FAQ About IFS Therapy in the San Francisco Bay Area

Are you dealing with anxiety, trauma, or depression and looking for a way to feel better? These challenges can be exhausting and make it hard to figure out the next steps or where to get support. You might feel stuck in unhelpful patterns or overwhelmed by emotions that are hard to manage. You don’t have to navigate this on your own.

If you’re curious about IFS Therapy (Internal Family Systems Therapy), you likely have a lot of questions about how it works and whether it could be the right fit for you. I’m Alex Ly, an IFS therapist based in Fremont, CA, and I work with individuals across the San Francisco Bay Area. My focus is on helping adults who are struggling with anxiety, trauma, and depression to navigate their inner worlds, heal from emotional wounds, and uncover their resilience. To help you better understand what to expect and how IFS Therapy might help, I’ve put together answers to some of the most common questions I hear from clients.

What is IFS Therapy and how does it work?

IFS, or Internal Family Systems Therapy, is a therapeutic approach that helps you explore and understand the different “parts” of yourself—each with its own feelings, beliefs, and roles. For example, you might have an inner critic that holds you back with self-doubt or a protector part that works hard to shield you from emotional pain. These parts often develop as coping mechanisms in response to life experiences, even if they no longer serve you in a helpful way. The goal of IFS is to create a compassionate relationship with these parts, rather than suppressing or battling them, and to help your deeper, authentic self—often called the Self—take the lead. By doing so, you can achieve greater balance, emotional healing, and the ability to navigate life with more clarity and confidence.

What conditions or issues can IFS Therapy help with?

IFS Therapy, or Internal Family Systems Therapy, is a powerful approach that supports a wide range of challenges, including anxiety therapy, trauma therapy, depression therapy, low self-esteem, relationship issues, and emotional blocks. By exploring and understanding the different "parts" of yourself, IFS Therapy helps address internal conflicts and heal past wounds. If you often feel overwhelmed by self-doubt, stuck in patterns you can’t seem to change, or weighed down by unresolved emotions, this method can provide tools to help you find clarity, relief, and a greater sense of self-compassion. IFS Therapy empowers you to connect with your core self and create lasting, meaningful change in your life.

How long does an IFS Therapy session typically last?

Sessions typically last between 50-60 minutes, providing ample time to check in, discuss your progress, and address any immediate concerns. During this time, we’ll work together to explore your thoughts, emotions, and parts of yourself that may need attention, all while fostering a safe and supportive environment. This structured yet flexible time frame ensures we can make meaningful progress toward your healing without feeling hurried or pressured.

What is the cost of IFS Therapy in the San Francisco Bay Area?

Therapy costs can vary based on the therapist’s experience and specialization. In the Bay Area, sessions typically range from $180-$300 per session. While private pay out of pocket can be expensive, it’s often worth the investment. Many highly trained IFS therapists don’t accept insurance, allowing them to focus on providing personalized, high-quality care to support your growth and healing.

How do I find a qualified IFS therapist in the San Francisco Bay Area?

When searching for a Bay Area therapist who practices IFS, look for someone with formal training in Internal Family Systems. It’s also important to find someone who specializes in the areas you’d like to work on, like trauma, anxiety, or depression. A great way to start is by using local directories or searching online for "IFS Therapist Near Me" or "IFS Therapist in the Bay Area" to find professionals in your area. I’m happy to provide you with more details about my approach and experience to see if we’re a good fit.

What can I expect in my first IFS Therapy session?

The first session focuses on building a safe and supportive space where we can start our work together. We’ll discuss your goals for therapy and what brought you here, helping to set a clear direction for our sessions. I’ll also provide some psychoeducation on the principles of Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy, explaining how it works and how it can help you. Together, we’ll gently explore your inner world, ensuring you feel comfortable, informed, and in control throughout the process.

How is IFS Therapy different from other types of therapy?

Unlike traditional talk therapy, IFS Therapy is nonpathologizing and views all parts of yourself as valuable. It delves deep into your inner world, helping you understand the dynamics between these parts, rather than simply focusing on fixing symptoms. By addressing the roots of past wounds and accessing your deeper wisdom, IFS fosters lasting healing, inner calm, and self-leadership.

Is IFS Therapy good for trauma therapy?

Yes, IFS Therapy is highly effective for trauma. It creates a safe space to connect with and listen to your exiled parts—the vulnerable, wounded aspects of yourself that carry pain, fear, or shame. Instead of avoiding or suppressing these parts, IFS helps you gently approach them with compassion, allowing their burdens to be released. This process fosters healing at your own pace, empowering you to build trust within yourself and reclaim a sense of wholeness. If the weight of past experiences feels overwhelming, IFS Therapy can help you unburden your exiles and reconnect with your true self.

How soon can I expect to see results from IFS Therapy?

Every individual’s journey is unique. Some people notice shifts after just a few sessions, while deeper healing may take more time. Therapy with IFS can last 6 months to a year or more, depending on your goals and what you hope to achieve. My goal is to support you at a pace that feels right for you, so that each step forward feels meaningful and sustainable.

Connect with an IFS Therapist in the SF Bay Area. Schedule an Appointment Today!

Are you ready to feel more connected to yourself? I’m Alex Ly, a trauma therapist and Asian American therapist based in Fremont, CA. I’d love to support you on your healing path. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, trauma, or simply feeling stuck, IFS Therapy offers a compassionate pathway to understanding and growth.

I work with clients across the San Francisco Bay Area as an anxiety therapist and trauma specialist. Reach out to schedule a session, and together we can nurture the parts of you that need care and healing. Schedule an Appointment to get started!

About Alex Ly, IFS Therapist in SF Bay Area

Alex Ly is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Fremont, CA, with a Master’s degree in Counseling from Western Seminary. Specializing in anxiety, trauma, and emotional challenges, Alex uses his expertise as an IFS Therapist to create a safe, nurturing space for healing and growth. As an Asian American therapist, he brings cultural sensitivity and empathy to his practice, understanding the unique dynamics that shape his clients’ lives. Beyond IFS Therapy, Alex is also trained in Brainspotting Therapy, a powerful approach for addressing trauma, stress, and emotional wounds.

Offering in-person therapy in Fremont, Alex helps clients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area connect with their inner strength and resilience. Whether you're managing anxiety, addressing trauma, or building self-awareness, Alex offers personalized, practical support to help you move forward.