Internal Family Systems Therapy
Licensed therapy using Internal Family Systems Therapy now available in-person in San Francisco and online.
What is Internal Family Systems Therapy?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is designed to help individuals understand and heal the different “parts” within themselves that influence thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. According to IFS, each person has a core “Self” that is naturally calm, compassionate, and emotionally-resourced, but over time, challenging life experiences can cause parts to function in maladaptive ways. Some parts may try to manage pain by controlling, avoiding, or numbing emotions, unable to mitigate the root causes of feelings such as shame, fear, or sadness. Through IFS therapy, clients learn to access “Self-Energy” and develop an empathic, mutually-supportive relationship with these inner parts instead of judging, rejecting, or struggling under the oppressive weight of them.
The goal of IFS therapy is not to eliminate parts, but to bring balance and harmony to an individual’s internal system. By creating understanding between these parts, IFS helps individuals reduce inner conflict, release emotional burdens, and reconnect with a sense of wholeness. This approach can be especially effective for those struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, or relationship challenges. Ultimately, IFS therapy empowers clients to move beyond survival patterns and live from a place of clarity, confidence, and inner peace—allowing true and lasting healing to emerge from within.
Why Consider iFS?
IFS therapy can help individuals overcome a wide range of symptoms, including those that stem from inner conflict or unresolved trauma. Many people seek IFS therapy to find relief from debilitating issues that impact day to day life.
Through IFS, many individuals notice a sense of calm, insight and self-compassion grow. You too may experience greater emotional balance, improved relationships, and a renewed sense of confidence in daily life.
Unresolved guilt
Anxiety
Depression
Shame
Feelings of unworthiness
Emotional numbness
Patterns of people pleasing and perfectionism
Self-criticism
Emotional reactivity
Internal Family Systems (IFS) in Professional Therapy
As a highly experienced therapist in San Francisco, Chris Hershey-Van Horn provides a safe and supportive therapeutic environment for adults seeking to leverage their Internal Family Systems for growth and healing.
This approach focuses on understanding and integrating different parts of the self. Clients learn how to connect with their inner world, release emotional blocks and function from a grounded and confident place. IFS therapy can be especially beneficial for those struggling with relationship issues, trauma, anxiety or personal growth challenges. Chris guides clients through this modality with care, helping individuals discover new pathways toward self-awareness and emotional balance and recovery.
Chris Hershey-Van Horn proudly serves clients throughout San Francisco, CA as well as surrounding areas. Whether you live in the city or in nearby communities, you can access supportive and transformative therapy in person or online.
FAQs
Why Work with Chris Hershey-Van Horn, LCSW?
Clients choose to work with Chris because of the calm presence, non-judgmental guidance and professional therapeutic tools offered in each session. Chris focuses on creating a relationship-centered approach where every individual feels seen and supported. In working together, you can expect a supportive therapy space that encourages gentle reflection, authentic emotional expression and personalized care.
How does IFS-Informed Therapy work?
IFS therapy helps guide clients through a path of healing by helping to identify and thoughtfully work with different internal “parts” of themselves. By carefully building connections with these parts and figuring out how to support them, clients can release emotional burdens and develop a greater sense of calm, compassion and courage
Do you serve clients outside San Francisco?
Yes. Chris is licensed to provide psychotherapy to individuals throughout all of California. You can schedule in-person or virtual sessions depending on scheduling availability and your preference.
Chris Hershey-Van Horn provides professional therapeutic support through a variety of modalities, including IFS. Whether you seek targeted psychological support or a greater sense of emotional well-being more broadly, licensed therapeutic support is available.
Contact Us
Please submit some info in the form here or send an email directly to chvhtherapy@gmail.com and we will be in touch shortly to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. We look forward to helping you on your therapy journey.