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What is Internal Family Systems therapy?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a psychotherapy model developed by Richard Schwartz. It uses the language of “parts” to explore different feelings, impulses and ways of responding within one person. A part might push you to work harder, while another wants to withdraw or rest.
In IFS, the aim is to understand what these responses are trying to do and relate to them with more curiosity. The model also describes a “Self”, associated with qualities such as compassion and perspective. These are concepts within the IFS framework, not a diagnosis.
For example, you might want to set a boundary and also worry about disappointing someone. An IFS therapist may help you explore both reactions, including what feels at stake for each.
The “family” in the name refers to this internal system. You can attend IFS individually. Family therapy is a separate service involving relationships between family members.
Understanding parts and Self
IFS describes three broad roles that parts can take on. The labels are ways to explore an experience, not fixed personality types.
Managers
Try to prevent distress before it happens. In the model, this may involve planning, controlling, pleasing others or pushing for perfection.
Firefighters
React when distress is already present. Their efforts may focus on getting relief quickly, including through distraction or shutting down.
Exiles
Carry vulnerable feelings or experiences that other parts try to keep out of awareness. IFS approaches this material gradually.
Self
The model’s term for a capacity to approach experience with curiosity, calm and compassion. Self is distinguished from the protective roles above.
These descriptions follow the IFS Institute’s model outline. A therapist should help you decide whether this language fits your experience.
What might an IFS session involve?
An IFS therapist may invite you to notice thoughts, emotions, images or physical sensations. The work can include conversation and guided attention; you do not have to produce a vivid mental picture.
You should be able to ask questions, pause and discuss what feels manageable. The outline here describes possible elements of IFS, not a sequence every session must follow.
01
Notice a response
Start with something affecting life now, such as a recurring worry or a reaction during conflict.
02
Explore its purpose
With the therapist, consider what a protective response may be trying to prevent or manage.
03
Work at a manageable pace
Explore vulnerable feelings when appropriate and review what you are learning. “Unburdening” is the model’s term for a process of releasing painful beliefs or emotions; it is not a guaranteed outcome.
What can IFS help with, and what does research show?
People may be interested in IFS when they want to understand self-criticism, conflicting feelings or recurring reactions in relationships. It has also been studied for depression and trauma-related symptoms. Interest in an approach is one part of choosing care; the evidence for your concern and the therapist’s experience matter too.
An emerging evidence base
Research on IFS is still developing. A 2026 randomized controlled trial of an online group-based IFS program for adults with PTSD found the program feasible and acceptable. Both the IFS-based treatment and an active comparison group improved, with no significant difference between groups in PTSD symptom change. Earlier studies have also explored IFS-based interventions in smaller samples, so more research is still needed before drawing broad conclusions about effectiveness across different concerns.
What that means for choosing therapy
IFS is one therapy option, not a universal fit. It can be helpful to consider your goals, preferences, the concern bringing you to therapy, your therapist’s experience and how the work is progressing over time.
If anxiety, depression or the effects of difficult experiences are your main concern, we can talk about whether IFS, another approach or an integrated plan makes sense for your goals. You can also read about trauma-focused therapy.
Choosing an IFS therapist in Ontario
Both Hannah and Hailey offer IFS through Steyaert Counselling. Hannah sees clients in London, Hailey sees clients in Burlington, and both offer online and phone appointments across Ontario. When choosing any IFS therapist, it is reasonable to ask about professional registration, IFS training, experience with your concerns and how the approach is used in practice.
IFS training, IFS certification and registration as a mental health professional describe different things. A directory listing alone does not verify all of them.
Questions to ask before you begin
- What IFS training have you completed, and how do you use it in sessions?
- What experience do you have with the concern I want help with?
- How do we decide whether IFS is appropriate and review whether therapy is helping?
- What are the fees, appointment options and steps if I feel overwhelmed?
If you would like to explore IFS with Hannah or Hailey, you can book a free 15-minute consultation. If you are comparing other providers, the IFS Institute directory and IFS Ontario directory can also help you identify additional options to evaluate.
IFS therapy with Hannah and Hailey
Both Hannah and Hailey offer IFS as part of their work. You do not need to arrive knowing whether IFS should be your only approach. Therapy can begin with what brings you in, and we can decide together how IFS or other approaches may fit your goals.
LONDON, ONTARIO
Hannah Steyaert
M.A., Registered Psychotherapist
Hannah offers IFS alongside her primary psychodynamic approach and other therapies including CBT and attachment-based therapy. Her work often includes anxiety, stress, relationship concerns and recurring emotional patterns. IFS can be incorporated when parts work fits what you want to understand or change.
BURLINGTON, ONTARIO
Hailey Steyaert
M.A., Registered Psychotherapist
Hailey offers IFS as part of her integrative work with individuals, including people experiencing trauma and anxiety. She also has specialized training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and trauma-focused therapy, and uses DBT-informed tools alongside her primary approaches. IFS can be used on its own or alongside other methods when that fits your goals.
Both clinicians work with teens, young adults, adults, couples and families. Individual counselling is a place to explore your own concerns and goals.
IFS therapy in London, Burlington and across Ontario
London office
659 Central Ave, Suite 15
London, ON N5W 3P7
In-person IFS therapy with Hannah. Free parking.
Burlington office
582 Guelph Line
Burlington, ON L7R 3M4
In-person IFS therapy with Hailey. Free parking.
Online and phone appointments
Both clinicians offer IFS and other approaches through online therapy across Ontario, as well as phone appointments. Visit our therapy cost page for current fees and insurance information.
Questions about IFS therapy
Book a free consultation for IFS therapy
If IFS feels like an approach you would like to explore, you can book a free 15-minute consultation with Hannah or Hailey. You do not need to know exactly how you want therapy to look before reaching out. We can start with what brings you in and talk through whether IFS fits your goals.
Prefer to ask a question first? Use the form below and mention IFS, your preferred therapist, and whether you are looking for London, Burlington or online therapy. A brief message is enough; you do not need to share a detailed clinical history.
This form sends an inquiry. It does not reserve an appointment.
Further reading
IFS model outline · IFS terminology · 2026 randomized trial · IFS Institute research summary
The IFS Institute explains the model and publishes information about its research. It is also the organization that provides IFS training and certification.