Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy
in Lynnwood, WA
A gentle, non-pathologizing approach to healing inner conflict
What is Internal Family Systems (IFS)?
IFS therapy is a non-pathological form of therapy, and instead, helps clients support different parts of themselves and heal the burden these parts are carrying.
Starting in the 1980s, Richard C. Schwartz, PhD conceptualized IFS therapy and introduced the model in 1987.
The main idea is that we all have different parts of us, in order to survive and develop emotions, beliefs, expectations, and responsibilities about the world. In therapy, we are learning to listen to these parts, understand what these parts need, and help these parts heal from within.
THE MAIN PARTS IFS SHARED
IFS started with sharing that we have managers part, firefighters, and exiles.
Managers who are responsible for our everyday tasks, to make sure that we do and do them well. Managers work very hard to avoid situations that may later on cause us pain.
Firefighters are there to make sure when our system gets overwhelmed, they can be there to shut it down. You might experience it like feeling numb, avoiding, and not wanting to move.
Exiles carry our trauma. Managers and firefighters might work very hard to make sure the exiles stay hidden to avoid pain.
IFS therapists see all these parts as carrying a story and function. In therapy, the purpose is to help these parts work together instead of having one part dominate the system. From experience, I see clients have many more parts that can surface in therapy sessions. We welcome them and provide these parts a safe place.
SELF Energy
Other than parts, IFS therapists see that we all have self-energy that are consist of confidence, calmness, creativity, clarity, curiosity, courage, compassion, connectedness, presence, patience, perspective, persistence, and playfulness.
Healing in IFS therapy, Parts communicate instead of compete.
Managers listen to exiles rather than silencing them
Firefighters trust that emotions won’t destroy the system
Exiles no longer need to scream to be heard
Decisions are made with parts, not against them
There’s flexibility, choice, and internal collaboration.
How IFS Therapy Work?
In therapy sessions, I help clients learn to notice their parts, witness the burdens these parts are carrying, validate parts’ feelings, and learn to access self-energy to heal. Since I am also trained in Somatic Experiencing, I will be noticing how informations are showing up in your body. We will be providing support for your parts and for your body to restore balances.
What Healing Looks like
An unburdened system often experiences:
•Less inner criticism and urgency
•More emotional range without overwhelm
•Faster recovery after stress or conflict
•A felt sense of inner safety
•Self-trust instead of constant self-monitoring
Not perfection—resilience.
WHY WORK WITH ME
Over the years, I’ve helped clients move beyond trauma, reconnect with their bodies, and feel more like themselves—more compassionate, calm, confident, courageous, and creative.
I blend inner child work, attachment-focused therapy, bilateral stimulation, somatic tracking, and nervous system healing to create deep, lasting change. My approach is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and grounded in genuine compassion.
I understand how heavy things have felt, and I know how to help you find clarity, ease, and a more empowered relationship with yourself.
You’ve already taken a brave step by being here.
Let’s continue this journey — gently, intentionally, and together.
Virtual
Lynnwood WA
Hybrid