What does IFS stand for?

IFS stands for Internal Family Systems, a model of psychotherapy developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz. It views the mind as naturally made up of multiple parts — like an inner family — led by a core Self that is calm, curious, and compassionate.

Is IFS therapy evidence-based?

Yes. IFS is listed as an evidence-based practice and has growing research support for treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and the emotional impact of chronic illness. It is one of the fastest-growing therapy models in the United States.

How is IFS different from regular talk therapy?

Traditional talk therapy often focuses on analyzing problems from the outside. IFS works experientially — you learn to turn inward, get to know the parts of you that hold anxiety, criticism, or pain, and relate to them with curiosity instead of judgment. Many clients find this creates deeper and more lasting change than insight alone.

How long does IFS therapy take?

It varies by person and goals. Some clients notice meaningful shifts within a few sessions; deeper trauma work often unfolds over months. We will review your goals together regularly, and you are always in charge of the pace. IFS Intensives are also available if you want to move faster.

Does IFS work over telehealth?

Yes — IFS translates very well to online sessions because the work happens inside you, guided by conversation. I offer secure video sessions to clients anywhere in Virginia.

IFS Therapy in Tysons Corner & Vienna, VA

What Is Internal Family Systems Therapy?

I offer Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy at The Inner Knowing Center, inside Be Hive Wellness at 8245 Boone Blvd, Suite 630 in Tysons Corner, convenient to Vienna. Individual sessions are available in person or by secure video throughout Virginia.

Have you ever said, "Part of me wants this, but another part of me holds back"? That everyday experience is the heart of Internal Family Systems (IFS). We all have parts — a perfectionist part, an anxious part, a part that procrastinates, a hurt inner child. IFS understands that every one of these parts developed to protect you, often long ago, and that there are no bad parts.

Beneath all of those parts is your core Self — the calm, confident, compassionate inner leader that IFS helps you reconnect with. As your Self comes forward, parts that have been stuck in extreme roles can finally relax, release the burdens they carry, and take on healthier roles in your life.

What an IFS Session Looks Like

Sessions are 50 minutes, in person at my Tysons Corner office or by secure video anywhere in Virginia. Rather than just talking about your problems, I'll gently guide you to turn your attention inward — noticing the parts that show up around a struggle, getting curious about what they're protecting you from, and building a relationship with them. There's no script and nothing to perform. You set the pace, and we go only where you feel ready to go.

What IFS Can Help With

Anxiety, worry, and overthinking
Trauma and PTSD, including childhood wounds
Harsh inner criticism and perfectionism
Grief and loss
Chronic illness and medical trauma
Life transitions — career, relationships, identity
Depression and feeling stuck or numb

My Training & Approach

I'm Jackie Bailey, M.Ed., Resident in Counseling, Virginia license #0704015932, supervised by Megan MacCutcheon, LPC (Virginia license #0701005482). I work with teens, adults, and older adults.

I completed IFS training through the Internal Family Systems Institute — the organization founded by IFS developer Dr. Richard Schwartz — and IFS is the primary model I practice. When it's helpful, I integrate EMDR to support reprocessing of traumatic memories. My background as a nurse practitioner also gives me particular insight when parts work touches on chronic illness or medical trauma.

For clients who want to go deeper or faster than weekly sessions allow, I also offer extended IFS Intensives.

Fees

Individual IFS Sessions: 50 mins | $140Sliding scale available · Superbills provided for out-of-network reimbursement

Starting IFS Therapy

In our initial session, we'll discuss what brings you to therapy and what you hope will change. You can ask questions about parts work, talk about previous therapy experiences, and let me know what feels comfortable. You do not need to know IFS terminology or arrive with a particular part already identified.

To learn more before getting started, read my introduction to Internal Family Systems. A free consultation gives us a chance to discuss fit, scheduling, and whether individual sessions or an intensive may suit your needs.

In-Person Sessions and Virginia Teletherapy

Clients from Vienna and nearby Northern Virginia communities can meet with me at the Tysons Corner office. If you live in Reston, Fairfax, or elsewhere in Virginia and prefer to meet from home, secure video sessions are also available. Contact me for appointment details.

IFS Therapy in Tysons Corner, Serving Vienna, VA