Internal Family Systems (IFS)

A gentle, evidence-based approach to healing trauma and reconnecting with your true Self

What Is Internal Family Systems Therapy?

From the IFS-Institute (where Jen completed level I & II IFS trainings):

Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) is a transformative, evidence-based approach that understands every human being as a system of protective and wounded inner parts, guided by a core Self.

In IFS, we believe the mind is naturally multiple and that is a good thing. Just like members of a family, inner parts are forced from their valuable states into extreme roles within us. Self is in everyone. It can’t be damaged. It knows how to heal.

Evidence-Based Therapy

IFS Therapy is frequently used as an evidence-based psychotherapy, helping people heal by accessing and healing their protective and wounded inner parts. IFS creates inner and outer connectedness by helping people first access their Self and, from that core, come to understand and heal their parts.

A Way to Navigate Life

But IFS Therapy is much more than a non-pathologizing evidence-based psychotherapy to be used in a clinical setting. It is also a way of understanding personal and intimate relationships and stepping into life with the 8 Cs: confidence, calm, compassion, courage, creativity, clarity, curiosity, and connectedness.

Who Internal Family Systems Therapy Can Help

• Adult women healing from complex or developmental trauma

• People who feel “stuck” despite insight or talk therapy

• Highly sensitive or emotionally intense individuals

• Those struggling with inner conflict, shame, or self-criticism

• Clients who want a non-pathologizing, compassionate approach

How IFS Therapy Is Different

• Focuses on the nervous system and inner safety

• Works with protective parts instead of fighting them

• Helps heal root causes, not just manage symptoms

• Centers your innate capacity to heal

IFS Training & Clinical Approach

I completed my Level I Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy training in 2019 with Paul Ginter in Boulder, Colorado. During and after I received IFS consultation Joanna Lawson for nearly two years.

In 2024, I completed my Level II IFS training with Dr. Frank Anderson, with an advanced clinical focus on neuroscience, complex trauma, and trauma-informed Internal Family Systems therapy.

Somatic Training

In 2026, I pursued additional somatic training, including a Somastery Certification, which I integrate with IFS therapy when clinically appropriate and always with client consent. This allows the work to support both the nervous system and inner parts, particularly when working with trauma and chronic stress.

You Have a Choice to Utilize IFS (or not)

Because choice and safety are foundational in my work as a trauma therapist, clients are never required to use IFS. You may choose whether and when to incorporate Internal Family Systems therapy—whether that means gently getting to know your internal system or engaging in deeper trauma healing over time.

IFS Therapy in Minnesota, Colorado, and Wisconsin

I offer Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy to clients in Minnesota, Colorado, and Wisconsin, in accordance with state licensure and clinical appropriateness.

IFS may be provided through secure telehealth or in-person sessions when available. This approach can be used on its own or integrated with other trauma-informed modalities, depending on your needs and goals.

As with all of my work, IFS is offered within a client-centered, consent-based framework that prioritizes pacing, choice, and nervous system safety.

STEP INTO YOUR HEALING JOURNEY

ALL ARE WELCOME HERE

I value and serve women+ of all ages and sizes, races, cultures, and ethnicities, faiths and beliefs (including none), gender identity, sexual orientations, abilities, neuro-diversities, and socio-economic statuses.

+ women identified female at birth, women identified male or some other gender at birth, gender non-conforming, non-binary

Pathways to Wellness Minnesota, Ltd.
1409 Willow Street Suite 109
Minneapolis, MN 55403

Text only: 612-474-1700