IFS therapy for trauma
Online in Oregon and Washington
Healing starts when you stop fighting yourself.
Trauma can leave you feeling stuck in painful patterns, disconnected from yourself, and burdened by overwhelming emotions. You might notice parts of yourself reacting in ways you don’t fully understand—parts of you may be anxious and hypervigilant, while others shut down or avoid emotions altogether.
Maybe you’re noticing:
A harsh inner critic that makes it hard to feel good enough
Emotional overwhelm or shutting down in stressful situations
Patterns of people-pleasing, avoidance, or self-sabotage
A deep sense of shame or guilt that won’t seem to go away
Difficulty trusting yourself or feeling safe in relationships
IFS therapy offers a compassionate way to heal by helping you understand and befriend these parts of yourself.
How IFS therapy works
Think about the last big decision you made. Maybe a part of you felt sure about one choice, while another part hesitated, second-guessed, or pushed for a different option. Even small decisions—like what to have for dinner—can bring up inner conflict.
IFS sees the mind as made up of different parts, each with its own role. Some parts try to protect you, while others carry deep wounds from the past. Rather than trying to silence or ignore these parts, IFS helps you build a compassionate relationship with them.
In therapy, we’ll slow down and get curious about what different parts of you are feeling. You might notice a protective part that keeps you busy to avoid hard emotions or a critical part that tries to keep you from making mistakes. As we explore these patterns, you’ll start to access more of your own clarity and confidence—your ability to lead with calm and perspective.
With time, the parts of you that have been stuck in fear, shame, or overwhelm can soften, knowing they’re no longer alone. Instead of feeling controlled by inner conflict, you can move through the world with more ease, self-trust, and wholeness.
What we’ll work on
IFS therapy can help you:
Understand and untangle inner conflict
Build a more compassionate relationship with your emotions
Identify protective patterns and how they’re trying to help
Process painful experiences without becoming overwhelmed
Feel more grounded and confident about your choices
However you may feel right now, you are capable of healing and growth.
I’M HERE TO HELP you discover that.
FAQS
Common questions about IFS therapy
-
I have taken the following trainings through the IFS Institute:
IFS level 1, 2021
IFS Level 2, Addictions and Eating Disorders, 2022
IFS Level 2, Deepening and Expanding, 2022
IFS Level 3, 2023
I am currently working toward IFS certification and an active participant in individual and group IFS consultation.
-
While IFS is often used to help people heal from trauma, it’s not limited to just that. IFS can be beneficial for a wide range of issues, such as anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, stress, and personal growth. Even if you’re looking to deepen your emotional awareness or better understand your reactions, IFS can help you develop a more balanced, compassionate relationship with yourself.
-
Not necessarily. While IFS can involve revisiting past experiences, the focus is on understanding and healing the parts of you that are carrying those memories, rather than re-traumatizing you. We work at your pace, and the goal is to build a compassionate relationship with these parts, allowing them to heal without overwhelming you. Many clients find that the process brings relief without the need for intense emotional re-experiencing.