IFS Therapy in Ontario

Internal Family Systems, or IFS, was developed by Richard Schwartz. It sees the mind as a kind of inner family. Some parts work hard to keep you functioning and safe: the inner critic, the planner, the people-pleaser. Some step in fast when pain gets close: the part that scrolls, drinks, binges or shuts down. And some parts carry old hurt, fear or shame that the others are working to keep out of sight.

In IFS, the aim is not to get rid of any part. It is to get to know them with curiosity instead of judgement: what each one is afraid of, what it is protecting, and what it needs. IFS also describes a calmer, more curious centre in everyone, called the Self, that can relate to these parts with patience.

IFS is one of several parts-based approaches. Others, such as Ego State Therapy, share the same basic idea. Nobody can promise what parts work will change for you, or how long it will take. That is something you and your therapist look at honestly, together, as you go.

• ✻Your inner critic is loud, and it rarely takes a day off.
• ✻You look capable on the outside, and feel overwhelmed or far away on the inside.
• ✻You know what you "should" do, and some part of you keeps doing the opposite.
• ✻You cope in ways that worked once and now cost you more than they give.
• ✻You feel torn, as if different parts of you want completely different things.

None of this means you are broken. These patterns usually started as ways of getting through something hard.

It may fit if

• ✻Self-criticism, shame or inner conflict take up a lot of space in your life.
• ✻You would like to understand your reactions, not just manage them.
• ✻Talk therapy alone hasn't brought the change you hoped for, and you are curious about a different angle.
• ✻You are an adult in Ontario and can find a private space for online sessions.

Something else may fit better if

• ✻You are in crisis right now, or you are not safe where you are. Please start with 988 or 911, listed below.
• ✻You are living with ongoing violence or danger. Safety in the present usually comes first. You can say this privately in the free consultation.
• ✻You need medical, psychiatric or in-person care, or more support than a weekly online session can give. A doctor or local services may need to come first, or alongside therapy.
• ✻You are under 18. Armin works with adults and couples.
• ✻You mainly want practical skills to manage anxiety day to day. Skills-based work with Roya Dadollahi Sarab, RP, who brings more than 10 years of experience with ACT, DBT and CBT, may fit better.
• ✻You want to meet in person. All sessions at NoorMinds are online.

The free consultation

A calm 15-minute conversation, by video or phone. You share a little about what brings you, ask how Armin works with parts, and see whether it feels like a fit. No pressure, no obligation.

Getting to know your parts

Early sessions are about what is happening now and what you want to be different. When a strong feeling or reaction comes up, Armin may invite you to turn toward it and get curious: where you notice it, what it seems to want, how old it feels.

Going at the pace of your protectors

Parts that protect you are not pushed aside. If one of them doesn't want to go further, that is respected and explored. Deeper or more painful material is approached only when it feels manageable.

Format and pace

Weekly 60-minute individual sessions, $180, by secure video, in English, Farsi or a mix of both. You will need a private space and a stable internet connection. There is no set number of sessions and no minimum commitment.

Armin Ovaisy-Moakhar, RP (Qualifying)

CRPO #18315 · MA, Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University · BSc, York University · English and Farsi (فارسی)

Armin works with adults who look capable on the outside but feel unsettled, disconnected, or stuck on the inside, often without fully understanding why. He is experienced in evidence-based, trauma-focused therapy, and has been practising as a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) since 2024. His approach is relational, trauma-informed, and paced with care. He draws from evidence-based trauma therapies, including EMDR, Brainspotting, and parts-based approaches, especially when talking alone hasn’t been enough, along with somatic work, and with couples he uses Emotionally Focused Therapy. His focus includes complex and developmental trauma, shame and identity, anxiety rooted in trauma and attachment, childhood emotional neglect, perfectionism, emotional numbness, and relationship and attachment wounds. He sees adults and couples, online across Ontario, with a free 15-minute consultation.

Armin has completed additional training in parts-based work (IFS), along with additional training in EMDR, Brainspotting, somatic approaches, Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples, and trauma.

Clinical supervisor: Maryna Svitasheva, PhD, RP (CRPO #002978).

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