to be helpful with clients?
LR: It is not so much of an analogy, but what I often think of is how touched I was by a description one of my clients gave me. She said: “I never have to feel alone again, because I have my parts.”
Q: How might clients describe their work with you?
LR: People have shared that they feel deeply heard. They experience continuity between sessions, carrying the thread as much as it makes sense, flexibility/playfulness in addition to persistence. They are grateful that I can help “normalize” things that feel embarrassing, and offer a space to adapt. They experience validation.
Q: Can you share more about your interest in HAES® (Health At Every Size)?
LR: It was during my personal deconstruction after the introduction to oppression in grad school. Post grad school, I learned how this carries over to fat oppression, the assumption that your health and well being is based on size. I value the knowledge and perspective that size and weight are only two of many factors. Everyone deserves health and well-being whatever size they are today.
Q: What is a favorite quote or poem?
“The Guest House” by Rumi
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
Q: Would you like to give a shout-out to any parts of your internal system?
LR: I'm going to have to give a shout out to my task-oriented manager because, without that part, I am not the most task-oriented person. I’m more of a “be in the moment and flow” type of person. That manager part works overtime sometimes.
Q: If there was one thing you could tell your younger self, what would it be?
LR: I think something like, “Everyone deserves support. You deserve support. It's out there.”
Q: If you weren’t a therapist, what would you be?
LR: The only thing I could think of would be running a bed and breakfast. Something like that. Very low key and relaxed.
Q: Outside of being a therapist, what do you enjoy doing?
LR: I identify as an introvert and comfort seeker. I love to rewatch shows like The Office or Seinfeld and relisten to podcasts.
Does Lindsey Ramsey sound like the right therapist to guide you on your journey? If you are based in Oregon, contact our Client Care Coordinator or call 503-447-3244 to schedule a consultation.
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