Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) in Ontario

IFS Therapy (Internal Family Systems) is an inclusive, self-directed psychotherapy model that can help you recover from trauma, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, and more. At Gibson & Associates, our team truly believes that every patient has the innate ability to heal past traumas or internal conflicts that may be holding them back from being the person they wish to be.

about the modality

What is IFS therapy?

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an evidence-based approach to psychotherapy that views the mind as made up of different “parts,” each with its own beliefs, emotions, memories, and concerns. IFS helps you connect with your core Self, understand these parts, and work through the experiences that shaped them.

Developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz in the 1980s, IFS can help address challenges such as anger, fear of intimacy, communication difficulties, and self-destructive patterns. By understanding and healing your parts, IFS can help create greater inner harmony and allow you to feel more fully yourself.

how it works

How does IFS therapy work?

IFS therapy helps you identify and understand the different parts of yourself that influence your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. With the support of a therapist, you can approach these parts with curiosity and compassion, explore the experiences that shaped them, and connect with your core Self.

Over time, IFS can help you understand your patterns, work through past pain or trauma, and create greater inner balance.

What can IFS help with?

IFS helps by exploring the different parts of yourself behind these experiences, understanding what they may be trying to protect, and working through the underlying emotions or experiences they carry. This can help you develop greater self-compassion, emotional balance, and a stronger sense of connection with yourself.

IFS therapy can support people working through a range of emotional and relational concerns, including:

  • Anxiety and depression
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Relationship challenges
  • Low self-esteem
  • Anger and emotional overwhelm
  • Shame and self-criticism
  • Grief and loss
  • Stress and burnout
  • Difficult patterns or behaviours
understanding IFS

Can I do online IFS therapy in Ontario?

Our IFS therapists are happy to offer in-person sessions at our offices in Toronto or London, ON, and virtually throughout the province of Ontario. Online IFS therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy.

Our practitioners are trained to treat all kinds of trauma and take the same safety & privacy measures whether working with a patient online or in person.

Find an IFS Therapist in Ontario

Many of our therapists offer Dialectical Behavioural Therapy for individuals, couples, families, children, and youth virtually across Ontario, with in-person options in London, Toronto, and Barrie. Our Client Care Team can help you find a therapist whose expertise and approach match your needs.

Kate Ward

Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist
Individual Therapy
Internal Family Systems
Mindfulness
Narrative Therapy
Strengths-Based Counselling
Trauma Focused
Virtual
In-Person (London)
Direct Billing
Program Support (NIHB, VQRP+, other)
Sliding Scale
$150–$180
Anxiety & Stress
Mood & Emotional Health
Grief, Bereavement & Loss
Professional Identity & Career
Occupational Stress
Neurodiversity & ADHD
Relationships
Parenting
Addiction or Substance Use
Change & Personal Growth
Compulsive Behaviours
Identity & Culture
Women's Health & Experiences
Men's Health & Experiences
Disability, Health, Illness & Pain
Sex & Intimacy
Sexuality & 2SLGBTQIA+
Spirituality & Religion
Military & Veterans
First Responders & Healthcare Professionals
Trauma & Abuse
PTSD & CPTSD
Sleep & Insomnia
Eating Disorders & Disordered Eating
Depression & Low Mood
Accepting New Clients

Nicole Cesaroni

Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist
Individual Therapy
Internal Family Systems
Narrative Therapy
Solution Focused
Strengths-Based Counselling
Virtual
In-Person (Barrie)
Direct Billing
$150–$180
Anxiety & Stress
Mood & Emotional Health
Grief, Bereavement & Loss
Professional Identity & Career
Occupational Stress
Relationships
Parenting
Addiction or Substance Use
Change & Personal Growth
Compulsive Behaviours
Identity & Culture
Women's Health & Experiences
Men's Health & Experiences
Disability, Health, Illness & Pain
Sex & Intimacy
Sexuality & 2SLGBTQIA+
Spirituality & Religion
Trauma & Abuse
Sleep & Insomnia
Depression & Low Mood
Accepting New Clients

Jenni Jackson

MSW Student & Intern
Individual Therapy
Couples Therapy
Family Therapy
Child Therapy (Under 8)
Child & Youth Therapy (8-12)
Adolescent Therapy
Body Oriented/Somatic Therapy
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
Emotion Freedom Technique
Internal Family Systems
Strengths-Based Counselling
Trauma Focused
Virtual
In-Person (London)
Student/Intern Services (Low to No Fee)
Anxiety & Stress
Mood & Emotional Health
Grief, Bereavement & Loss
Professional Identity & Career
Occupational Stress
Neurodiversity & ADHD
Relationships
Parenting
Change & Personal Growth
Compulsive Behaviours
Women's Health & Experiences
Disability, Health, Illness & Pain
Military & Veterans
First Responders & Healthcare Professionals
Trauma & Abuse
PTSD & CPTSD
Sleep & Insomnia
Eating Disorders & Disordered Eating
Depression & Low Mood
Accepting New Clients