Different protector parts use different strategies: managers will seek to pre-empt emotional pain by keeping things in control, while firefighters will react to emotional pain that has been triggered by trying to numb, distract, or douse the feelings. What do these two types of protectors have in common? They both do what they can to protect the most vulnerable, wounded, exiled parts of us that have taken on burdens and beliefs as a result of these painful experiences.

Internal Family Systems℠ (IFS) is not a “one size fits all” process. It allows for a tailored approach to healing that encompasses various life experiences, backgrounds, personalities, and reasons for seeking therapy. External factors are not the only consideration. Each person has a uniquely individual internal system—not unlike a one-of-a-kind fingerprint—with different needs and responses that will inform the way IFS therapy unfolds.

Continue reading to learn more!

Maybe you’ve tried meditation for yourself or have installed one of the popular meditation apps on your phone. Whether you have a regular practice, have intermittently tried it before giving up on it, or are merely curious, this article explores the Internal Family Systems (IFS) approach to mindfulness, and how these practices can augment your progress in therapy.

Continue reading to learn more!

The IFS Telehealth Collective is delighted to introduce you to Zila Phillips who is now accepting clients in Oregon. We had the opportunity to sit down with Zila for a chat about how she supports clients in gaining access to their innate wisdom to heal.

Learn more about IFS clinician Zila Phillips to see if she seems like a right fit for you!

The IFS Telehealth Collective is delighted to introduce you to Jessica Starr, LCSW who is now accepting clients in Oregon. We had the opportunity to sit down with Jessica for a chat about what drew her to IFS therapy and how she incorporates somatic body-centered work into her approach to help clients live a fuller and more peaceful life.

Learn more about IFS clinician Jessica Starr to see if she seems like a right fit for you!

The IFS approach is collaborative in nature and your IFS therapist will probably encourage you to stay connected to your parts during the week or to notice what’s happening inside as you go about your day. Incorporating small practices of your own every day can accelerate your progress toward your goals, support you as you continue to get to know your inner world of parts, and start building internal trust in your core Self as the leader of your system.

Continue reading to learn more!

Externalizing in IFS involves representing your parts concretely using a variety of approaches, materials, and techniques such as visual art, mapping, movement, sculpting, psychodrama, music, and writing. Through these processes, the inner world is made visible and tangible in a way that lends greater clarity and perspective or provides the opportunity to interact with a part in new ways.

In this blog, clinician Alicia Dabney explores some of the benefits and unique considerations of externalizing! Continue reading to learn more.

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.

Learn more about IFS clinician Meghan Lincoln to see if she seems like a right fit for you!

Though neurodiversity encompasses the full and vast spectrum of cognitive traits and experiences, it is those with neurodivergence who are more likely to be marginalized. As we increase the acceptance and understanding of human diversity in general and advocate for more affirming care for all, so too can we offer adaptations of IFS to meet the needs of all clients.

In this blog, clinician Clarissa Harwell explores how to support your Neurotype with Internal Family Systems! Continue reading to learn more.

The IFS Telehealth Collective is delighted to introduce you to Alicia Dabney, LMFT, who is now accepting clients in California!

Learn more about IFS clinician Alicia Dabney to see if she seems like a right fit for you!

Do you have the privilege of being a parent? When was the last time you had a negative thought about your child? If you’re blessed like I am, it wasn’t all that long ago. This is a judgment-free zone so go ahead and acknowledge any recent times you’ve let those not-so-kind thoughts fly.

In this blog, clinician Clarissa Harwell explores how to Self-led Parenting with IFS! Continue reading to learn more.

The IFS Telehealth Collective is delighted to introduce you to Calle Wieg, LMFT, who is now accepting clients in California. From the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Calle shares her sense of adventure and what guides her as a therapist.

Learn more about IFS clinician Calle Wieg to see if she seems like a right fit for you!

Most of us are familiar with criticism. Whether it comes from a partner, a friend, a colleague, or an online troll, it can hurt, incite anger and defensiveness, and make us doubt ourselves. Criticism can cause ruptures in our relationships. But what about when the criticism comes from within, when we feel like we’re our own worst enemy?

In this blog, clinician Clarissa Harwell explores Inner Criticism from an IFS perspective, continue reading to learn more!

The IFS Telehealth Collective is honored to have Alan Berkowitz, PhD., of California on the team. His collaborative and client-centered approach to IFS therapy draws from his personal history and years of training

Read on to learn more about IFS clinician Alan Berkowitz to see if he seems like a right fit for you!

Just like any other mental health provider, IFS therapists are still tasked with assessing client safety, warning signs, external factors, and taking appropriate action to keep clients safe when they are in crisis. However, when weekly individual therapy is determined to be the appropriate level of care, the IFS model can offer a compassionate and non-pathologizing approach to working with suicidal parts.

In this blog, learn more about what the IFS model can offer to those with suicidal thoughts

In this second installment of our two-part intro series, we continue looking at what it’s like to be a client experiencing Internal Family SystemsSM (IFS) therapy, developed by Richard Schwartz, Ph.D.

Those who are new to IFS will find some helpful tips on getting started from IFS Telehealth Collective Co-founder and Lead Trainer, Mariel Pastor LMFT. Read to learn more!

The IFS Telehealth Collective is thrilled to introduce you to our newest team member, licensed psychologist Victoria Eagle, PsyD., who is accepting new clients in California.

Read on to learn more about IFS clinician Victoria Eagle to see if she seems like a right fit for you!

Like many types of therapy, Internal Family SystemsSM (IFS) is most helpful when you feel comfortable with your therapist. This comfort and emotional safety are what we call the therapeutic alliance, and it describes how you and your therapist interact and create change together.

Is IFS Therapy right for you? Read our blog to find out!

The IFS Telehealth Collective is delighted to introduce you to Stefani Misiph, LMHC. Stefani sees clients in both Massachusetts and Florida and is this month’s featured clinician. She joins us from her home in Florida to chat about supporting clients in befriending their rage, integrating play, and more.

Read on to learn more about IFS clinician Stefani Misiph to see if she seems like a right fit for you!

The IFS Telehealth Collective is happy to shine the spotlight on Christie LeBeau, LMFT. Christie is licensed in Michigan and lives in Nevada. In this interview she shares some of her favorite ways to find peace and how she approaches Internal Family Systems℠ (IFS ) therapy with clients.

Read on to learn more about IFS clinician Christie LeBeau to see if she seems like a right fit for you!