Online IFS therapy for kids, teens, and parents
Understanding and befriending every part of yourself
IFS therapy helps young people be kind to all parts of themselves, even the parts that feel like anxiety, anger, or self-blame.
Insurance accepted. Appointments often available within days.
Covered by insurance · Licensed clinicians · Start within 48 hours
Covered by insurance · Licensed clinicians · Start within 48 hours
teens, & families
IFS therapy, at a glance
92% recover
Participants in IFS trials for PTSD no longer met diagnostic criteria after 16 sessions (Journal of Traumatic Stress).
16 sessions
Typical course in clinical trials, though many clients benefit from shorter or longer treatment.
Ages 6+
With age-appropriate adaptations. IFS uses concepts like parts, protectors, and Self that kids find intuitive.
What is IFS?
How internal family systems therapy works.
IFS is therapy based on the idea that our minds have different parts. Each part has feelings, beliefs, and a role to play.
In IFS, behaviors that seem bad are actually parts trying to protect us. Instead of fighting anxiety or anger, kids learn what these parts need and become kind to them.
At the heart of IFS is your true self. Your self is calm, curious, kind, and confident. Therapy helps young people find this true self and use it to understand and heal their parts.
Evidence-Based
Backed by clinical research and validated outcomes.
IFS is therapy based on the idea that our minds have different parts. Each part has feelings, beliefs, and a role to play.
In IFS, behaviors that seem bad are actually parts trying to protect us. Instead of fighting anxiety or anger, kids learn what these parts need and become kind to them.
At the heart of IFS is your true self. Your self is calm, curious, kind, and confident. Therapy helps young people find this true self and use it to understand and heal their parts.
Core IFS concepts
The language and framework of internal family systems.
Parts & Self
- Managers. Parts that try to control and prevent pain
- Firefighters. Parts that react impulsively to overwhelm
- Exiles. Young, wounded parts carrying pain and memories
- Self. The core of calm, curiosity, and compassion
The IFS Process
- Identifying and getting to know different parts
- Understanding what each part is trying to protect
- Developing Self-leadership and inner trust
- Unburdening. Releasing pain and outdated beliefs from parts
Child & Teen Adaptations
- Using art, play, and storytelling to explore parts
- Age-appropriate language for the IFS framework
- Externalizing parts through drawing or figurines
- Making the internal world tangible and safe to explore
How IFS helps
Real results for young people.
- Greatly reduces PTSD symptoms
- Builds kindness toward yourself and cuts down on self-blame
- Improves how you notice and manage emotions
- Builds strength to handle hard things
- Fixes problems at the root, not just on the surface
- Creates lasting changes in how you see yourself
Who benefits from IFS
Common applications for children and teens.
Emotional & Trauma
- PTSD and complex trauma
- Anxiety and worry
- Depression and low self-worth
- Self-criticism and perfectionism
Identity & Relationships
- Identity exploration and self-understanding
- Family relationship challenges
- Emotional reactivity and anger
- Grief and loss processing
Why families choose Emora for IFS
Real IFS therapists vs. others.
General providers
Therapists trained and certified in IFS
Therapists without formal IFS training
Changed for kids and teens of all ages
Adult IFS used without changes for kids
Combined with other proven therapies
Only one type of therapy without flexibility
Uses 'parts' approach that makes sense to kids
Focused on diagnosing problems, not understanding parts
Focuses on healing, not labeling kids as sick
Manages symptoms without fixing the root problem
Get started in minutes
Three simple steps to connect with the right clinician.
- 1
Share what's going on
Tell us about your child's challenges and what you've noticed.
- 2
Verify coverage
See insurance estimates and available appointment times.
- 3
Start therapy
Meet your matched IFS therapist and begin exploring the inner world.
Frequently asked questions
What parents ask most about IFS.
IFS works with kids as young as 6 with changes for their age. Kids naturally understand the 'parts' idea. They often already talk about different parts of themselves. Teens and adults like IFS too.
No. Everyone has different personality parts. That's normal. We all have mixed feelings and thoughts. IFS just gives us a way to understand and work with these natural internal differences.
