Evidence-based skills for emotional regulation and life balance
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a transformative, evidence-based psychotherapy approach that views the mind as made up of different “parts” or subpersonalities, each with its own thoughts, feelings, and roles. Rather than seeing these parts as symptoms to eliminate, IFS invites us to approach them with curiosity and compassion.
At the core of IFS is the belief that everyone has a Self—a calm, wise, centered inner presence capable of leading and healing the internal system. When trauma, stress, or life experiences overwhelm us, certain parts of us take on extreme roles in an effort to protect or manage the pain. IFS helps people build relationships with these parts so they can unburden old pain, release defensive patterns, and restore balance internally.
Regulate Emotions
Develope Resilience
Restore Emotional Balance
IFS helps clients connect with and heal their internal system by guiding them through a compassionate exploration of their parts. This might include:
IFS doesn’t push parts away—it helps you listen, understand, and earn their trust so the Self can lead with care.
Healing with IFS Involves:
IFS is powerful because it addresses both the root causes of emotional distress and the internal conflicts that often keep people stuck. It’s particularly helpful for:
Many people report feeling more compassionate toward themselves, less reactive, and more connected to their emotions and values after working with IFS.
Taking the first step toward therapy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate this alone. At Lifebridge Psychotherapy, we’re committed to making your experience as comfortable and supportive as possible.
IFS sessions are gentle, present-focused, and largely internal. Here’s what the experience might look like:
Slow down, close your eyes, and notice inner sensations or emotions.
Identify inner parts (like anxiety, sadness, or self-criticism) and ask, “How do I feel toward this part?”
Approach parts with curiosity and compassion instead of judgment.
Over time, parts may release burdens (like shame or fear) as your core Self leads the healing.
DBT focuses on teaching specific skills you can use right away, combining acceptance and change strategies.
No, DBT helps anyone who wants to improve emotional regulation and relationship skills.
Most people see improvements within a few months, with full skill mastery taking 6-12 months.
Yes, we offer effective virtual DBT sessions and skills training.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a compassionate, non-pathologizing approach to therapy that helps people reconnect with their inner wisdom, heal from pain, and develop lasting emotional resilience. Instead of focusing on symptoms or diagnoses, IFS sees each person as a system of valuable parts—all of which have a purpose and the potential to heal.
In IFS, healing doesn’t mean getting rid of parts—it means helping them come into harmony so you can live from your true, centered Self.
