Internal Family Systems Therapy

Therapy with Shohreh Schmuecker, LMFT

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Do you ever feel like one part of you feels one way, while another part feels something completely different?

For example, after a breakup, one part of you might be grieving the relationship, while another part feels relieved it’s over. Or one part of you wants to be productive, while another just wants to lie on the couch and scroll on social media.

You might notice this in everyday moments too. A part of you wants to speak up, while another holds you back. A part of you wants rest, while another pushes you to keep going. You may even find yourself making a decision, only to question it moments later.

These inner experiences can feel confusing, frustrating, or even exhausting. At times, it may seem like you are being pulled in different directions without fully understanding why.

If this resonates, it reflects an internal system that has developed with purpose.

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Some Examples of Parts:

A constant inner dialogue that is hard to quiet
Parts of you that worry, plan, or anticipate what could go wrong
A strong inner critic
A part that wants routine and that part that wants spontaneity
Feeling pulled between competing needs or emotions
Patterns that you understand logically, but cannot seem to change
A part that wants to please others and minimizes your own needs
A part that overthinks to try to keep you prepared
A part that pushes you to meet high expectations
A part that feels anxious or overwhelmed
A part that avoids, shuts down, or checks out

Whether you recognize a few of these or many, you have parts that are specific to you and reflect a uniquely organized inner system.

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A woman with long curly hair, wearing a beige coat, is outdoors near a body of water during sunset, with trees in the background, her eyes closed and a peaceful expression.

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How IFS therapy can help

IFS therapy can support you in developing a deeper, more compassionate relationship with yourself.

Instead of feeling stuck in cycles of self criticism, overthinking, or emotional overwhelm, you can begin to understand what is happening internally and why. This understanding can create space for meaningful and lasting change.

Through this process, you may begin to:
• Understand and shift long standing patterns
• Feel more grounded and present in your daily life
• Better understand your relationships with others
• Build a stronger sense of trust within yourself

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A gentle and collaborative approach

This work is not about forcing change or pushing past your limits. It is about creating a safe and supportive space where all parts of you are welcome.

In IFS therapy, we move at a pace that feels right for you. There is no pressure to share everything at once or to have the “right” words for your experience.

Instead, we focus on building awareness, curiosity, and trust over time. As your parts begin to feel safer, they often reveal more about what they need and how they have been trying to help you.

Shohreh Schmuecker, LMFT Online Internal Family System Therapy in San Francisco and Throughout California

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Shohreh Schmuecker, LMFT, is a California-licensed therapist with advanced training in Internal Family Systems (Level 2), having completed over 162 hours of specialized study. She uses this compassionate, evidence-based approach to help clients explore the different parts of themselves, uncovering the root of emotional struggles and patterns.

Her approach is warm, grounded, and collaborative. She creates a space where you can explore your internal world without judgment, pressure, or expectation.

Shohreh works with individuals who may be navigating anxiety, emotional overwhelm, past trauma, or relationship challenges. She also works with clients who feel stuck in patterns that do not fully make sense, even when they have insight into them.

Through this work, you can begin to feel more connected to yourself and more supported from within.

What is Internal Family Systems Therapy?

Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is based on the idea that the mind is made up of different “parts,” each with its own thoughts, emotions, beliefs, and roles. These parts, like members of an internal family, interact with one another. Most of us have these internal family within us.

Sometimes these internalized parts take on demanding roles, often as ways to help you cope, protect yourself, or navigate difficult experiences. Even the parts of you that feel critical, anxious, or avoidant are trying to help in some way.

In IFS, these parts are often understood in three general roles:

• Parts that help you stay organized, responsible, or in control in your daily life
• Parts that carry emotional pain, vulnerability, or unresolved experiences
• Parts that step in quickly to manage, avoid distress, or distract when it feels it needs to

Rather than trying to eliminate or “fix” any part, IFS focuses on helping you build a relationship with them. When your parts feel seen and understood, they often begin to soften and shift naturally.

At the center of this work is your Self, the calm, compassionate, and grounded presence within you. Your Self is naturally capable of curiosity, clarity, confidence, and connection. It is not something you need to create or earn. It already exists within you.

At times, life experiences such as stress, trauma, or unmet needs can make it harder to access this steady inner presence. Protective parts may take on more extreme roles in an effort to help you cope. IFS therapy helps you reconnect with your Self so you can relate to your internal world with more understanding and care.

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What happens in an IFS therapy session with Shohreh Schmuecker, LMFT?

You do not need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. You can begin exactly where you are.

In sessions, Shohreh will support you in noticing what is coming up in the present moment. This may include thoughts, emotions, body sensations, or different parts of you that emerge as you speak.

Her style is compassionate, down to earth, and conversational, while also grounded in clinical training and experience.

Alongside IFS, Shohreh integrates somatic therapy, trauma informed care, and mindfulness. This may include:

• Tracking how your emotions show up in your body
• Exploring protector parts and the roles they play in your life
• Processing past experiences that may still be affecting you
• Building tools to help you feel more grounded, regulated, and present

Over time, you may notice that parts that once felt overwhelming begin to soften. Instead of feeling taken over by them, you can relate to them with more space, understanding, and choice.

Even parts that developed strong protective strategies, such as perfectionism, withdrawal, or overthinking, can begin to shift into roles that feel more supportive and balanced.

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Let’s Start with a Conversation

Starting therapy can feel like a big step, especially if part of you is unsure.

Shohreh offers a free 15 minute phone consultation where you can ask questions, share what is bringing you in, and get a sense of whether this feels like the right fit.

You can use the online scheduler below to find a time that works for you.

There is space here for all parts of you, and we can begin wherever you are.

Schedule Your phone Consultaion

Learn more about Shohreh Schmuecker, LMFT

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