Internal Family Systems Therapy in New York, NY and California
At Cornell & Associates Marriage and Family Therapy, our therapists specialize in Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy for individuals and couples seeking deeper self-awareness and emotional healing. If you’re in New York, NY, or California, our IFS therapy services provide a compassionate, transformative approach to help you better understand yourself and build healthier, more fulfilling relationships. With options for in-person sessions in New York, NY, and online therapy available in both New York and California, we’re here to make this powerful therapy accessible wherever you are.
What is Internal Family Systems Therapy?
Internal Family Systems Therapy, or IFS, is a unique approach to psychotherapy that helps you explore the different “parts” within yourself. Developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, IFS therapy operates on the understanding that we all have distinct internal parts or subpersonalities, each with its own feelings, perspectives, and roles. These parts often include wounded inner child parts, protector parts, and other inner voices that influence how we respond to the world.
Through IFS, you can build a healthier relationship with each part of yourself, leading to greater harmony, emotional freedom, and self-compassion. This approach is especially effective for those dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges. In a bustling city like New York or the diverse landscapes of California, IFS can offer profound insight into the complexities of living a balanced and fulfilled life.
Our Internal Family Systems Therapy Process
At Cornell & Associates, we guide you through the IFS process with empathy and expertise, creating a safe space for self-discovery and growth. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Discovery and Exploration
Our IFS journey begins with a process of self-discovery. We’ll work together to explore your internal “family” of parts, identifying the different aspects that influence your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. You may find parts that carry anxiety, others that aim to protect you, and still others that hold unprocessed pain or trauma.
2. Building a Relationship with Each Part
As you get to know these parts, we’ll help you build a compassionate relationship with each one. In IFS, there’s no “bad” part—every aspect of you is there for a reason, even if it’s sometimes difficult to understand. Our goal is to help you relate to each part with understanding and kindness, allowing for true healing.
3. Creating Internal Harmony
Once we’ve established relationships with your parts, we work on creating harmony within. This involves helping your parts communicate and cooperate, so you can respond to life with greater calm and clarity. This harmony often brings a deep sense of inner peace and can lead to profound improvements in how you relate to yourself and others.
4. Ongoing Support and Integration
IFS is a journey, and we’re here to support you through each step. Whether you choose in-person sessions in New York or prefer online therapy, we provide a consistent, supportive environment for ongoing growth. As you continue to explore and understand your parts, you’ll integrate these insights into your daily life, allowing for lasting transformation.
