Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists in Red Deer, AB
Maya Awad
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), ADHD-SP, HBSc (she, her)
Accepting NEW clients - Are you feeling overwhelmed or like you’re carrying a lot on your own? Feel like you're doing everything you’re “supposed to do,” but something still doesn’t feel right? Have a desire to better understand your thoughts, emotions, or patterns, work on building confidence or self-esteem, or find support for your relationship?
Melody Hazelton
Counselling Therapist
Feeling stuck, anxious, or disconnected? I’m a trauma-informed therapist specializing in somatic therapy, CBT, and ART to help you heal, build resilience, and reconnect with yourself. Whether you’re facing anxiety, trauma, or relationship struggles, I provide a safe, supportive space for growth. Online sessions make getting started easy—click to learn more and book a free consultation!
Erin Ibrahim
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA
Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, relationship stress, self-esteem struggles, or just feeling stuck, we can work through it together. Pulling from a variety of frameworks to instead suit your unique needs instead of making it feel one-size-fits-all, I have interest in anxiety, depression, relationships, attachment, neurodiversity, and self-esteem. I look forward to connecting!
Sarah Perone
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
I help individuals and couples break painful relationship cycles so they can feel more connected, secure, and confident. I support concerns like recurrent conflict, relationship anxiety (and ROCD), limerence, and resentment. Using an attachment- and evidence-based approach, I offer warm, non-judgmental virtual therapy across Ontario. Book a free 15-minute consultation to get started.
Zarifa Andani
MPCC-P, RTC-C
This work isn’t about fixing your parts—it’s about helping you feel more like your whole self again. We can work together to slow down, get curious, and listen deeply. Our internal body wisdom is an integral source of information that speaks more significantly than words. Real change is possible when ALL of you feels safe enough to be seen and supported, just as you are.
Chantelle Vaz
Registered Psychotherapist
I offer a warm and collaborative space where you can explore your experiences with curiosity and care. My approach is rooted in empathy and authenticity, supporting you in understanding your story, building self-compassion, and creating meaningful change. I draw from narrative, attachment, and emotion-focused therapies to meet your unique needs.
Colombe Mazerolle
Licensed Counselling Therapist - C
Are you struggling with intense emotions that feel overwhelming, ongoing conflict or disconnection in relationships or feeling stuck in survival mode or repeating self-sabotaging patterns? I'm Colombe, therapist at Ember Counselling Therapy, and I help individuals and couples build emotional balance, heal from past pain, and create healthier relationships.
Coltan Thompson
Registered Psychologist
I help clients achieve their goals by getting to the root of issues while introducing practical strategies along the way. My approach to therapy is a mixture of directive, exploratory, and supportive.
Emma Laughlan
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
I work with children (10+), teens, and adults who feel anxious, overwhelmed, or exhausted by the pressure to get everything “right.” You may be stuck in overthinking, people‑pleasing, panic symptoms, health anxiety, or relationship patterns that leave you doubting yourself. On the outside, you might appear high‑achieving and capable. Inside, you feel tense, self‑critical, or never quite enough.
The Mental Health Clinic
Counselling Therapist | Canadian Certified Counsellor | Registered Social Worker
Too many people have worked with therapists who feel distant, rushed, or disconnected. At The Mental Health Clinic, we do things differently. Our therapists are carefully chosen for both their experience and their genuine passion for helping others. With online counselling across Alberta, we’re here to make sure you feel supported, understood, and cared for every step of the way.
Katharine De Santos
Registered Psychotherapist
Healthy Minds Psychotherapy was founded in 2018 with the mission of providing psychotherapeutic care to individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering resilience in each person and our community as a whole.
Carla Buziak
Canadian Certified Counsellor
I have a rare blend of professional and personal expertise, and as an older therapist can bring the benefit of my experiences to the therapy room. I deeply understand the weight of deadlines, family pressure, and life transitions. My clients come to me with trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, OCD/ADHD, low self-esteem, or a history of abuse or domestic violence. Many are also supporting a loved o…
Stacey Sanderson
Registered Psychotherapist, Registered Social Worker, Subject Matter Expert
I am Subject Matter Expert in complex, relational trauma, narcissism and high conflict divorce. If you are in a toxic relationship, I can help you navigate the process while learning the powerful boundaries and strategy you need to get to the next chapter in your life feeling confident and empowered. I will help you understand the attachment patterns that are keeping you stuck.
