Is IFS the same as having Dissociative Identity Disorder or "multiple personalities"?

No. Having internal "parts" is a normal, healthy feature of every mind, not a disorder. Think of it like a team or family with different members, all belonging to one system: you.

How is IFS different from CBT or traditional talk therapy?

CBT often works to challenge or change negative thoughts directly. IFS takes a curious, compassionate stance toward those thoughts and the parts behind them instead of fighting them. Many clients find that once a part feels heard, it naturally shifts.

Will I have to talk about my childhood the whole time?

Not necessarily. While many parts formed in childhood, IFS focuses on how they're affecting you now. We go into the past only when a part is ready to show us what it's carrying.

Can IFS be combined with EMDR?

Yes. Combining IFS and EMDR lets us build internal safety and trust with your parts before and during trauma reprocessing, which many clients find gentler and more effective.

Is IFS therapy available virtually?

Yes. Virtual IFS sessions are available to adults throughout Washington State, including Seattle, Bellevue, and Redmond, as well as in-person sessions at the Kirkland office.

Do you accept insurance for IFS therapy?

This is a private-pay practice that does not bill insurance directly. A monthly superbill is provided that clients can submit to their insurance provider for potential out-of-network reimbursement.

Monstera leaf in Angelica De Anda's Kirkland, WA therapy office, offering a calm space for IFS therapy clients

IFS Therapy in Kirkland, Washington

In-person therapy in Kirkland, WA & virtual therapy throughout WA State

Quiet the Inner Conflict. Lead From Your Calmest, Clearest Self.

Take the First Step Today

What is IFS Therapy?

Ever notice yourself saying "part of me wants to..." while another part of you disagrees? That's not a contradiction, it's how the mind is built. Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an evidence-based, non-pathologizing therapy model that sees the mind as made up of different "parts," each with its own role, feelings, and history.

IFS holds that there are no bad parts: even the inner critic, the people-pleaser, or the part that shuts down under stress developed to protect you at some point. My training in IFS comes from Dr. Kendhal Hart's IFS Masterclass, and I bring the same trauma-informed, culturally responsive lens to this work that I bring to EMDR.

The goal of IFS isn't to get rid of any part of you. It's to help your core Self (calm, curious, and compassionate) and step back into the lead, so your parts can finally relax.

How Does IFS Work?

I work with clients in person at my Kirkland office, and virtually with clients across the greater Seattle area - including Bellevue, Redmond, and beyond.

In an IFS session, we generally move through:

Checking In

We start with a "trailhead": an emotion, thought, or body sensation that's present for you right now.

Unblending

We create a little space between "you" (the Self) and the part that's activated, so you can observe it rather than be consumed by it.

Befriending

We get curious about the part: what it's afraid of, what it's protecting, and how long it's been carrying that job.

Unburdening

As your parts learn to trust your Self, they can release the burdens (the old beliefs, fears, or pain) they've been holding onto.

how i can help

Through IFS, We Can Bring Your Inner System Into Balance

I work with adults throughout the Eastside and greater Washington State who are ready to find relief from:

an overactive inner critic or perfectionism
people-pleasing and difficulty setting boundaries
anxiety, overwhelm, and burnout
childhood wounds and complex trauma
self-esteem and identity questions
racial and cultural stress
feeling "stuck" in old patterns despite insight

Whether you prefer to meet in person at my Kirkland office or work virtually from anywhere in Washington State, IFS can meet you where you are.

I'm Ready to Explore My Inner World

a note on combining approaches: IFS & EMDR

IFS and EMDR work beautifully together.

IFS helps map and build trust with the parts of you carrying pain, while EMDR helps reprocess the memories those parts are protecting. Integrating these two approaches often results with less overwhelm and more lasting relief than either approach alone.

As an EMDR Certified Therapist trained in IFS, I tailor sessions to whichever approach (or blend of both) fits where you are.

Learn more about EMDR Therapy

I want you to know:

You don’t have to be at war with yourself.

When your Self leads, your parts can finally rest.

I'm Ready - Let's Connect!

faqs

Common questions about IFS Therapy

No. Having internal "parts" is a normal, healthy feature of every mind - not a disorder.
Think of it like a team or family with different members, all belonging to one system: you.
CBT often works to challenge or change negative thoughts directly. IFS takes a curious, compassionate stance toward those thoughts and the parts behind them instead of fighting them. Many clients find that once a part feels heard, it naturally shifts.
Not necessarily. While many parts formed in childhood, IFS focuses on how they're affecting you now. We go into the past only when a part is ready to show us what it's carrying.
Yes! This is one of my favorite therapies to integrate. Combining IFS and EMDR lets us build internal safety and trust with your parts before and during trauma reprocessing, which many clients find gentler and more effective.
Yes! I offer virtual IFS sessions to adults throughout Washington State, including Seattle, Bellevue, and Redmond, as well as in-person sessions at my Kirkland office.
I'm a private-pay practice and don't bill insurance directly, but I provide a monthly superbill you can submit for potential out-of-network reimbursement. See my Investment page for details.