About Internal Family Systems (IFS) Psychotherapy
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapy model that views the mind as made up of different“parts” — like inner voices, emotions, or roles — alongside a calm, wise, and compassionate core Self. Instead of trying to silence or fight these parts, IFS helps you:
Understand their protective role.
Heal the wounded parts carrying pain.
Lead your life from your Self — with clarity, calm, and compassion.
It’s particularly effective for trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, and any situation where you feel “stuck” in repeating patterns.
IFS helps you heal by building a compassionate inner relationship with yourself.
Choosing a therapist trained through the IFS Institute (Level 1 or higher) gives you confidence that you’re getting the authentic, safe, and skillful version of IFS therapy.
See below and visit Journey Clinical’s website for further information.
Akemi is an IFS Level 1 therapist.
While IFS is widely taught, but the gold-standard training is offered only through the IFS Institute, founded by Dr. Richard Schwartz who developed the model. Akemi received the first official, in-depth professional program (100+ hours over several months). Therapists practice directly with advanced level IFS trainers and consultants, learning how to guide clients safely into deep work with their parts.
A Level 1 graduate is skilled at:
Helping you access your Self without overwhelming you.
Working safely with trauma and intense emotions.
Using the full, evidence-based IFS model — not just concepts or techniques from books or workshops.
In short, seeing a Level 1 IFS-trained therapist ensures you’re working with someone who has been formally trained, supervised, and recognized by the IFS Institute to apply the model responsibly and effectively.