Aviva Psychology Services
Internal family systems therapy
Helping those who feel ruled by painful emotions and inner conflict to access the calm, confident Self within.
When it feels like different parts of you are are in conflict
You know the feeling. Part of you wants to reach out, and part of you pulls back. Part of you wants to set a boundary, and part of you gives in. Part of you feels hopeful and another part feels lost and alone.
These experiences are not signs that something is wrong. They are signs that different parts of your inner world are trying to be heard. And when those parts are stuck in painful patterns from the past, they can make it hard to feel settled, clear, calm or secure.
If you are looking for Internal Family Systems therapy in Massachusetts with experienced doctoral-level psychologists, we invite you to explore whether Aviva may be the right fit for your needs.
What is internal family systems therapy?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an evidence-based, strength-focused model of psychotherapy developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz. Based in self-compassion, IFS proposes that all human beings have at their core a Self. This is an often untapped healing resource characterized by a natural sense of confidence, clarity, and calm.
In addition to the Self, IFS recognizes that humans have many different parts of their personalities. These parts may play extreme roles as a result of adverse experiences during development. When this happens, people can lose access to the Self and find themselves reacting from their parts instead, which can manifest as painful emotions and ineffective reactions to stress.
IFS therapy works to restore the relationship between the Self and the parts, creating greater balance, harmony, and Self-leadership in daily life. You can learn more about the IFS model directly from its founder at the IFS Institute, or watch Dr. Schwartz describe the model here.
Who can IFS help?
IFS is effective for a wide range of concerns, including:
- Anxiety and persistent worry
- Depression and low mood
- Trauma and PTSD
- Chronic self-criticism and shame
- Relationship and communication difficulties
- Difficulty with boundaries and people-pleasing
- Emotional reactivity and difficulty regulating feelings
- Identity and self-esteem concerns
IFS is often a good fit for individuals who feel caught in repetitive emotional patterns, who feel deeply stuck, who want to develop a deeper understanding of themselves, and who are open to an approach grounded in compassion rather than correction.
The IFS model: Self and parts
At the heart of IFS is a simple but profound idea. Every person has a Self, a core that is naturally calm, curious, compassionate, and capable of leading. And every person also has parts, aspects of their personality that developed in response to life challenges and that took on roles to help protect you.
Some parts are protective. They manage how you show up in the world, keeping emotions contained and helping you function. Others carry the pain of past experiences and remain stuck in old emotional states. When these parts feel overwhelmed or unheard, they can take over, leading to reactions that feel out of proportion to the present moment.
IFS therapy does not try to eliminate or silence these parts. Instead, your psychologist will help you develop a relationship with them. By listening to them with openness and curiosity, you begin to understand their motivations and release them from the extreme roles they have been carrying.
As parts heal, the Self is able to lead with greater clarity and confidence, and the internal system moves toward balance and harmony.
Why we use this approach at Aviva Psychology Services
Our psychologists are trained in Internal Family Systems because of its strong foundation in self-compassion and its effectiveness across a wide range of presentations. IFS aligns naturally with our belief that every person has the inherent capacity to heal.
IFS fits well within our relational approach to care. The therapeutic relationship in IFS is collaborative and non-pathologizing. Rather than treating symptoms as problems to be fixed, we approach them as communications from parts that are trying to help. This shifts the experience of therapy from one of correction to one of discovery.
We also value how IFS integrates with other evidence-based approaches. Our psychologists draw on IFS alongside CBT, ACT, and trauma-informed frameworks to provide comprehensive, individualized care. IFS has been recognized by SAMHSA as an evidence-based treatment, reflecting its growing research base and clinical effectiveness.
You can learn more about our clinicians and their training
here.
What does an IFS session look like?
IFS sessions at Aviva are exploratory, collaborative, and grounded in compassion. Your psychologist will typically begin by checking in on what is present for you, then gently guide you toward noticing the parts that are most active and what they might be trying to communicate.
