Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy in Lafayette, CA
Have you ever felt like you're at war with yourself? Like part of you wants one thing while another part pushes you in the opposite direction?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy helps you understand these different "parts" and find inner harmony.
What Is Internal Family Systems Therapy?
Internal Family Systems is a therapeutic approach that recognizes we all have different parts of our personality—like an inner critic, a people-pleaser, an anxious part, or an angry part. Rather than viewing these as problems to eliminate, IFS helps you understand that each part developed to protect you in some way.
The goal of IFS therapy is to help these parts work together harmoniously, led by your core Self—the wise, compassionate, curious center of who you are.
How IFS Works in My Practice
My approach to IFS is deeply informed by my training in drama therapy, which makes parts work feel natural and accessible. Rather than just talking about your parts, we might:
Give voice to different parts to understand what they need and fear
Explore the protective role each part has played in your life
Work with imagery and metaphor to make internal dynamics visible
Practice Self-leadership—letting your wise, grounded Self lead the way
Heal wounded parts that carry pain from the past
This experiential approach helps you connect with your parts in a tangible way, making change feel more possible and real.
Who Benefits from IFS Therapy?
Teens and Young Adults
Adolescence is full of conflicting feelings and inner voices. IFS helps teens:
Understand their inner critic without letting it take over
Balance the part that wants to please parents with the part that wants independence
Work with parts that feel anxious about school, friendships, or the future
Heal parts that carry shame or painful experiences
Parents
Parenting can trigger old wounds and conflicting parts within us. IFS helps parents:
Notice when a triggered part is reacting instead of your wise Self
Heal childhood wounds that show up in parenting
Balance competing desires (the part that wants to be close vs. the part that needs space)
Respond to children from a grounded, compassionate place
Adults Working Through Trauma
IFS is particularly powerful for trauma healing because it doesn't require re-traumatization. You can:
Approach wounded parts at a safe pace
Understand protective parts without forcing them to change
Gradually unburden parts carrying pain from the past
Build trust with yourself and your internal system
Family Therapy Applications
IFS principles enhance family therapy by helping family members:
Recognize when protective parts show up in conflicts
Respond to each other's vulnerable parts with compassion
Understand family patterns through an IFS lens
Create space for everyone's Self to emerge
Common Questions About IFS Therapy
Is IFS the same as having multiple personalities?
Not at all. Everyone has parts—it's completely normal. IFS simply gives language to what we all experience: having conflicting feelings, inner voices, or different "modes" we shift into.
Do I have to believe in "parts" for this to work?
Many clients are initially skeptical but find that talking about parts just feels true once we start. Even if you prefer different language, the principles of IFS can still guide our work.
How long does IFS therapy take?
It varies by person and goals. Some people experience significant shifts in a few months, while deeper healing work may take longer. We'll work at your pace.
Can IFS work online?
Absolutely. IFS therapy translates beautifully to online sessions. The internal work we do together happens regardless of physical location.
Why Choose IFS Therapy in Lafayette?
IFS is gaining recognition as one of the most effective approaches for complex emotional issues, trauma, and personal growth. In the Bay Area, where many clients are drawn to innovative, evidence-informed therapies, IFS offers a path to deep healing that feels empowering rather than pathologizing.
My unique background in drama therapy brings an experiential, creative dimension to traditional IFS work. This makes parts work feel accessible and engaging, even for teens or adults who don't consider themselves "therapy people."
IFS Combined with Other Approaches
I often integrate IFS with:
Somatic therapy to help you notice where parts show up in your body
Family systems therapy to understand how your internal parts interact with family dynamics
Mindfulness to strengthen your connection to Self
CBT techniques when specific parts need concrete coping skills
Getting Started with IFS Therapy
If you're curious about exploring your inner world through IFS, I offer a free 30-minute consultation where we can discuss:
What you're struggling with and whether IFS might help
How my drama therapy background enhances parts work
What to expect in IFS sessions
Practical details about online therapy
Internal Family Systems therapy offers a compassionate path to understanding yourself more deeply and healing from the inside out.
Ready to meet your parts?
Ready to meet your parts?
Offering IFS therapy online for clients in Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Orinda, Moraga, and throughout California.
Related Services
Family Therapy - Apply IFS principles to family dynamics
Teen Therapy - Help adolescents understand their inner conflicts
Parenting Therapy - Heal your own parts to parent from Self
Child Therapy - Age-appropriate parts work for children
Other Approaches
Somatic Therapy - Body-based healing
Family Systems Therapy - Understanding family patterns
Mindfulness-Based Therapy - Present-moment awareness