IFS Therapy Saskatoon
Internal Family Systems Therapy at Cairis Counselling
Looking for IFS Therapy in Saskatoon?
At Cairis Counselling, we offer Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy to help people heal trauma, reduce anxiety, overcome shame, and develop a healthier relationship with themselves.
IFS therapy is a powerful and compassionate approach that helps you understand the different parts of yourself that may be carrying pain, fear, self-criticism, or emotional burdens. Rather than fighting against these experiences, IFS helps you develop greater self-understanding, self-compassion, and lasting healing.
Whether you’re struggling with trauma, relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, or feelings of being stuck, IFS Therapy can help you move forward.
Cairis Counselling is home to one of Saskatchewan’s most experienced IFS-focused therapists, while also offering IFS-informed counselling through our growing team.
Book Your Appointment Today
What Is IFS Therapy?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an evidence-based therapeutic model developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz.
IFS is based on the understanding that we all have different internal parts that influence our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.
For example, you may notice:
- A part that is constantly worried
- A part that criticizes you
- A part that avoids difficult emotions
- A part carrying hurt from past experiences
- A part that tries to please everyone
In IFS, these parts are not viewed as problems.
Instead, they are understood as protective responses that developed to help you survive difficult experiences.
Through therapy, these parts can be understood, healed, and helped to work together in healthier ways.
How IFS Therapy Can Help
IFS Therapy can be effective for:
Trauma and Complex PTSD
Heal the emotional wounds created by traumatic experiences while building a greater sense of safety and self-trust.
Anxiety
Understand the protective parts behind worry, overthinking, perfectionism, and emotional overwhelm.
Shame and Self-Criticism
Develop compassion toward the parts of you that feel broken, inadequate, or unworthy.
Depression
Reconnect with the emotions and experiences beneath numbness, hopelessness, and disconnection.
Relationship Challenges
Improve communication, emotional regulation, and connection with partners, family members, and friends.
Emotional Healing and Personal Growth
Learn to lead your life with greater confidence, clarity, and self-compassion
Meet Our IFS Therapists
Leighton Tebay, MC, CCC
Level 2 IFS Therapist
He specializes in:
- Complex PTSD and trauma recovery
- Childhood emotional neglect, abuse and abandonment
- Shame and self-worth challenges
- Abuse recovery from partner relationships
- Anxiety and depression, compulsive habits and unwanted anger
Work with Leighton if:
- You specifically want advanced IFS therapy.
- Leighton is one of Saskatchewan’s most experienced Internal Family Systems practitioners.
- You’re looking for deep trauma work.
- You have Complex PTSD.
- You’re seeking a therapist with the official IFS training.
Both therapists provide compassionate, client-centred care and are committed to helping you move toward greater healing and self-understanding.
Thomas Friesen
IFS-Informed Therapist
Thomas specializes in helping people
- Live authentically free from burdensome expectations and shame
- Finding meaning and direction in life
- Recovery from complex relational trauma
- Help people make peace their feelings inside
Work with Thomas if:
- You want an IFS-informed approach blended with somatic elements
- Thomas is also trained a relationship therapist and can add insight for navigation relationships
- You are looking for support with anxiety, stress, relationships, or personal growth.
- You prefer a therapeutic style that integrates IFS concepts alongside other counselling approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IFS Therapy Effective for Trauma?
Yes. IFS is recognized as one of the leading trauma-informed therapeutic approaches because it allows difficult experiences to be processed safely and compassionately.
What’s the Difference Between IFS and IFS-Informed Therapy?
A therapist who practices IFS as a primary model has completed specialized training within the Internal Family Systems framework. An IFS-informed therapist integrates IFS principles and interventions into their work while also drawing upon additional therapeutic approaches.
Do I Need a Mental Health Diagnosis?
No. Many people seek IFS therapy simply because they want to feel better, improve relationships, heal old wounds, or gain a deeper understanding of themselves.
Begin IFS Therapy in Saskatoon
You don’t have to carry your struggles alone.
Whether you’re looking for advanced Internal Family Systems therapy with Leighton Tebay or IFS-informed counselling with Thomas Friesen, our goal is to help you reconnect with your strengths and move toward lasting healing.
Book your first appointment today and discover why more people are choosing Cairis Counselling for IFS Therapy in Saskatoon.