Internal Family Systems and Somatic Parts Work in NYC

Meeting all your parts with

compassion

At Somatic Psychotherapy, we specialize in Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy. Inside each of us are many “parts”; aspects of ourselves that hold emotion, memory, coping strategies, and unmet needs.

Some parts seek control. Some hold pain. Some protect. Some exile themselves away because it's too painful otherwise. None of these parts are bad or broken.

Each carries an important story about how you learned to adapt and survive.

None of your parts are bad—they’re just trying to help.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a gentle, trauma-informed approach that helps you meet the different parts of yourself with curiosity rather than judgment. Developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, IFS views the mind as made up of many parts—some protect, some react, some hold pain—but all have a purpose.

At Somatic Psychotherapy, we weave IFS with body-based mindfulness to help each part feel seen and supported. As you build a relationship with these parts, you begin to access your core Self—the calm, grounded presence within you that can lead with clarity and care.

You feel like parts of you are constantly in conflict






Signs You Might Benefit from IFS Therapy

You feel disconnected, numb, or cut off from your emotions





You hear an inner critic that’s harsh, relentless, or exhausting






You carry childhood wounds that still shape how you move through the world







You keep repeating patterns, even though you “know better”







You’re exhausted from managing everything on your own







You over-function or self-sabotage—and don’t fully understand why







You long to feel more integrated, authentic, and at peace







Heal inner wounds held by exiled parts


Transform protective strategies like perfectionism, people-pleasing, or self-criticism







Reduce anxiety, depression, and emotional overwhelm








Build a deeper, kinder relationship with yourself








Increase emotional resilience, presence, and self-leadership







Process trauma, attachment wounds, and relational struggles







How IFS Therapy Can Help


Instead of fighting yourself or suppressing painful emotions, IFS offers a path to true self-connection, compassion, and integration.

What to Expect in

IFS Sessions

In sessions, we move slowly and collaboratively.

Together, we:

Do I need to already know my parts to start IFS therapy?

Not at all. We’ll guide you gently in getting to know your inner system. Many clients start with just one sensation, thought, or emotion—and from there, the parts begin to reveal themselves.

How is IFS different from traditional talk therapy?

Can IFS help with trauma and emotional overwhelm?

Frequently asked questions

Our approach also integrates somatic awareness, supporting you to feel and process what your parts carry not just cognitively, but physically and emotionally as well.

You don’t have to force change or "get rid" of anything.

You simply learn to listen—and from there, profound healing unfolds.
Identify and get to know different parts of you through mindful attention



Build trust with protective parts that have been working hard to keep you safe



Witness and heal the pain held by younger or wounded parts




Strengthen your connection to your Self—the calm, curious, compassionate center that can lead your system with wisdom and care



If you're ready to meet yourself with compassion, heal long-held inner wounds, and live from your deeper Self, we are here to walk with you.

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