Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is a powerful, evidence-based approach that helps you understand and heal those inner parts. Whether you're managing anxiety, healing from trauma, moving through burnout or simply feeling stuck, IFS can help you move from inner chaos to clarity and balance.
At Tate Psychotherapy, our IFS therapists offer IFS therapy in-person in NYC and online to clients in New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Texas and Louisiana.
Inside each of us is a whole inner world made up of different parts, each one shaped by our lived experiences.
What is IFS Therapy?
IFS, or Internal Family Systems, is a therapeutic model developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz. It’s grounded in the idea that we all have an internal system made up of different “parts”—and that every part has a purpose. Some protect us from pain, some carry the burdens of past experiences and others react when we feel overwhelmed.
At the center of it all is the Self: the calm, compassionate, wise presence within each of us.
Instead of pathologizing symptoms, IFS works by helping you get to know and care for these inner parts. Through this compassionate inner dialogue, you can begin to unburden pain, shift patterns and restore internal balance.
IFS is recognized by the National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices (NREPP) and is increasingly used to treat a wide range of mental health conditions and support lasting healing.
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Every part of you has a story, and none of them are beyond healing.
How IFS Therapy Can Help
IFS therapy is an effective modality for a wide range of emotional struggles and mental health concerns.
It’s particularly powerful for:
- Trauma and PTSD
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Depression
- Shame, guilt, and low self-worth
- Inner conflict or indecision
- Chronic stress and burnout
- People-pleasing and perfectionism
- Disordered eating or body image issues
- Relationship challenges
IFS therapy often gives you the language and clarity for feelings and inner conflicts that may have felt overwhelming or confusing for years.
Through IFS, you can:
- Reduce inner conflict and reactive behaviors
- Build emotional resilience and self-compassion
- Make more empowered, intentional choices
- Deepen your relationship with yourself and others
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What Does Internal Family Systems Look Like in Session?
IFS sessions are collaborative, present-focused, and intuitive.
In your sessions, your therapist will help you:
- Turn inward with curiosity instead of judgment
- Identify parts that feel anxious, reactive, self-critical, or overwhelmed
- Develop a relationship with those parts rather than trying to silence them
- Access your Self and use it as the healing agent
- Unburden parts that are stuck in roles shaped by trauma, fear, or past experiences
You don’t have to relive trauma or rehash the past. IFS therapy helps you make space for each part’s story, gently and respectfully, in a way that promotes healing and transformation and goes at your pace.
Meet Our IFS Therapists
Elizabeth is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who brings presence, warmth, and deep compassion to her IFS work. She supports individuals and couples in understanding their inner world and strengthening the internal relationships between parts. Elizabeth helps clients navigate perfectionism, relationship issues, anxiety, depression and identity concerns with intentional support.
Elizabeth provides therapy in New York and Texas.
Elizabeth provides therapy in New York and Texas.
Elizabeth Tullis, LMFT
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Mary is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the founder of Tate Psychotherapy. With a warm, intuitive and direct style, she brings both authenticity and humor into her sessions. Mary knows that therapy can feel vulnerable, and her priority is creating a space where you feel heard and seen. She works collaboratively and compassionately, helping clients explore their inner worlds and reconnect with their strengths. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, low self-esteem or trauma, she’ll meet you where you are with honesty and care.
Mary provides therapy in New York, North Carolina, Texas, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Louisiana.
Mary provides therapy in New York, North Carolina, Texas, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Louisiana.
Mary Tate, LCSW
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Why Choose Internal Family Systems
IFS is different from many traditional talk therapies because it’s not about labeling, diagnosing or trying to fix you. It’s about getting curious. It’s about listening. It’s about reconnecting with the parts of you that were trying to help all along.
Many clients find that once they start working with their internal system, they experience less internal conflict, more self-compassion and a deeper sense of peace.
You don’t have to fight your anxiety. You don’t have to ignore your inner critic. You don’t have to avoid your pain.
You can learn to understand it and transform it.
IFS isn’t about managing symptoms or trying to “get rid of” parts of yourself. It’s about creating a safe internal relationship with your entire system. When your parts feel heard and respected, they begin to relax. That’s when real healing becomes possible.
Instead of continuing to:
IFS offers you a new way to:
Many clients find that once they start working with their internal system, they experience less internal conflict, more self-compassion and a deeper sense of peace.
You don’t have to fight your anxiety. You don’t have to ignore your inner critic. You don’t have to avoid your pain.
You can learn to understand it and transform it.
IFS isn’t about managing symptoms or trying to “get rid of” parts of yourself. It’s about creating a safe internal relationship with your entire system. When your parts feel heard and respected, they begin to relax. That’s when real healing becomes possible.
Instead of continuing to:
- Fight with your anxiety
- Avoid painful memories
- Criticize yourself for how you’re feeling
IFS offers you a new way to:
- Approach every part with compassion and curiosity
- Build inner safety and trust
- Approach every part with compassion and curiosity
- Unburden the parts that carry pain, shame or fear
BOOK a CONSULTATION
IFS therapy in New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Texas and Louisiana.
Ready to Begin?
If you’re curious about how Internal Family Systems can support you, we’re here to help. Schedule a free consultation to discuss how IFS therapy can be part of your healing journey and determine if our services are a good fit for you.
BOOK a CONSULTATION
Ready to Begin?
If you’re curious about how Internal Family Systems can support you, we’re here to help. Schedule a free consultation to discuss how IFS therapy can be part of your healing journey and determine if our services are a good fit for you.
