IFS therapy for kids, teens, & young adults
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.
IFS therapy, at a glance
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.
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 Releasing pain and outdated beliefs from parts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 and young adults 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 young 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.
We love Amanda! It's been over a month- seeing positive results
Parent of an 11 year old
1 hour ago
Amanda Crabtree, LMHC
Evelyn said she was really happy with the session.
Parent of a 9 year old
6 hours ago
Dr. Maritza Rodriguez, LPC-S, CCST
I like the fact that she suggested that we should do ADHD testing and I like that she was asking him questions that were making him think a little about his answers. It was very helpful and it sparked discussion for us afterwards
Parent of a 12 year old
7 hours ago
Shannon Anes, PMHNP
I love Quenton Kayd! I’ve had 18 sessions with him and he has helped me so much! He also takes the time to see things from my perspective and it means so much!
An Adult client
10 hours ago
Quenton Kayd, LPC
Ann is an excellent therapist. She’s been helping my daughter through her anxiety and her thoughtful and insightful guidance has had a meaningful impact on my daughter and managing her anxiety.
Parent of an 11 year old
22 hours ago
Ann Marie Driver, LCMHC-A
She’s very charismatic and easy to talk to. My daughter told me she likes her
Parent of a 13 year old
1 day ago
Katherine Vasquez Lugo, RMHCI
Catherine was warm and welcoming!
Parent of a 10 year old
1 day ago
Catherine Campos, LCSW
My therapist was absolutely amazing I already can tell she is going to help me a lot!
An Adult client
1 day ago
Laura Doocy, LPC-A
Milton is very understanding and listened to my son rattle on and on lol and they're was no rush.
Parent of an 11 year old
1 day ago
Milton Hernandez, LPC
JoeAnn Allen gave us key ways to handle some problems, we appreciate her very much
Parent of a 14 year old
1 day ago
JoeAnn Allen, RMHCI
Rating on behalf of my daughter. She's always in a better mood when she talks with Korina! ✨
Parent of a 14 year old
1 day ago
Korina Herrera, LMHC
My son connects so well with Nathalie. He was skeptical at first now he sets up 10 mind before the session in anticipation for their talk time.
Parent of a 10 year old
2 days ago
Nathalie Fernandez Mendez, LCMHC-A, LMHC
Richard was excellent during my child´s session today. He was very informative, attentive, and truly focused on our specific needs. You can tell he genuinely cares and takes the time to listen and understand. We’re looking forward to future appointments and seeing growth with his support.
Parent of a 6 year old
2 days ago
Richard Reyes, LPC-Associate
The coping mechanism you gave me felt extremely helpful
An Adult client
2 days ago
Marise Jimenez, RMHCI
Very attentive and caring. Took the time out to help us find the right therapist.
Parent of a 16 year old
2 days ago
Jennifer Guzman, LPC
great person easy to talk to. very attentive.
An Adult client
2 days ago
Dr. Joel Bell, PsyD
Sarah is incredible with my 7 year old. So great at building rapport and bringing in coping strategies.
Parent of a 7 year old
2 days ago
Sarah Newton, LMSW
Helped my child open up and feel more self confidence
Parent of a 6 year old
2 days ago
Korina Herrera, LMHC
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.