Katharine Heimbigner-Tenor
Registered Psychologist
Katharine specializes in working with adult individuals and couples who have experienced trauma and may be struggling with PTSD, C-PTSD, dissociation, somatic/body complaints, anxiety or depression. Additionally, they may be neurodivergent (ADHD, ASD, AUDHD, gifted etc.) or suspect they are. Along with counselling she also provides ADHD, PTSD, psychoeducational and other assessments.
Laura Shaw
Registered Psychotherapist
Do you have high expectations and a brain that won’t shut off? I specialize in supporting women (20s-40s) navigating anxiety, life transitions, and suspected (or confirmed) neurodivergence (ADHD or AuDHD). My approach is neuro-affirming, mind-body centered, and specifically tailored to help you stop overthinking and start living authentically. Let's build a life that actually feels like you!
Sheri Sadowick
Professional Counsellor - B.A., RTCc, CT
West Kootenay based empathetic, trauma-informed counsellor and coach offering online Parent Support and Trauma Recovery Counselling, plus empowering 1-1 coaching. Founder of 'The Move Forward Method' 12-week online program for women healing. Travel the world with me... customized Adventure Travel Coaching! Sheri Lee Wellness: Healing with Intention ~ Growing with Purpose.
Amelia Traer
Pre-Licensed Professional, BA, PsiChi
My work is shaped by CBT, ACT, DBT, ERP, and trauma-informed, mindfulness-based approaches. I support clients with anxiety, burnout, OCD and phobias, ADHD, grief, life transitions, women's health, and chronic health concerns. Our therapy space adapts, with a focus on connection, emotional regulation, and practical strategies that fit your life.
Cheryl Jejina
Registered Psychologist
I support adults and women navigating burnout, trauma, anxiety, and major life transitions. My approach blends evidence-based therapies like DBT and ART with somatic, mind-body work to help you move beyond insight and create real, lasting change. I work especially well with high-achievers, mothers, and those feeling overwhelmed or disconnected.
Mara Behan
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
I help couples and individuals find growth, healing, and stronger connections. Using evidence-based and individualized approaches, I support those struggling with women's health concerns (e.g., pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, menopause), relationship concerns (e.g., resentment, infidelity), and life transitions (e.g., separation/divorce, parenting). I offer a free 15-minute consultation!
Betrayal Trauma & Grief Counsellor
Registered Provisional Psychologist
I help individuals and couples across Alberta heal from betrayal, infidelity, grief, and relational trauma. If you’re feeling emotionally unsafe, disconnected, or stuck in painful cycles, I offer structured, compassionate, trauma informed therapy to restore trust, rebuild connection, and strengthen emotional resilience. I offer in-person sessions in Calgary and virtual session across Alberta.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Internal Family Systems (IFS)
What is Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a model of psychotherapy developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz that views the mind as made up of multiple "parts" — sub-personalities or inner voices that each carry their own feelings, beliefs, and motivations. IFS also posits the existence of a core "Self" — a calm, compassionate, and curious centre that can lead the inner system toward healing. Therapy involves building a relationship between the Self and various parts, including protective parts and wounded "exile" parts, to create greater inner harmony.
What conditions does IFS therapy help with?
IFS is used for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, addiction, relationship difficulties, chronic pain, and general personal growth. It is particularly valued for complex or developmental trauma, where multiple protective patterns and deeply buried wounds need to be addressed with care. IFS has a growing evidence base and is recognized as an empirically supported treatment for PTSD.
What does an IFS therapy session look like?
IFS sessions typically involve the therapist guiding you into a focused inner state where you can turn attention inward and notice different parts — often felt as emotions, thoughts, physical sensations, or inner voices. You might be invited to "get curious" about a part, ask it questions, and understand its role and fears. The tone is gentle and exploratory rather than confrontational. Many people find IFS deeply validating because it treats all parts of the self as having good intentions, even when their behaviour is problematic.
Is IFS therapy evidence-based?
IFS has a growing body of research and has been recognized as an evidence-based practice by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in the United States. Studies show effectiveness for PTSD, depression, rheumatoid arthritis symptom management, and personal resilience. IFS is widely practised and taught across Canada, and many therapists incorporate it alongside other evidence-based approaches.
How long does IFS therapy typically take?
IFS therapy is often a longer-term process, particularly when addressing complex trauma or deeply entrenched protective patterns. Many people work with an IFS therapist for six months to several years, though some use IFS-informed approaches as part of shorter-term therapy for specific concerns. The depth of the work tends to make IFS particularly meaningful for people who want not just symptom relief but genuine inner transformation.