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.
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 Releasing pain and outdated beliefs from parts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 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.
The testing process for my child with Dr. Bunker went really well. Just like how she explained it would go.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Dr. Nacona Bunker, PsyD
Korina has been very helpful with the therapy process for my child.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
Korina is very patient even when my child is having a difficult time with the therapy session.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
This was our initial visit with Dr. Bunker. She did a great job with explaining how the process would go. She also had great interaction with my child during the visit.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Dr. Nacona Bunker, PsyD
Korina has been doing a great job with helping my child!
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
She was really extensive and didn’t leave anything out.
An Adult client
Jun 6, 2026
Dr. Apree Clicque, PsyD
The session was great! All of our concerns were addressed, we felt very heard, and it was an overall great experience
Parent of a 10 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Deann Harrison, PMHNP-BC
Ms Richardson took her time to listen to my son's perspective and concerns as well as my own. She is open-minded and patient. We appreciated her help today
Parent of a 15 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Runako Richardson, PMHNP
When she allowed both of us to speak and explained the next steps for our meeting in the future that was great . Thank you.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
My daughter feels Dr. Jon has helped her more than any of her previous therapists. He does a great job with her.
Parent of a 10 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Dr. Jon Skidmore, PsyD
Dr. Williams truly gets me and he makes me feel like I can take care of myself without having to worry about it.
An Adult client
Jun 5, 2026
Franklin Williams, LCMHC
Navigating a separation from my spouse including children. Victoria does a great job helping us work through and process this.
An Adult client
Jun 5, 2026
Victoria Coffman, LPC-A
Elise is going above and beyond to understand my daughter so she can help her in the best way possible.
Parent of an 11 year old
Jun 5, 2026
Elise McDonald, LPC
Catherine was kind, empathetic, and a great listener. She balanced hearing our thoughts as parents while also ensuring our child was heard and valued.
Parent of a 12 year old
Jun 5, 2026
Catherine Campos, LCSW
So kind and a great listener. She has great patience with him.
Parent of a 10 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Erica Richardson, LCSW
My daughter instantly connected! She’s very excited to work with her
Parent of a 13 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Brianna Doran, LMHC
Dr.Bowes is awesome and a personable provider.
An Adult client
Jun 4, 2026
Dr. Jaclyn Bowes, PsyD
My son feels that this Dr is a great fit. First session and he’s already doing the 10 finger breathing exercise while feeling overwhelmed.
Parent of an 11 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Dr. Jon Skidmore, PsyD
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.
