Find an IFS Therapist at Layla
Understand the Different Parts of Yourself with Internal Family Systems Therapy
Layla can help you find a registered therapist who has expertise in IFS therapy. Supporting you to build trust between these parts and your core Self.
Therapy offered on weekends, weekdays, and evenings. In-person or virtual, depending on your location.
Content on this page has been clinically reviewed by Dr. Esha Chakraborti, Registered Psychologist, College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia (CHCPBC)
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What is IFS Therapy?
IFS works with these parts with curiosity and compassion instead of judgement, to better understand their perspective and build a calmer, more empathetic relationship with your Core Self.
How can IFS therapy help?
IFS therapy is focused on opening your perspective, helping you get curious about the different parts of yourself rather than pushing them away out of judgement or fear. This form of therapy supports how you:
- Understand different parts of your internal world and the roles they play in your life
- Build a calmer, more compassionate relationship with yourself
- Recognize protective patterns like self-criticism or people pleasing, without judgement
- Approach difficult emotions and past experiences at a pace that feels safe
- Establish a sense of safety and connection with your Core Self
What can IFS therapy help with?
Trauma and difficult past experiences
Approach painful memories and experiences at a pace that feels safe and supportive.
Anxiety and chronic stress
Get curious about the parts of you that carry worry or overwhelm, working to understand them.
Inner critic and perfectionism
Cultivate an understanding of what your inner critic is protecting you from, and build a kinder relationship with yourself.
Relationship and attachment patterns
Get better at noticing the parts of you that show up in relationships, and where those patterns first appeared.
Low self-worth
Build self-compassion by understanding the parts of you that carry shame or self-doubt.
Unwanted coping behaviours
Understand the protective role coping behaviours play, without judgement, as a first step towards change.
Why choose IFS therapy through Layla
Personal match
Based on your goals, concerns, and preferences
Flexible formats
In-person, virtual, or hybrid sessions
How Layla guides you towards your therapist match
Tell us what you’re looking for
Complete our intake form to help us understand what your goals, preferences and needs are.
Complete our matching call
Over the phone, a Care Coordinator will ask a few questions to guide their selection of therapists who they think best align with you.
Start your first session
After you choose your therapist, you’ll book your first online or in-person therapy session.
Take the first step
Then you'll connect with a Care Coordinator who will support you through the matching process.
Frequently asked questions
Valerie Tsang
Valerie is a Registered Psychotherapist who has worked for more than a decade in community mental health. She holds a Masters of Arts in Psychology from Médaille College and a Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology from University of Toronto. Valerie has extensive clinical experience working with individuals and groups on addressing diverse mental health concerns including complex trauma, suicidal ideation, concurrent disorders, and the impact of socioeconomic status on mental health. She is passionate about exploring the role of digital health technologies on reducing health disparities in the mental health sector. Outside of work, Valerie enjoys baking, working on her green thumb, and visiting local coffee shops.
Dr. Siqi Huang
Hello! Thank you for taking the time to invest in your well-being. I'm a clinical and health psychologist based in Ontario. I have experience in assessing mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD), as well as health-related mental health concerns (e.g., distress related to somatic symptoms, pain, or becoming ill). My goal is to create a collaborative assessment experience where we gain a better understanding of your current functioning, and to discuss individualized recommendations to help you address barriers to well-being.
Dr. Sahar Bhaloo
Psychologist, Co-founder and Clinical Supervisor at Flourish Psychology and Coaching, works in Global Mental Health and Complex Trauma.
Dr. Danielle Rice
Clinical and Health Psychologist at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, Assistant Professor at McMaster University.
Diane Corrales
With a bachelor of science degree and a product management certification, Diane combines her scientific and technical knowledge with her passion for championing a client-centered and human-focused approach in the healthcare and wellness realm. She supports the operations and delivery of Layla's service, fostering a supportive and effective community for mental health professionals and clients alike.
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Saretta Herman
Saretta brings over a decade of experience working in various mental health settings. She holds a Master’s degree from the University of Toronto Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work where she is currently an Adjunct Lecturer. She started her post-graduate career working at the Clinic on Dupont where she practiced for over 5 years while also working in Children’s Mental Health in community, residential, and youth justice programs. She currently works in private practice and previously was a part of the Health and Wellness team at the University of Toronto. She is passionate about issues of social justice and systemic issues that contribute to mental health challenges. She is interested in supporting people on an individual level and also holds a strong interest in organisational and systemic changes that can help improve people’s lives more generally.In her free time, Saretta enjoys playing hockey, cooking, gardening in the summer, and spending time with her family.