Most people know the feeling of being pulled in two directions: part of you wants to change, while another part holds back. Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy offers a compassionate, structured way to understand those inner conflicts and heal what drives them. At Redeemed Life Counseling, a faith-based counseling practice in Argyle, IFS is one of the approaches we offer to help clients move toward clarity, calm, and confidence.
What is Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy?
Internal Family Systems is a model of psychotherapy developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz. It views the mind as made up of different sub-personalities, or “parts.” Some parts carry wounds and pain (often called Exiles), while others work hard to protect you from that pain (Managers and Firefighters). IFS focuses on accessing your core Self, the calm and compassionate center of who you are, so you can understand these parts, help them heal, and restore balance within.
Who is it for?
- Individuals who feel at war with themselves or stuck in self-sabotaging patterns.
- Couples and families who want to understand how their parts react to one another in conflict.
- People struggling with anxiety or depression who want to understand the root of their emotional symptoms.
- People dealing with shame or trauma who feel overwhelmed by a loud inner critic or painful memories.
- Anyone seeking a non-pathologizing approach that sees you as a whole person, not a diagnosis.
IFS, CBT, or EMDR: Finding the Right Fit
Redeemed Life offers several approaches for anxiety, depression, and trauma. Each works differently, and the right choice depends on what you are facing and how you prefer to work.
- IFS works with the parts of you behind a feeling or behavior. Instead of trying to silence an anxious or critical part, you get curious about what it is protecting you from. The focus is on understanding and relationship within yourself.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and actions. You learn to notice unhelpful thought patterns and practice new responses. It tends to be structured and skills-based, often with practice between sessions.
- EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, to help the brain reprocess distressing memories so they feel less overwhelming.
These approaches are not mutually exclusive, and your counselor may draw on more than one as your needs change.
When IFS May Be a Good Fit
- You notice strong inner conflict, harsh self-criticism, or patterns you cannot seem to stop despite knowing better.
- Other approaches have helped with symptoms, but you want to understand what sits underneath them.
- You prefer a gentle, curious style of therapy over homework-heavy skill building.
- You want a non-judgmental approach. Many clients of faith find that the emphasis IFS places on compassion and curiosity sits comfortably alongside their values.
When Another Approach May Come First
IFS may be less appropriate for people experiencing psychosis or paranoia, and anyone in an active crisis needs stabilization first. Your counselor will help you decide where to begin. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or call 911 in an emergency.
Why Choose Redeemed Life for IFS Therapy
- Several trauma approaches under one roof – IFS is offered alongside EMDR, Brainspotting, and CBT, so your care can shift as your needs change without starting over with a new provider.
- A trauma-informed team – Many of our licensed counselors list trauma, anxiety, and depression among their specialties.
- Care that honors your faith – As a Christian practice, we welcome clients who want to explore how healing and identity connect with their faith, along with clients of any background.
- Rooted in Denton County – From our Argyle office, we serve Bartonville, Denton, Justin, Lantana, Northlake, Roanoke, and surrounding communities, with Best of Denton County recognition every year since 2019.
Talk To One of Our Counselors
Michelle Fitzhugh, LPC-S
Licensed Professional Counselor – Supervisor
Founder & Executive Director
Specialties:
Works With:
Chris Washam, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Clinical Director
Specialties:
Works With:
Jennifer Lafabregue, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Specialties:
Works With:
Courtney Osborne, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Specialties:
Works With:
Heather Love, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Specialties:
Works With:
Kassie Hitchcock, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Specialties:
Works With:
Marianne Pierson, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Specialties:
Works With:
Kendal Rice, LPC, CAS
Licensed Professional Counselor
Specialties:
Works With:
Matt Faulkner, LMFT Associate
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate
Supervised by Dr. Charette Dersch, PhD, LMFT-S.
Specialties:
Works With:
Jessica Chacon, LPC Associate
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
Supervised by Sharon Michelle Fitzhugh, MA LPC-S
Specialties:
Works With:
Chris Shade, LPC Associate
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
Supervised by Sharon Michelle Fitzhugh, MA, LPC-S
Specialties:
Works With:
Jessica Bradley, MA, LPC Associate
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
Supervised by Sharon Michelle Fitzhugh, MA, LPC-S
Specialties:
Works With:
Nicole Resendiz
Masters Level Student Counselor
Supervised by Sharon Michelle Fitzhugh, MA, LPC-S
Se habla español
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Works With:
What IFS Therapy Looks Like Over Time
1. A Free Consultation to Find Your Fit
Call 940-222-8552 or reach out through our secure contact form. We will talk through what you are experiencing, explain how IFS works, and help you find a counselor you feel comfortable with. Our office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
2. Getting to Know Your Parts
Early sessions focus on noticing the parts most active in your life right now, such as an anxious planner, a harsh inner critic, or a part that shuts down under stress. Your counselor guides you to approach each one with curiosity instead of judgment.
3. Building Trust With Protective Parts
Before approaching painful memories, you and your counselor spend time with the parts that protect you, so they feel safe enough to step back. Nothing is forced, and protective parts are treated with respect.
4. Healing at Your Own Pace
When your system is ready, your counselor helps wounded parts release the burdens they have carried. IFS is often a longer-term approach, and the pace is guided by what feels safe for you. Your counselor will check in on progress and goals along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Not at all. It is a natural part of the human experience to have different aspects of our personality (for example, “part of me wants to go out, but another part wants to stay home”). IFS simply provides a framework to understand and heal these aspects.
Instead of only talking about your problems, IFS involves a guided internal dialogue. You learn to relate to your emotions and thoughts from a place of compassion, which helps you understand why they show up the way they do.
In 2015, IFS was added to SAMHSA’s National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP), a registry that was discontinued in 2018. Research on IFS is still growing, and early studies have looked at conditions such as PTSD and depression. Your counselor can talk with you about whether IFS fits your goals.
There is no set length. IFS is often a longer-term approach, and the timeline depends on your goals and the pace that feels safe for you. Your counselor will revisit progress with you regularly.
Yes. IFS can be adapted for couples, often through an approach called Intimacy from the Inside Out (IFIO). It helps partners see how their parts react to one another, which can make communication calmer and more compassionate. You can also learn more about our couples counseling services.