IFS Therapy in Washington DC
If you live in Washington DC and you've tried other approaches to therapy but still feel stuck in the same patterns — the inner critic that won't quiet down, the anxiety that spikes without warning, the part of you that shuts down in conflict — Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy may be exactly what you've been missing.
At Cushing Counseling, Radiance Sanneman offers IFS therapy fully online for DC residents. All sessions are via secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth — no commute, no waiting room, no barrier between you and the help you've been looking for.
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Why DC Residents Are Turning to IFS Therapy
Washington DC is home to brilliant, high-achieving people — policy makers, lawyers, advocates, academics, and public servants who are deeply committed to changing the world. But that same drive and discipline that makes DC professionals effective at work can make it harder to slow down and tend to the inner life.
IFS therapy was designed for exactly this: helping people who are high-functioning on the outside but feel something is still off on the inside. Instead of just talking about your problems, you'll actually get to know the parts of you creating them — the perfectionist, the overthinker, the one that shuts down, the one that's always pushing.
When those parts are understood rather than fought, something shifts.
What Is IFS Therapy?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz. IFS is built on the idea that your mind contains many "parts" — inner voices, emotions, and patterns — and at your core is a Self that is calm, curious, and capable of leading.
IFS therapy helps you:
Identify the protective parts driving anxiety, self-criticism, or emotional shutting downUnderstand what those parts are trying to do for you (they're not the enemy)Access your Self — the wise, grounded part that can lead your inner world with compassionGently heal the wounded parts ("exiles") carrying old pain, shame, or fear
IFS has been recognized by SAMHSA as an evidence-based practice for trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges.
What Radiance Treats
Radiance works with DC-area adults experiencing:
Anxiety, chronic stress, and overthinking
Trauma and PTSD, including complex and relational trauma
Harsh inner criticism and deep self-doubt
Relationship patterns: people-pleasing, emotional walls, conflict avoidance
Religious trauma and spiritual deconstruction
LGBTQ+ identity and affirmationLife transitions: career shifts, breakups, identity questions, relocation
Meet Your IFS Therapist
Radiance Sanneman, MS, LCPC, NCC, CCMHCLicensed Professional Counselor in DC | Level 1 IFS Therapist
Radiance holds a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Loyola University Maryland and is a Level 1 trained Internal Family Systems therapist — the foundational certification from the IFS Institute. She is licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Washington DC and brings deep expertise in trauma, LGBTQ+ affirming care, and religious trauma recovery.
Radiance is a queer, trans woman who is deeply committed to culturally competent, trauma-informed care. All identities are welcome in her practice.
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FAQ
Is IFS therapy available online in DC? Yes. All sessions with Radiance are conducted via secure telehealth video. Online IFS therapy is just as effective as in-person sessions, and many DC clients find it easier to attend from home or their office.
How is IFS different from regular talk therapy? IFS is experiential — rather than just discussing your issues, you'll actually learn to identify and relate to the different "parts" of yourself driving those issues. Most clients describe it as feeling distinctly different from other therapy they've tried.
Does Cushing Counseling accept insurance? We are out-of-network providers. Many clients receive significant reimbursement through out-of-network benefits. Visit our Fees page for details on how to check your benefits.