Finding the Right Internal Family Systems Therapists: Your Journey to Self-Discovery Starts Here
Introduction:
I am a Board Certified Executive Coach and psychiatrist. My journey into the world of mental health began 25 years ago with a deep curiosity about the human mind and a desire to help myself and others. I deeply believe in the evidence-based approach, which in its ideal form combines research evidence with clinical expertise, the client's values and circumstances, and the practice context. The path to evidence-based practice led me to EMDR (trauma therapy), mindfulness based interventions, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which in my mind is the patient centered version of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and finally Internal Family Systems (IFS), a compassionate and comprehensive psychotherapy. I love IFS therapy because it offers a way to understand ourselves – not as a single entity – but as a system of protective and wounded inner parts led by a core Self. If you're exploring IFS therapy, I'm here to join you on your journey.
Understanding Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS):
IFS recognizes that the mind is naturally multiple, composed of various "parts" each with its own unique history, feelings, and role within. These parts aren't just temporary states but rather discrete and autonomous mental systems. IFS, as developed by Richard Schwartz, isn't about pathologizing. It recognizes that these parts, even the ones that seem destructive, "always intend our well-being". The goal is not to eliminate parts, but to help them transform. It's about accessing your Self, the core of calm, compassion, and wisdom within you, with the aim of living self-directed life (instead of being.
Why Work With Me as Your IFS Therapist?
My approach to psychotherapy
The only way to really learn IFS is to experience it as a client, and my IFS experience as a client has been truly life changing. I feel a deep gratitude for the trust that my parts have given to me. We all carry big or small trauma in us. Through IFS my parts taught me how my life experiences and those of my ancestors had their grip on me. Being aware of and connecting to my parts using self energy helps me to use my parts as powerful allies instead of as invisible detractors. As an IFS-trained psychiatrist, I bring a specific perspective to the therapeutic relationship. I combine my training in IFS (through the IFS Institute and the Internal Family Systems Counselling Association) and my experience with IFS as a client, with my psychiatric knowledge. It is my aim to provide gentle, client-centered, evidence-based care via virtual IFS therapy sessions.
I am committed to creating a safe and understanding environment where you can explore your inner world with compassion.
Coaching vs traditional talk therapy and other forms of psychotherapy
As a Board Certified Executive Coach and psychiatrist registered in the Netherlands, I work with clients worldwide. My practice operates on a private-pay basis, meaning my services are not reimbursed by insurance companies. While this may feel like an added expense, it also offers significant advantages. Choosing to self-pay ensures complete privacy – your sessions and their content remain entirely confidential between you and me, without the need to share sensitive information with a third-party payer. Furthermore, it puts you in the driver's seat. Together, we determine the course of our work, tailoring it precisely to your needs and goals, free from the constraints and limitations often imposed by insurance providers. Working outside of the insurance model also means I don't have to diagnose a psychiatric disorder to work with you. In my experience, these factors add to a sense of safety, which helps generating the compassionate relationship that describes my approach to therapy.
internal family systems-based psychotherapeutic intervention
The Internal Family Systems (IFS) model by its nature is a non-pathologizing framework. As a psychiatrist, I might see your behaviors as symptoms of underlying psychiatric disorders, IFS therapy enables me to view them instead as strategies of protection. According to the IFS Institute, behaviors appear less intimidating and more open to change when viewed through a non-pathologizing and experience-near lens.
Mental health conditions that can benefit from the non-pathologizing approach of IFS
IFS as individual therapy or family therapy has been shown to be an effective type of therapy not only as a trauma-informed psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder, but also for a wide range of mental health issues, including dissociative identity disorder, bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, and depressive symptoms.
A pilot study has shown its positive effects on clients with physical health conditions, and family therapists use IFS for relationship challenges and intimate relationships.
Practical Steps to Becoming My Client:
My schedule is usually full, but I have regular openings for new clients. To know when openings become available please join my mailing list. It ensures you'll be among the first to know when I'm accepting new clients. I do not have a waiting list that you can sign up to other than the mailing list.
What to Expect After Signing Up:
As a subscriber, you'll receive email updates about my availability, as well as occasional insights, and resources related to IFS therapy. I respect your inbox and won't overwhelm you with emails. The email you receive will have a link to my sign up page. This process is first come, first served. The session fees are shown in my calendar. I do offer a limited number of sliding scale appointments at a lower rate. If available, these options will be shown in my booking calendar as well. You are welcome to pick the rate within this range that best fits your current financial circumstances.
A Note on the Therapeutic Relationship:
In IFS, the therapeutic relationship is key. It's through the compassion and acceptance of the therapist’s Self that healing occurs. I am going to relate to you in a loving, respectful, supportive, challenging and accepting way to access your Self as a natural leader. I trust in your capacity for healing and growth, and I will be there for you on your journey.
Concluding Thoughts:
I have experienced the transformative power of IFS myself, and I look forward to sharing that power with you. IFS offers the potential for profound healing and self-discovery. If you're seeking a way to relate to yourself with more compassion and understanding, I encourage you to take the first step.
Start your IFS journey today!
Sign up for my mailing list to be notified of openings in my schedule.
Michiel Bosman is an experienced therapist, IFS-Trained Psychiatrist and Executive Coach
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