A smiling woman with curly red hair, wearing a green top with embroidery, earrings, and a bracelet, sitting on a chair in a room with a beige wall and a wall hanging.

Holly Thomas

MSW, LICSW, AADC, MAC

I first learned about the Internal Family Systems™ (IFS™) model in 2017 during a conversation with Susan at the Psychotherapy Networker Symposium in Washington, DC. She mentioned having read "Introduction to the Internal Family Systems™ Model" by Dick Schwartz and expressed how interesting she found its approach. Intrigued, we decided to attend Dick’s presentation on IFS™, and as he elaborated on the concept of "parts"—the idea that our psyche consists of various sub-personalities or parts—the theory struck a deep chord within me.

It was at that moment that I began to see the world through the lens of IFS™, which provided a framework for understanding not just my own internal dynamics but also the complexities of my clients’ experiences.

Susan and I exited that presentation buzzing with enthusiasm, discussing how relevant and transformative this model felt. Eager to delve deeper, I immersed myself in IFS™ resources, completing online training and attending Dick’s sessions again at the subsequent Psychotherapy Networker Symposium in 2018. In 2019, Susan and I took our learning a step further by enrolling in a week-long training program at the Cape Cod Institute, where we engaged in intensive workshops and deepened our understanding of the model. By 2021, I recognized the profound impact of IFS™ on my personal growth and professional practice, so I began working with my own IFS™ therapist to explore my internal landscape more fully.

In parallel, I pursued formal training through the IFS™ Institute. I completed Level 1 training in 2021, where I learned foundational techniques and theories. The following year, I advanced to Level 2, which focused on deepening the practice. Finally, in 2023, I completed my Level 3 training, which emphasized more intricate therapeutic applications.

In April 2024, I initiated consultation with an approved IFS™ clinical consultant, which further refined my skills and understanding. I achieved certification in June 2025, marking a significant milestone in my professional journey. Throughout this period, I continued my personal work with my therapist, consistently engaging with my own. As a result, I have cultivated a deeper understanding of myself, enabling me to bring greater empathy and insight into my therapeutic practice.

A circular logo with the words "INTEGRATIVE PSYCHOLOGY" at the top and "THERAPY" at the bottom. Inside the circle, the name "Thomas" is written in large, orange cursive letters, accompanied by a simple line drawing of a plant with three leaves on the left.