Clinician Spotlight: Meghan Lincoln, LCSW
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 honored to have Meghan Lincoln, LCSW of New York on the team. Her friendly and collaborative approach to IFS therapy is informed by her background in mindfulness, yoga and her affinity for team sports. We had the chance to sit down with Meghan in New York for a chat about what led her to IFS therapy and the difference between understanding and healing.
Q: How would you describe your approach in working with clients?
ML: When I’m with clients, my approach is to be as present and attuned to their parts as possible. That means noticing my own parts, practicing unblending, and trusting my Self, and the Self of my client. Something I love about IFS is how natural our inner systems are. I am repeatedly amazed and honored to witness someone’s system doing exactly what needs to happen for healing when there is enough trust and space.
Q: Do you have a favorite TED Talk or Podcast?
ML: The One Inside- An Internal Family Systems Podcast
Happy As A Mother with Psychotherapist Erica Djossa
Q: How would you describe your professional background? Do you have any specific areas of interest?
ML: At various times professionally I’ve been a psychotherapist, a mindfulness practitioner, a yoga teacher, a massage therapist, a crisis worker, a hiking guide, and more. The truth is, I really enjoy being present with, witnessing, and connecting with people. I still do a handful of the things on that list and don’t plan on giving them up! IFS has felt like a landing place for me that incorporates so many aspects of the human experience that I appreciate- heart, body, spirit, and connection. Additionally, I have training in EMDR and Perinatal Mental Health.
Q: Can you share something about how your personal journey led you to become an IFS therapist?
ML: I stumbled upon IFS when I began my own therapy. I had no idea about this “IFS stuff” that my therapist was talking about and I had parts who resisted it for a long time– ones who had an idea about what therapy was supposed to be like and just really wanted to heal the stuff that needed healing. As we worked with those protective parts, I was able to start to see my system more clearly and begin to feel through my experience in new ways. Something I hear so often from clients when they come into therapy is that they have a deep understanding of things, but they still feel the same- they feel stuck. IFS really bridges what we know and what we feel in healing ways that many people haven’t experienced.
Q: What parts do you find that clients have a hard time relating to (or appreciating or connecting with)?
ML: In my observation and from personal experience, many people have difficulty connecting with parts that have big feelings. I’ve found these intense feelings can be some of the deepest, most loving, and intuitive places inside us. I love helping clients begin to see and experience these parts for who they are.
Q: Are there any parts you've gotten more familiar with since becoming a parent?
ML: My parenting parts have really assisted my internal system with developing more trust and confidence in my Self. It's incredible what these parts help me juggle; the energy they bring to the nonstop tasks of parenting, and their love for my family. Since becoming a parent, many of my protectors have been able to relax more and allow my Self to be with my younger exiles, as they've witnessed my Self be present in caring for my own child.
Q: What is your go-to method of accessing Self-energy?
ML: Yoga, running, and other forms of physical movement are ways that I like to access Self-energy with less resistance from my protective parts. With time and practice, I’ve been surprised by how I can access Self-energy by sitting quietly, breathing, and going inside. I just say hello to those protector parts first.
Q: Finish this sentence: Therapy is for you when…
ML: Knowing about your feelings, experiences, and traumas hasn’t been enough; when even with that awareness there is still “something inside holding a lot of emotional charges. That something is worthy of attention and healing.
Q: If you weren't a therapist, what career might you have?
ML: If I wasn't a therapist, I'd probably want to focus on teaching yoga or coaching movement in some other capacity.
Does Meghan sound like the therapist to guide you on your journey of befriending your parts and discovering more Self energy? 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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