IFS Therapy in Chicago
Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy helps you understand the different parts of yourself, including the parts that protect you, carry difficult emotions, or need compassion and care. At Empowered Therapy, you can experience IFS therapy in person in Chicago with a therapist who can help you better understand your patterns, strengthen self-compassion, and create meaningful change.
What is Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and how does it work?
IFS therapy helps you understand the different “parts” of yourself that influence your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Instead of judging these parts, you learn to approach them with curiosity and compassion so you can feel more balanced and connected to yourself.
What kinds of issues does IFS therapy help with?
IFS therapy can be helpful when you feel overwhelmed by your emotions, stuck in recurring patterns, or disconnected from yourself. It can help you better understand what’s driving these feelings and responses. IFS may be helpful for issues such as:
Anxiety and depression
Trauma and grief
Relationship concerns
Self-esteem and emotional overwhelm
Life transitions and recurring patterns
Who at Empowered Therapy specializes in IFS?
Larisa Garski, LMFT, specializes in trauma-informed therapy, IFS, and IFIO. Nicole Kubera, LCSW, also specializes in Internal Family Systems therapy.
Is IFS therapy available in person in Chicago, or only online?
IFS therapy is available both in person at Empowered Therapy’s Chicago Loop office and through secure telehealth. This gives you flexibility to choose the format that works best for you.
How long does IFS therapy typically take to see results?
Some people notice changes within the first few sessions, while deeper concerns may take longer. Your timeline depends on your goals, concerns, and the pace that feels comfortable for you.
Does insurance cover IFS therapy sessions?
IFS sessions may be covered if an in-network therapist provides them, depending on your insurance plan and benefits. Empowered Therapy accepts several insurance plans and also offers private-pay options; contact the practice to confirm your specific coverage.
We also work with private pay clients. Reach out to our billing team at billing@empoweredtherapy.org with any questions about your specific coverage.
How is IFS different from traditional talk therapy?
IFS goes beyond simply talking about what happened by helping you explore the different parts of yourself connected to your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The goal is to understand these parts better and develop a more compassionate relationship with yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IFS therapy evidence-based?
Yes, IFS is considered an evidence-based therapeutic approach and is used to address concerns including trauma, anxiety, depression, and emotional difficulties. Empowered Therapy incorporates IFS as part of its range of evidence-based approaches.
Can IFS be combined with other therapy approaches, like EMDR?
Yes, IFS can be integrated with other approaches, including EMDR, when appropriate. Empowered Therapy offers both IFS and EMDR, allowing your therapist to tailor treatment to your individual needs.
Do I need a trauma history for IFS to help me?
No, you do not need a history of trauma to benefit from IFS. It can be helpful for anyone who wants to better understand their emotions, relationships, behaviors, or internal conflicts.
How many IFS sessions should I expect to need?
There is no set number of IFS sessions. Some people benefit from short-term therapy, while others choose longer-term support for deeper personal growth or ongoing concerns.
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