19 February 2025

Finally Ready for IFS Therapy? Here’s How to Get Started

Like many, you may be drawn to Internal Family Systems (IFS) because of its compassionate and comprehensive approach. That is what drew me to IFS in the first place. IFS training is a form of experiential therapy in nature, meaning that the only way a therapist can learn IFS is by being in the client seat. Dealing with my own exiles and legacy burdens has helped me become a therapist who understands that the mind is naturally multiple and that everyone has a Core Self. If you're ready to start Internal Family Systems therapy and are searching for an "IFS therapist near me," this post is designed to guide you in taking the next steps.

Understanding Your Interest in Internal Family Systems

Richard Schwartz, a former family therapist and the developer of IFS, recognized that the mind is made up of different parts, and that everyone has a Self. IFS is a non-pathologizing therapeutic approach to behavior, consciousness, and personality. I love Internal Family Systems because it is such a compassionate and comprehensive psychotherapy. It is an approach that fits well with the healing journey of clients with mental health issues due to complex trauma, depressive symptoms and emotional wounds, e.g. due to childhood trauma. IFS is a recognized evidence-based practice that is equally effective if you are interested in personal growth, e.g. to get a better understanding of deal withing difficult emotion, life transition, or personal development.

Mental Health Conditions

IFS is a person-centered therapy whose healing techniques have been shown to work for a wide range of behavioral health conditions (mood disorders, panic disorder, anxiety therapy, attachment issues, binge eating and depression therapy to name a few.

Why Work with Me?

As an IFS-trained psychiatrist and Executive Coach in private practice, I offer a unique perspective by integrating IFS with a deeper understanding of the human body. I can help you interpret the somatic signals your parts send. I thoroughly believe in the evidence-based approach for healing trauma and dealing with internal conflict. Most of all, I am committed to creating a safe and understanding therapeutic relationship. I offer online therapy in a safe space. Many of my clients have tried forms of therapy like psychodynamic therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, or cognitive-behavioral therapy for their mental health symptoms before trying the healing experience that is IFS. I have had advanced training in IFS with the IFS Institute, and extensive training in other forms of evidence-based psychotherapy (EMDR, ACT, CBT). While I enjoy using these forms of therapy in the therapeutic process, IFS has really changed my approach to therapy from fixing what is broken to a journey towards healing.

The Practical Steps to Becoming a Client

Unfortunately, there are only 24 hours in a day. That means my schedule is often full, and you may have to wait a little to begin therapy. I do not keep a waiting list, but I send out openings in my schedule via email, and I encourage you to join my mailing list. Availability is first come, first served.

Understanding My Payment Model

As a Board Certified Executive Coach and licensed psychiatrist, I operate on a private pay basis, which means that my services are not reimbursable by insurance companies. I work fully online. 

Why I don’t work with Insurance

For you: This model ensures greater privacy and flexibility in treatment. It allows us to focus on what truly matters to you without the constraints of insurance requirements. 

For me: Private pay allows the freedom to provide the best possible care based on clinical judgment, rather than being dictated by insurance protocols.

Addressing the Cost

I understand that private pay therapy can be a significant investment. To make Internal Family Systems therapy more accessible, I offer a limited number of sliding scale slots.

My session costs and the availability of sliding scale options are clearly visible in my online calendar. 

What to Expect After Signing Up

Subscribers to my mailing list receive updates on my availability, as well as occasional IFS insights and relevant resources. I respect your inbox and will not overwhelm you with emails

A Note on the Therapeutic Relationship

The therapist-client relationship is vital in the therapeutic approach of Internal Family Systems therapy.

My approach is characterized by safety, acceptance, and compassion. I trust in your Self and inner wisdom, empowering you to heal and grow

Concluding Thoughts

I believe in the transformative power of Internal Family Systems and its potential for healing and Self-discovery

If you're ready to take the first step, I encourage you to join my mailing list and I cannot wait to meet you and your parts in our online sessions.

Start your IFS journey today!

Sign up for my mailing list to be notified of openings in my schedule.

Michiel Bosman MDAs a subscriber, you'll receive email updates about my availability, as well as occasional insights and resources related to IFS. I respect your inbox and won't overwhelm you with emails. 

Michiel Bosman is an experienced therapist, IFS-Trained Psychiatrist and Executive Coach

 
 
 

 

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