From My Own Healing to Helping You | Chris Dorsey, Therapist in Decatur GA
I’ve Been Where You Are Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming. You want someone who truly understands—not just professionally, but…
Life can feel heavy, but you don’t have to carry it alone. Through Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, I’ll help you understand your emotions, heal deeply, and rediscover the strength already within you. Whether you’re in Decatur or anywhere in Georgia, we’ll create a supportive space where growth and lasting change become your reality.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is a compassionate and effective approach to addressing emotional struggles like anxiety, trauma, and inner conflict. Developed in the 1980s, IFS is based on the idea that we each have different “parts” within us—some that protect, some that carry emotional wounds, and others that step in during times of stress.
The goal of IFS therapy is to help you connect with your core Self—the calm, confident, and compassionate center of who you are. This connection brings healing and balance to your inner world. For example, one client experiencing anxiety discovered that a “manager” part was constantly pushing her to overachieve. Through IFS, she formed a more peaceful relationship with that part, allowing her anxiety to lessen and her inner calm to grow.
If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, IFS therapy offers a clear, supportive path toward healing and self-understanding—right here in Decatur, GA and throughout Georgia.
Maya Angelou
Healing isn’t about fixing who you are—it’s about understanding and embracing every part within you. Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy offers a powerful, compassionate way to heal emotional wounds, ease anxiety, and reconnect with your true Self.
With IFS therapy, you can:
Quiet the inner critic and reduce feelings of shame
Heal emotional wounds from past trauma or painful relationships
Develop tools to manage anxiety and depression
Build healthier relationships through emotional insight
Discover a deep, grounded sense of peace
Imagine walking through life with your inner “team” working in harmony, instead of pulling in different directions. That’s the kind of transformation I’ve witnessed in clients—lasting change that begins from within.
If you’re in Decatur, GA or anywhere in Georgia, IFS therapy can help you move forward with clarity, self-compassion, and strength.
During our Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy sessions, I’ll guide you in connecting with your core Self—the calm, confident, and compassionate center of who you are. From this grounded place, your Self can help the protective and wounded parts of you work together, easing inner conflict and fostering lasting emotional balance.
Think of it as inviting your inner “family” to finally sit down for a heart-to-heart—one that brings understanding, healing, and peace.
These parts work hard to keep your life organized, productive, and in control. Their goal is to prevent emotional pain and avoid vulnerability, but in doing so, they can sometimes create stress, anxiety, or burnout when they push too hard or try to do too much.
These deeply vulnerable parts carry the emotional pain of past wounds, such as trauma, rejection, or unmet needs. Often pushed away to protect you, they can leave you feeling overwhelmed, ashamed, or disconnected when triggered.
These reactive parts jump in to protect you from emotional distress when Exiles are triggered. Their goal is immediate relief, which can sometimes lead to impulsive behaviors like emotional eating, substance use, overworking, or shutting down. While their actions are protective, they often create new challenges that IFS therapy can help gently address.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is a powerful and compassionate approach for anyone ready to create meaningful, lasting change. You may benefit from IFS therapy if you:
Feel stuck in patterns of anxiety or depression
Are you navigating unresolved trauma or emotional pain
Want practical tools to reduce stress and build emotional resilience
Crave a deeper connection with yourself and your inner world
IFS therapy helps you rediscover your inner strength, heal from within, and move forward with clarity and self-compassion. No matter where you are on your journey, healing is possible—and you don’t have to do it alone.
As a therapist, I believe that true healing begins with dignity, respect, and a safe, nonjudgmental space. My practice is grounded in creating a safe and supportive environment where you can openly explore your emotions, thoughts, and inner experiences, free from fear and shame.
I’ve had the honor of supporting individuals through some of life’s most difficult seasons, and I’ve witnessed how even the deepest emotional wounds can be transformed into sources of strength and resilience. Therapy isn’t about erasing pain—it’s about understanding it, honoring it, and using it as a foundation for meaningful change.
In our work together, I’ll bring both clinical expertise and wholehearted dedication to helping you move toward the life you deserve. Healing doesn’t happen all at once—but with support, each step forward becomes a powerful act of self-care and self-discovery.
Each IFS therapy session is a collaborative and supportive process. Together, we’ll explore the emotional challenges you’re facing and identify the internal parts that are involved—whether they’re trying to protect you, avoid pain, or manage overwhelming emotions.
With gentle guidance, I’ll help you connect with your core Self—the calm, compassionate leader within you. From there, we’ll work toward building trust and balance among your parts, creating space for deep healing, clarity, and lasting emotional resilience.
IFS therapy provides a safe and supportive environment for exploring painful memories and emotional wounds. By helping your internal parts feel seen and understood, it reduces emotional overwhelm and fosters lasting relief from trauma. This compassionate approach allows you to process difficult emotions at your own pace, leading to deeper healing and a more balanced inner world.
Click here to learn more about how IFS therapy helps with trauma.
The number of IFS therapy sessions varies depending on your unique goals and needs. Some clients experience significant changes after just a few sessions, while others find that ongoing support helps them achieve deeper healing and long-lasting transformation. Together, we’ll tailor the therapy process to what works best for you.
Yes, IFS therapy effectively addresses the emotional patterns that contribute to anxiety and depression. By working with your internal parts, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of these feelings and learn healthier, more balanced ways to manage them. This transformative process can significantly improve your emotional well-being and help you feel more in control of your life.
You don’t have to carry the weight of anxiety, emotional pain, or self-doubt on your own. Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy offers a proven and compassionate path to healing and personal growth. Together, we’ll work to create lasting change, helping you move toward the peace and emotional resilience you deserve.
Our IFS counseling services provide support, healing, and growth.
We will discuss your experiences, goals, and create a personalized treatment plan.
Through ongoing counseling sessions, work towards healing and personal growth.
Schedule an appointment or inquire about our IFS counseling services.
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We specialize in helping individuals, couples, and families navigate through a variety of mental health challenges. Whether you’re facing grief and loss, aging, life transitions, medical illness, narcissistic abuse, LGBTQ+ issues, trauma, anxiety, or depression, our supportive approach can guide you toward healing and emotional well-being.