IFS-INFORMED THERAPY
Room for the different
parts of you.
One part of you wants to move forward. Another wants to stay with what feels familiar. We can make room for both.
With Angelica Esposito, MA, MSW, RSW · Adults 18+
In Burlington & online across Ontario · English & Italian
What is Internal Family Systems?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a way of understanding the different “parts” of ourselves. You might have a part that worries, a part that pushes you to do more, and a part that’s completely worn out. These different reactions are part of being human.
In IFS-informed therapy, we get curious about those parts and what they need. Despite the name, this isn’t family therapy—I work one-to-one with adults.
When parts pull in different directions
A part might push you to get everything right, while another wants to avoid the task altogether. We might ask what each is trying to protect you from, rather than deciding that one is the problem.
Some parts work hard to keep you from being hurt. Others carry feelings you’ve had to put aside. We don’t try to get rid of them; we try to understand what they’ve been doing for you.
Curiosity, compassion, and Self-leadership
IFS uses the word “Self” for the capacity to meet your experience with calm, curiosity, and compassion. Self-leadership means listening to your parts from that steadier place, rather than getting caught in a tug-of-war with them.
We can begin simply: noticing “a part of me feels worried” may create room to listen and respond differently.
What might this look like in a session?
You might arrive frustrated by a familiar reaction. I may invite you to notice the thoughts, emotions, or sensations connected to it, and what you feel towards that reaction. We can talk about what it has helped you navigate and what you need now.
You can use your own words, keep your eyes open, ask questions, or decline an exercise. You don’t have to visualize parts or use language that doesn’t fit.
How IFS-informed work can sit alongside EMDR
Parts work can help when you want to work through a memory but another part of you feels unsure. We can listen to that hesitation and understand what would help before moving ahead.
That understanding can support our work with EMDR. We’ll talk about the options together; combining approaches isn’t something you have to do.
My training and approach
I have completed Internal Family Systems Level 1 training. IFS-informed psychotherapy is part of my integrative work as a Registered Social Worker.
See my complete professional training record.
Further background: IFS Institute: the IFS model (opens in a new tab).
Explore other ways of working
These approaches can be integrated according to your needs. You don’t have to choose a method before starting.
A FIRST CONVERSATION
Let’s see what feels like a fit.
A complimentary consultation is an opportunity to ask questions and get a sense of working together.
Book a Free 15-Minute Consultation