CBT tries to change thoughts and actions. IFS tries to develop kindness toward all your parts. Instead of fighting unhelpful thoughts, IFS tries to understand what those thoughts are protecting and heal the deeper hurt.
Research studies usually look at 16 sessions. In real life, some kids need fewer sessions, others need more. Your therapist will check in about progress and goals regularly.
Yes. IFS works well online because much of the work is inside your mind, guided imagery, and talking with your parts. Many teens like the privacy and comfort of online sessions.
Real stories of growth
Every session is rated by parents. Our therapists maintain a 4.9+ average, because results matter.
My daughter felt extremely comfortable speaking with her.
Parent of a 13 year old
Sep 8, 2026
Dr. Ana Zuniga, PsyD
I love the relationship. Her daughter is building with her therapist. It’s been amazing and I can’t wait to continue along the treatment path
Parent of an 8 year old
Sep 8, 2026
Jennifer Onibudo, LPC
After only one session my daughter had lots of great things to say about Ky ! This is after she was so hesitant and upset not wanting to talk to her and she warmed up easily. Ky is great with kids and taps in just enough to get them to start to open up. Were pleased and looking forward to a great relationship!
Parent of a 9 year old
Sep 8, 2026
Ky Carter, MSW, LCSW.
Laura really helps me find the best tools to help my children and myself.
An Adult client
Sep 8, 2026
Laura Doocy, LPC
Dr. Apree was amazing at sharing my son diagnosis and recommendations for his assessment. She made me feel strong as a mother and also made my son feel proud of who he is. I am really thankful for her assessment and approach with us.
Parent of a 6 year old
Sep 8, 2026
Dr. Apree Clicque, PsyD
Maria my therapist makes me feel very comfortable and confident about myself. She is a great.
An Adult client
Sep 7, 2026
Maria Martinez, RMHCI
My kiddo shared that he was easy to communicate with and just overall had a fantastic experience!
Parent of a 16 year old
Sep 7, 2026
Justin Cantalini, LCMHC
Kendia is very warm and welcoming. She made my son’s first session super comfortable.
Parent of an 11 year old
Sep 7, 2026
Kendia Baker, LCSW
Very caring and listens to your concerns
An Adult client
Sep 7, 2026
Maria Martinez, RMHCI
Savannah’s session with Viviene today went great! Viviene really connected with her and did an amazing job using different techniques to help Savannah feel comfortable and open up. I could immediately see the connection between them. Vivian is awesome, and I’m really happy with how the session went!
Parent of a 13 year old
Sep 6, 2026
Viviene Brown, LMSW
My son appreciates how she understands what he's going through.
Parent of a 13 year old
Sep 6, 2026
Cranesha Roberson, LCSW
Listens well. Provides advice. Great professional
An Adult client
Sep 6, 2026
Meshalle Johnston, LISW
This was a great initial session. We’re looking forward to continue care.
Parent of a 10 year old
Sep 6, 2026
Ericka Jarvis, LCMHC
Being new to this process we think Morgan did a great job of introducing us, outlining several strategies she felt would improve our daughter’s situation, and perhaps most importantly, had chemistry with our daughter.
Parent of a 7 year old
Sep 5, 2026
Morgan Tulley, RCSWI
The counseling went well. We’re learning more about ourselves. Thank you for helping us out!
Parent of a 14 year old
Sep 5, 2026
My therapist is extremely knowledgeable and is able to guide through finding out what the issue is without just telling me outright. She is also someone I can feel comfortable opening up to.
An Adult client
Sep 5, 2026
Rachael Wade, LPC Associate
Very caring and very thoughtful
An Adult client
Sep 5, 2026
Dr. Jesse Wallace, LMFT
I had a really good therapy session yesterday. I felt comfortable, heard, and supported throughout the entire session. It was a positive experience, and I appreciated having a safe space to talk openly without feeling judged. I left the session feeling better and more encouraged. I’m looking forward to continuing my sessions.
An Adult client
Sep 5, 2026
Analinda Rice, LMFT-Associate
Every part of your child has a purpose
IFS helps young people learn that hard emotions are trying to help. It teaches them to lead from a place of calm and kindness.
Not sure where to start? Book a matching session.
