Online IFS Therapist in New Rochelle, Yonkers, and throughout New York
What Is Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy?
Internal Family Systems, or IFS for short, is a non-pathologizing therapy approach.
In a nutshell, it’s based on the idea that we are not one single, fixed self. Instead, we are made up of multiple "parts." Each part has its own perspective, feelings, and job to do. Some common examples are critic, protector, people-pleaser, or high-functioning parent or professional.
When we experience internal conflict, IFS helps us understand which parts are involved and how each one is trying to help. This makes it easier to treat ourselves and others with more compassion.
Because we are never just one part, and no one part defines us.
How IFS Helps Individuals And Families Who Have Suffered Trauma
IFS doesn’t see people as good or bad. It looks at a person’s behavior. A person who has experienced trauma, for example, may act in a certain way: overreacting, shutting down, or avoiding closeness.
These behaviors are coming from younger parts of themselves that are trying to protect them. Even if these strategies are counterproductive now.
Getting to know these parts and understanding how they're trying to help lessens internal conflict and emotional intensity.
How IFS Supports Individuals With Identity Issues Or On A Journey Of Self-Discovery
Hispanic individuals are naturally diverse. We grow up navigating different identities, cultures, and environments all at once.
The IFS approach naturally embraces this diversity because it doesn’t see a person as having one fixed identity.
Instead, it makes space for different parts of ourselves and others to exist side-by-side.
Looking at people as made up of parts can be used with adults, children, and people from all backgrounds, since it's easy to understand and put into practice.
How IFS Helps Heal Generational Trauma in Teens and Adults
Family systems therapy helps us accept the diversity within ourselves and others.
This doesn't mean excusing harmful or hurtful behavior. For example, a parent who yelled a lot at you when you were a child isn't excused for that.
But understanding why that happened gives us enough emotional distance to respond differently today.
How Can You Know If IFS Is Right For You?
You can try it and see.
If it's not the right fit, we can always use a different approach instead.
IFS is one of my favorite tools, but it's not the only one I use. Please explore my About Page for a better understanding of my approach, specialty and methodology.
How I Use IFS For Family Problems As A Latina Therapist Specialized In Marriage And Family Therapy
Instead of expecting a family (or a person) to act one certain way, IFS makes room for different parts of who we are to coexist.
In practice, this means family conflict doesn't have to be about one person being wrong and another being right. Instead, we can look at how parts (on both sides) are trying to avoid situations that feel unsafe or scary.
This shift helps lower defensiveness and opens the door to a new kind of conversation.
As someone who grew up navigating two languages and two cultures myself, this way of working feels authentic to how I see family and community.
Learn About My Specialties
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Adult therapy in Spanish and English
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Bilingual family therapy for Hispanic and Latino families
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Teen therapy for Hispanic and Latino teens