In session, you will develop the ability to approach your parts with curiosity rather than judgment. Your psychologist will help you distinguish between being blended with a part, where the part's feelings and beliefs feel like your own, and having access to the Self, where you can observe and relate to the part from a place of calm and clarity.
Much of the work involves building a relationship of trust between the Self and the parts. Over time, protective parts begin to relax as they experience the presence and leadership of the Self. Parts carrying old pain can begin to release it and take on new, less extreme roles.
Common concerns addressed through IFS
IFS is used in the treatment of trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and chronic self-criticism. It is particularly well-suited for individuals who struggle with emotional reactivity, relationship difficulties, and deeply held shame or insecurity. The approach is also effective for identity concerns, people-pleasing patterns, difficulty with boundaries, and a general sense of being at war with yourself.
Goals of IFS therapy
Self-leadership
Develop greater access to the calm, confident Self so that parts no longer need to run the show.
Inner harmony
Build a relationship of trust and understanding between all parts of your inner world, reducing internal conflict and emotional reactivity.
Lasting awareness
Develop a deeper understanding of your inner world so that patterns become recognizable and self-compassion becomes your default response.
Many clients have reported transformative results from IFS, especially those who have not found success with more structured, symptom focused therapy approaches. A 2025 review published in Clinical Psychologist analyzed 27 peer-reviewed studies on IFS and identified it as a promising therapeutic approach, noting significant symptom reduction across PTSD, depression, and chronic pain in pilot trials. The IFS Institute continues to build the research base, with studies published in leading journals including the American Psychological Association's trauma specialty journal.
Clients often report a greater sense of self-compassion, reduced emotional reactivity, less extreme thinking, and a deeper understanding of their own inner world as a result of IFS work. While the research base for IFS is still growing and larger randomized controlled trials are needed, many clients begin to notice meaningful shifts in how they relate to themselves and others within the first month of treatment.
Is IFS the right for you?
IFS may be fitting if you are curious about your inner world, struggle with shame, and are open to an approach that treats all parts of you with compassion rather than judgment. It tends to work well for people who feel caught in repetitive emotional patterns and who want to understand themselves more deeply.
That said, therapy approaches are not one-size-fits-all. Your psychologist will discuss fit openly during the assessment process and collaborate with you to determine the best approach for your specific situation.
What's next?
Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but we keep the process simple and supportive. Here’s what to expect:
Request an Appointment
Once you complete this form, we will reach out. If we have a fitting opening, we schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to assess fit further together.
Assessment and Planning
During the first 2-4 sessions we assess your history, symptoms, and goals. Together, you and your psychologist will establish a treatment plan and discuss next steps.
Ongoing Weekly Sessions
Sessions are typically weekly for 55 minutes at a consistent time. You and your psychologist will focus on your treatment needs and goals.
FAQs about IFS
How long does IFS therapy typically take?
The length of treatment depends on your specific concerns and goals. IFS can be used in shorter-term focused work or as part of longer-term therapy, particularly when concerns are complex or longstanding. Your psychologist will discuss a realistic timeline during the assessment process.
What kind of training do IFS therapists have?
All clinicians at Aviva are doctoral-level licensed psychologists or postdoctoral fellows with advanced training in evidence-based treatments, including IFS. You can learn more about our clinicians and their training here.
How is IFS different from other therapy approaches?
IFS is distinct in its focus on the internal system of parts and the Self. Rather than targeting symptoms directly, IFS works to heal the underlying parts that are generating those symptoms. This makes it a particularly deep and lasting form of treatment for many people.
Can IFS be used alongside medication?
Yes. IFS is compatible with psychiatric medication and is frequently used alongside it. Your psychologist will discuss your full clinical picture during the assessment process and collaborate with your other providers as appropriate.
Ready to explore Internal Family Systems therapy?
If you are considering Internal Family Systems therapy in Massachusetts, a consultation can help determine whether this approach aligns with your goals. We will review your concerns, answer questions, and outline next steps if fitting.
