Frequently Asked Questions

Internal Family Systems is a powerfully transformative, evidence-based model of psychotherapy. We believe the mind is naturally multiple and that is a good thing. Our inner parts contain valuable qualities and our core Self knows how to heal, allowing us to become integrated and whole. In IFS all parts are welcome.

For more information on IFS, here is a description from its founder, Richard Schwartz (on IFS).

Family therapy aims to promote understanding and collaboration among family members in order to solve the problems of one or more individuals. For example, if a child is having social and academic problems, therapy will focus on the family patterns that may influence the child's acting out, rather than only looking at the child's behavior. As the family uncovers the source of the challenge, they can learn to support the child and other family members and work proactively on minimizing or altering the conditions that contribute to the challenging behavior.

The benefits of therapy can be relief of symptoms such as anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions. Therapy can also result in increased awareness and insight, better expression of and management of emotions and the development of a plan of action to address an ongoing concern or challenge.

Group psychotherapy is an effective form of therapy in which a small number of people meet together under the guidance of a professionally trained therapist to help themselves and one another. There are many different approaches to group therapy but they share in common creating a safe, supportive, and cohesive space to address personal, relationship and societal issues. (Source: AGPA)

Group therapy can benefit people of different ages, sexual orientations, gender identities, and race, cultural and ethnic backgrounds who want help with specific concerns, such as depression, anxiety, serious medical illness, loss, addictive disorders, or behavioral challenges. In addition, group can benefit those seeking self-development by providing a safe environment in which to learn and grow. (Source: AGPA)

Group therapy provides a place where you come together with others to share problems or concerns, to better understand your own situation, and to learn from and with each other. Under the leadership of a therapist, you will learn about yourself and improve your relationships with other people. You will gain self-understanding and skills for dealing with your concerns. In a typical session, which lasts about 60-120 minutes, members work to express their own challenges and aspirations, feelings, ideas, and reactions as freely and honestly as possible. Groups are held both online, and you can speak with the therapist about what they offer. Members learn not only to understand themselves and their own issues but also become therapeutic helpers for other group members. (Source: AGPA)

Group therapy is different from support and self-help groups in that it not only helps people cope with their problems but also provides opportunities for change and growth. Group therapy focuses on relationships, helping you learn how to get along better with other people under the guidance of a trained professional. In contrast, support groups, which may or may not have professional leadership, help people cope with difficult situations but are usually geared toward alleviating symptoms, rather than addressing underlying patterns. Similarly, self-help groups usually focus on a particular shared symptom or situation and are usually not led by a trained therapist.

We live and interact with people every day, and often there are concerns that other people are experiencing or grappling with that can be beneficial to share with others. In group therapy, you learn that perhaps you’re not alone or as different as you think. You’ll meet and interact with people, and give and share helpful feedback; the whole group learns to work together on common problems — one of the most beneficial aspects of group therapy.

The group is a microcosm of the macro world in which we live, and as society undergoes change, the nature of human interaction is also changing. The group provides a space to process the impact of change to our internal and external environments as we replicate our large world experiences in the small group. In group, one can expect to experience the confluence of race, class, and gender; the effects of the present as well as the past will be felt. The group space helps one to explore and define how one shows up in these spheres. (Source: AGPA)

The therapist's role is to evaluate each person prior to forming the group. In the groups that I offer, the other participants will have a shared experience and/or identity.

It is normal to have questions or concerns about joining a group. What am I going to get out of this? Will there be enough time to deal with my own problems in a group setting? What if I don’t like the people in my group? What if I’m uncomfortable discussing my problems in front of others? Some people feel uneasy or embarrassed when first joining a group, but they soon begin to develop feelings of trust and belonging. Most people find that group therapy provides a great deal of relief because it allows them a chance to talk with others in a private, confidential setting. (Source: AGPA)

Typically, group therapy is less costly than individual therapy. The groups that I offer are therapeutic groups and are thus are often covered by insurance (see the list of insurances that I take).

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treatment mental illness. A psychiatrist is licensed to write prescriptions, and often focused on medication management. Some psychiatrist provide therapy, but they often refer to another therapist or mental health professional for ongoing talk therapy.

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A psychologist has a doctoral degree in psychology. Licensed psychologists are qualified to do counseling and perform psychological testing. They are not medical doctors and are not permitted to write prescriptions.

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A Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) has at least a masters degree in social work and training to be able to evaluate and treatment mental illness. To be licensed at the independent level a social worker must have completed at least two years of post-graduate clinical work under the supervision of an LICSW, and must pass an advanced state licensing exam.