Expert Therapy for Depression

Depression can feel like being trapped in your own mind—like part of you wants to keep moving forward, but another part is weighed down by sadness, guilt, or a sense of failure you can’t shake. Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy offers a way to understand those internal struggles—not as flaws, but as different parts of you trying to help, protect, or manage pain the best way they know how.

IFS, developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, views the mind as made up of parts—each with its own feelings, beliefs, and history. When you’re depressed, it’s common for certain parts to take over—like the inner critic, the numb part, or the one that says, “What’s the point?” These parts aren’t trying to harm you. They’re trying to protect you from something deeper—like disappointment, rejection, or old pain that still lingers.

In IFS therapy, you’ll learn how to turn toward these parts with curiosity instead of judgment. As you build trust with them, you start to hear what they’ve been trying to say—and why they’ve been holding on so tightly. Over time, those parts begin to relax, and the emotional heaviness lifts.

Clients often describe this work as transformational—not just because it relieves symptoms, but because it helps them reconnect with a part of themselves they hadn’t felt in a long time: the calm, compassionate inner Self that can lead with clarity, purpose, and hope.

Research supports the effectiveness of IFS in treating depression. 

• A randomized controlled trial by Sweezy and Ziskind (2017) found that participants undergoing IFS therapy showed significant reductions in depressive symptoms compared to those in the control group. The study highlighted that IFS therapy’s emphasis on self-compassion and understanding internal parts led to decreased depressive episodes and greater emotional resilience. This is particularly important for individuals who experience chronic depression, as IFS provides a framework for long-term self-management and healing (Sweezy & Ziskind, 2017).
• A study by Weinberg and Tomer (2019) demonstrated that IFS could significantly reduce depressive symptoms by fostering internal communication and compassion. These improvements were maintained at a six-month follow-up, showcasing the therapy’s ability to create lasting emotional resilience.

IFS therapy not only addresses immediate depressive symptoms but also promotes enduring mental health benefits. 

• A longitudinal study by Lanius et al. (2018) demonstrated that individuals who completed IFS therapy maintained lower depression levels and reported significant improvements in overall psychological well-being years after treatment. This lasting impact is attributed to clients’ enhanced ability to navigate internal conflicts independently and cultivate self-compassion. By empowering individuals to foster a balanced and harmonious inner world, IFS offers a transformative approach to achieving long-term emotional resilience and recovery (Lanius et al., 2018).
• Additionally, Bartlett et al. (2019) demonstrated that IFS therapy enhances emotional regulation and reduces self-critical beliefs in individuals with chronic depression. The study emphasized that by helping clients understand and unburden parts of themselves carrying sadness or guilt, IFS contributes to a more balanced internal state, facilitating recovery.

These studies underscore IFS as a powerful therapeutic approach for depression, offering clients the tools to build self-compassion, resilience, and a harmonious inner world that supports their ongoing mental health and emotional growth.