What is Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach that helps people understand and heal different "parts" of themselves. Rather than viewing difficult thoughts, emotions, or behaviours as problems to eliminate, IFS sees them as protective parts that have developed in response to life experiences, often trauma or chronic stress. In IFS therapy, you'll work with a therapist to identify these different parts, understand their roles, and build a stronger connection with your core Self, a calm, compassionate, and confident inner state that can help your parts heal.
IFS is commonly used to help with trauma and PTSD, anxiety, chronic stress, depression, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, grief and loss, emotional overwhelm, eating disorders and addictions (alongside other treatment). Many therapists integrate IFS with other evidence-based approaches, such as attachment-based therapy, EMDR, somatic therapies, mindfulness, or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). The exact approach varies by practitioner and is tailored to your needs.
Montreal has a growing community of therapists who use Internal Family Systems, including practitioners with formal IFS training and others who integrate IFS principles into broader trauma-informed practice. On First Session, you can filter therapists by language, specialties, therapeutic approach, and lived experience/identity to find someone who's the right fit.
What to know about IFS therapy in Montreal
Online and in-person IFS therapy
Most IFS therapists on First Session offer online therapy, while a smaller number also see clients in person in Montreal.
IFS translates especially well to virtual sessions because the work centres on your internal experience rather than physical exercises or techniques. Many people find they can connect with their thoughts, emotions, and different "parts" just as effectively online, while enjoying the convenience and comfort of connecting with a therapist from their home.
Therapist credentials in Quebec
In Quebec, you may come across several different professional designations when looking for an IFS therapist.
- Psychologist (psychologue): A member of the Ordre des psychologues du Québec (OPQ). Most psychologists complete a doctoral degree in psychology (PhD or PsyD), including extensive supervised clinical training, before becoming licensed in Quebec. Psychologists may provide psychotherapy without obtaining a separate psychotherapy permit.
- Psychotherapist (psychothérapeute): A regulated professional who holds a psychotherapy permit issued by the OPQ. Permit holders typically already belong to another regulated profession (such as social work, nursing, occupational therapy, or guidance counselling), complete a master's degree or equivalent mental health training, and meet additional provincial requirements in psychotherapy, including extensive coursework and supervised clinical practice.
- Social worker (travailleur social or travailleuse sociale): A member of the Ordre des travailleurs sociaux et des thérapeutes conjugaux et familiaux du Québec (OTSTCFQ). Social workers typically complete a Bachelor or Master of Social Work (BSW/MSW). They may provide psychotherapy only if they also hold the required psychotherapy permit issued by the OPQ.
You may also see therapists describe themselves as IFS-informed, IFS-trained, or IFS Certified™ through the IFS Institute, but remember that these are not professional designations. In Quebec, therapists must still meet provincial licensing requirements to legally provide psychotherapy.
Bienvenue aux clients francophones. Plusieurs de nos thérapeutes formés en Internal Family Systems (IFS) offrent des séances en français, en ligne ou en personne à Montréal.
Cost and insurance
IFS therapy in Montreal typically costs between $100 and $250 CAD per session, depending on the therapist's profession, experience, and credentials.
Insurance coverage is based on your therapist's professional designation rather than the therapeutic approach they use. Many extended health benefit plans reimburse sessions with registered psychologists and eligible social workers, while some plans also cover registered psychotherapists and other regulated mental health professionals. Before booking, check your benefits plan to confirm which professional designations are covered, your annual coverage limits, and whether a physician's referral is required (usually not).
How to choose an IFS therapist in Montreal
1. What is their level of IFS training?
Ask whether they have completed formal IFS Institute training and, if so, at what level. IFS-informed therapists have read about the model; Level 1+ trained therapists have done supervised IFS practice. Both can be effective, but formal training matters for deeper or trauma-focused IFS work.
2. Do they use IFS as their primary approach or as one tool?
Some therapists work primarily within the IFS model. Others integrate IFS alongside somatic work, EMDR, attachment-based therapy, or other approaches. Ask how they use IFS specifically. A therapist who blends IFS with somatic work is different from a pure IFS practitioner.
3. Do they have experience with your specific concern?
IFS is used across a wide range of issues. Make sure the therapist's stated specialties align with what you're bringing. Trauma-focused IFS work differs from IFS for perfectionism or relationship patterns.
4. Use the free consultation
Ask: What is your IFS training background? How do you typically use IFS with someone dealing with [your concern]? What would the first few sessions look like?
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