Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy in Calgary & Online Across Alberta
IFS therapy for the war inside, where every part of you turns out to be trying to protect you, and you're the one who can finally call the truce.
The critic. The pleaser. The one who goes numb. None of them is the enemy.
If you've found your way to IFS, you probably already know the feeling it describes. Part of you wants one thing, part of you wants the opposite, and some other part is exhausted from managing them both. IFS starts from a simple, generous idea: every one of those parts is trying to protect you. Some just learned their job a long time ago, under conditions that no longer apply.
What is Internal Family Systems therapy?
Internal Family Systems is a form of therapy developed by Richard Schwartz. It treats the mind as made of parts, each with its own feelings, beliefs and job. Some parts manage your day: the planner, the critic, the one who keeps everyone happy. Some parts step in when things get too much, by going numb, scrolling, drinking or shutting down. Others carry old hurt that the rest of the system works hard to keep out of sight.
Underneath the parts, IFS describes a steadier centre it calls Self. It's the part of you that can be curious, calm and kind toward the rest. The work is to help your parts trust that centre enough to stop working so hard.
What happens in an IFS session?
It's slower and quieter than ordinary talk therapy, and more inward. Your therapist helps you notice a part: where it shows up in your body, what it says, and what it's afraid would happen if it stopped. Then you get to know it with curiosity instead of judgment.
Nothing is forced and nothing is skipped. Protective parts are respected first, always, before any deeper work. You can keep your eyes open, you can stop at any point, and you never have to share more than you want. Sessions work the same way online as in person.
If you've read No Bad Parts and wondered what it looks like with a real person, this is that.
Who is IFS therapy good for?
Women often come to IFS with:
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An inner critic that won't ease up, however well things go.
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People-pleasing at work, then resentment at home.
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Burnout and the part that won't let you stop.
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High-functioning anxiety, where the worry is also what keeps you going.
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Old hurt from childhood or past relationships that still shapes how you react. Our trauma therapy page explains how we pace that work.
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Feeling torn about a big decision, with no part willing to be outvoted.
What does the research say about IFS?
The evidence for IFS is still early. Studies so far are small, including a 2021 pilot study of adults with childhood trauma and PTSD by Hodgdon, Schwartz and colleagues (study listing). Larger controlled trials are still needed.
We use IFS because many clients find it helpful, and we'll tell you if a better-studied approach fits your situation better. Our clinicians practise IFS-informed therapy, woven with CBT and solution-focused therapy where it helps.
How is IFS different from CBT?
CBT works mostly with thoughts and behaviours: noticing a pattern, testing it and practising something different. IFS works with the parts that hold those patterns, and asks what each one is protecting. Many people get the most from both. A practical CBT tool can help this week, while IFS helps with the part that keeps undoing it.
Common questions
Do I need to know anything about IFS before I start? No. Your therapist explains as you go, and you don't need to have read anything.
Is IFS the same as hypnosis? No. You stay awake, aware and in charge the whole time. You can stop or slow down whenever you want.
Can IFS help with trauma? It can be part of trauma work. We pace it carefully, and we'll tell you honestly if a different approach should come first.
Does IFS work online? Yes. Sessions are the same online as in person, and many people find it easier to turn inward from home.
Are you IFS Institute certified? We are IFS-informed practitioners, not an IFS Institute training program. If you're a clinician looking for Level 1 training or supervision, the IFS Institute is the right door.
HOW WE WORK TOGETHER
Practical Matters
Who would I see, and what does it cost?
You would usually see Nancy Jassi, MACP, Registered Provisional Psychologist, who works in English, Hindi and Punjabi. Sessions are $235 for 50 minutes or $352.50 for 80 minutes. Direct billing may be available depending on your plan. Our fees and insurance guide explains what benefits usually cover. Book with Nancy.
The free 15-minute consult is for asking anything, including "is IFS right for what I'm carrying?" Evening appointments are available, in person in Kensington NW or online anywhere in Alberta.
Most consults are booked within 24 hours. Nothing showing within 48 hours? Call or text 780-288-2074 or email info@truepaththerapy.ca and we will find you a time.
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What we don’t do. We are IFS-informed practitioners, not an IFS Institute training program, if you’re a clinician looking for Level 1 training or supervision, the IFS Institute is the right door. And if you’re managing severe trauma symptoms, we’ll pace this work carefully and tell you honestly if a different approach should come first.