Psychotherapy for a healthy mind
Internal Family Systems
"Before working with Lisa, I was struggling with my anxiety and had constant chest pain for almost two weeks. It hurt just to breathe and I felt like there was a brick on my chest. During our session, we worked through my grief and unresolved trauma. By the end of our session, I felt the heaviness lifted and literally the pain in my chest completely subside. I haven't had a panic attack since and have been breathing far more easily. Huge jump in my quality of life. I couldn't recommend Lisa enough- she's skilled, compassionate, and a life-saver! Thank you a million times over, Lisa!" —SN, New York
About
Lisa Preston, DO
Lisa Preston, DO started her career as an osteopath. While treating patients she noticed the connection between emotional and physical health. She noticed that if patients spoke about their problems, she could feel palpable effects that inner conflict had on their bodies. This brought a question to her mind: 'Can the way we think affect our health?' She found that Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy successfully addressed thought patterns and reactive behavior in a profound and complete way. Patients became more relaxed and harmonious, and she could feel these positive effects in the bodies of her patients. She believes that if there is a way that our thoughts and emotions contribute to illness, then IFS is one way to undo those patterns and create health — whether the reaction is a learned emotional reflex, a trans-generational reactive pattern, or a lack of harmony with our environment and civilization. Dr. Preston has been doing IFS therapy in her private practice since 2013. She is excited to offer this therapy to anyone who wants help.
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Common questions
What is IFS therapy?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a form of psychotherapy developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz. It is based on the idea that the mind is made up of distinct "parts" — each with its own feelings, beliefs, and role. At the center of all of us is a Self: a calm, compassionate core that is never damaged by what we have been through. IFS helps you build a relationship between your Self and your parts, so that old patterns of pain, fear, or reactivity can begin to heal.
What does an IFS session actually look like?
Sessions are conversational and gentle. We slow down together and turn attention inward — noticing thoughts, feelings, and body sensations as they arise. Rather than analyzing or pushing feelings away, we get curious about them. You might find yourself speaking to a part of you that carries anxiety, or one that has been protecting you for a long time. The work is guided, collaborative, and always at your pace.
Is IFS evidence-based?
Yes. IFS is recognized as an evidence-based practice by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Research supports its effectiveness for trauma, depression, anxiety, and a range of other concerns.
How is IFS different from other therapies?
Many therapies focus on managing or reducing symptoms. IFS goes deeper — it works with the underlying parts that are driving those symptoms. Rather than seeing any part of you as broken or bad, IFS holds that every part has a positive intention, even when its behavior is causing harm. This non-pathologizing approach tends to feel respectful and empowering.
What is Somatic IFS?
Somatic IFS integrates body awareness into the IFS process. Developed by Susan McConnell, it recognizes that parts don't just live in our thoughts — they live in our bodies too. A tight jaw, a sunken chest, a held breath: these are all ways parts communicate. By bringing gentle attention to physical sensations alongside inner dialogue, Somatic IFS can reach places that words alone sometimes cannot.
Do I have to have a trauma history to benefit from IFS?
Not at all. While IFS is particularly effective for trauma, it is equally valuable for anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, life transitions, chronic stress, and simply wanting to understand yourself more deeply. If you feel like parts of you are in conflict — or that you keep reacting in ways you don't fully understand — IFS can help.
How long does IFS therapy take?
It varies from person to person. Some people notice meaningful shifts within a few sessions; deeper work with complex trauma may take longer. Dr. Preston works collaboratively with each patient to find a pace and frequency that fits their life and goals.