IFS Therapy

(Internal Family Systems)

internal family systems therapist

IFS Therapist in Texas | Virtual Specialist Janae Kim, LMFT

Takeaway: Many of us struggle to fully embrace ourselves. Difficult emotions and painful memories are hard to accept, and pushing them away can feel like the only option. Despite this, welcoming each and every piece of ourselves can help us finally find peace. If you’re struggling to heal from trauma or other challenges, working with an IFS therapist can help you along this journey toward wholeness.

IFS Therapists

Understanding IFS

If you're searching for an IFS therapist, you probably already have a sense of what this therapeutic approach entails. However, I'll still provide some background information for those who are less familiar to ensure that we're all on the same page.

Internal family systems (IFS) therapy is a form of talk therapy that was developed in the 1980s by Dr. Richard Schwartz. Its main tenet is that all people have various "parts" that make up who they are. These parts play different roles that can both help and hurt us at times.

When you work with an IFS therapist, you'll identify your parts, learn their functions, and bring all of them together in order to create inner harmony. Basically, your therapist will help you improve the relationships within your "inner family."

While the internal family systems model is primarily used in healing trauma, it can also be used to treat other issues. This study suggests that it's an effective treatment for depressive symptoms, and the IFS institute has a manual for using it to treat substance abuse. Research shows that IFS can even be helpful in treating rheumatoid arthritis.

ifs therapist near me

Meet Janae Kim, LMFT | Virtual IFS therapist in Texas

Hi, I'm Janae Kim. I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist in Texas and California, and I'm passionate about helping individuals by using internal family systems therapy (especially in combination with EMDR). I have over 14 years of experience as a therapist, and I've seen how helpful these cutting-edge approaches can be.

Many of my clients have had difficult or traumatic life experiences that significantly shape how they move through the world. They've often been failed by traditional therapy approaches and by systems and providers that don't understand the intricacies of their identities and experiences. They come to me looking for a new path toward healing, and I help them find it.

My approach is warm and empathetic, and I'm dedicated to creating a non-judgmental space where you can be yourself. At the same time, I gently encourage my clients to turn toward their uncomfortable emotions in order to support their long-term growth.

ifs therapist

Why choose me as your internal family systems therapist

Finding the right fit is a crucial part of choosing a therapist. Here are some signs that I might be the right IFS therapist for you.

I specialize in working with members of the BIPOC community.

As both a member of the BIPOC community and a first-generation American immigrant, I recognize the unique challenges that these groups face. While each person's experience is unique, it can help to have a clinician who intimately understands the trauma of structural racism and the deeply rooted stigma of seeking mental health care.

I specialize in helping Highly Sensitive People (HSP).

I also offer HSP therapy for those who identify as highly sensitive. These individuals often have a tendency toward feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and overstimulated, which can significantly impact their quality of life. IFS therapy can help you embrace these parts of yourself and learn how to work with them.

I help people throughout the states of Texas and California.

I'm licensed in both Texas and California, and virtual therapy allows me to help people across both states. This is especially convenient if you relocate, want to cut out time commuting to and from a therapist's office, or simply enjoy getting support in the comfort of your own home.

When another provider might be a better fit

While I'd love to help as many people as possible, I also recognize that I might not be the right fit for everyone. Here are some signs to consider other IFS therapists.

You're looking for in-person therapy sessions.

Since my practice is exclusively virtual, I'm unable to offer in-person sessions at this time. Research suggests that online therapy can be highly effective, and many people enjoy the privacy and convenience that come with virtual sessions. However, a preference for in-person therapy is still completely valid.

You're looking for free therapy.

While I recognize the need for affordable mental health services, I'm unable to provide no-cost therapy. I can provide clients with a statement to submit to their insurance company for partial reimbursement, and I have limited sliding scale spots based on income. Please contact me if you have questions.

You're not ready to commit to therapy.

In order for therapy (including IFS therapy) to be most effective, it's important to attend sessions regularly. If this feels difficult for you right now, I invite you to reflect on what (if anything) can be shifted in your life or schedule to accommodate consistent therapy sessions. It's also okay if this just isn't the right time for you.

FAQs about working with an IFS therapist

  • All sessions using the IFS model are customized to a client's unique needs. Since working with parts is one of the core concepts of IFS, sessions often focus on identifying parts, gaining more understanding of these parts, building self-compassion, and learning how to differentiate your core self from the other multiple parts.

    Since I use IFS-informed EMDR, we'll also incorporate EMDR techniques alongside IFS methods. You can learn more about EMDR therapy here.

  • There is no set treatment protocol that determines how long IFS will take. Like other forms of therapy, your treatment plan will be customized to your specific situation, including your needs and goals. We'll work together to determine how often to meet, how long sessions will be, and more.

  • You can find IFS therapists through online directories, including the IFS directory on the IFS Institute's official website. You can also use a search engine, such as Google, to find IFS practitioners in your area.

    I offer virtual sessions and am licensed in both Texas and California, so I can help you no matter where you're located in these two states.

internal family systems therapy

Embrace all of who you are with virtual IFS therapy in Texas.

If you're ready to learn more about yourself and make peace with the different pieces that make up who you are, IFS therapy can help. Through our work together, you'll develop insight, self-leadership, and the desire to truly change from within. You'll also discover your core self and learn how to embrace all parts of you.

Contact me today for your free consultation and take the first steps toward restoring wholeness.