About the Ukrainian IFS Institute

Photo By Anastasiia Shyroka

About Institute

The Ukrainian Institute of Internal Family Systems (IFS) actively collaborates with the international IFS Institute.

We aim to develop the transformational practice of Internal Family Systems therapy in Ukraine.

In collaboration with the IFS Institute, we offer Level 1 IFS training for mental health professionals, as well as other events aimed at fostering the development of a professional IFS community.

You can find Ukrainian-speaking IFS practitioners on the official IFS Institute website in the Directory section.

We envision a world in which individuals and communities embrace self-leadership, inner harmony, and authentic connection. UI IFS strives to create spaces for healing, learning, and growth, contributing to the collective well-being of our society.

Our Vision

About IFS

  • No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring by Richard C. Schwartz

  • You Are The One You've Been Waiting For Bringing Courageous Love To Intimate Relationships by Richard C. Schwartz

  • Introduction to Internal Family Systems Second Edition by Richard C. Schwartz

  • Немає поганих частин. Як відновити цілісність і вилікуватися від травм.-Річард Шварц, українською

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an evidence-based psychotherapy method developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, which is rapidly gaining recognition among psychotherapeutic models worldwide.

IFS offers a holistic and non-pathologizing understanding of the human mind and, as a therapeutic approach, allows the development of therapeutic relationships in which an individual’s wounded parts can experience healing. IFS works well with children, adults, couples, families, and groups.

The IFS method has been included in the American National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices (NREPP). Its effectiveness has been demonstrated in working with depression, anxiety, and trauma. The IFS is available at the following link.

As a therapeutic method, IFS:

  • Is based on the idea of the multiplicity of the human mind, which is supported by other psychological theories and neuroscience evidence.

  • Places great emphasis on the spiritual dimension of mental health, highlighting the Self within the therapeutic relationship, which brings the energy of inner wisdom and supports the healing process.

  • Teaches inner dialogue and develops skills that allow individuals not to identify with any of their reactions, but to cultivate healing relationships with them, thereby releasing the emotional burdens of the past.

UI IFS Team

  • Maryna Lukashenko

    PhD in Philosophy, psychologist, systemic family psychotherapist, researcher, and author of scientific publications. Completed Level 1 IFS training and training in the P.A.U.S.E. model.

  • Anastasiia Shyroka

    PhD in Psychology, researcher, and author of scientific publications. Completed Level 1 IFS training, co-trainer for P.A.U.S.E. training and other IFS educational projects.

  • Iryna Natalushko

    Master’s in Art Therapy with a specialization in trauma therapy. Certified Level 3 IFS therapist, assistant for Level 1 and 2 IFS trainings, and Lead program assistant for the first Level 1 IFS training in Ukraine. Practicing since 2011 in individual therapy, as well as conducting IFS groups and workshops.

  • Kateryna Vashtalova

    Master’s in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Master’s in English. Specialist in Clinical Somatics, TRE, Somatic Experiencing, and EXIT. Completed Level 1 IFS training. Provides simultaneous translation in mental health, facilitates support groups for Ukrainian psychologists and displaced persons.

  • Vira Milogradova-Donchenko

    Master’s in Psychology, art therapist. Completed Level 1 IFS training. Has over 20 years of experience in educational institutions, practices art therapy and IFS. Co-organizer of P.A.U.S.E. training and co-facilitator of the IFS intervision group.

  • Yuliia Demidova

    Master’s in Psychology, EMDR therapist, author of metaphor card decks, psychological games, and a guidebook for working with metaphor cards. Completed Level 1 and 2 IFS training. Leads the introductory IFS course and the intervision group.

  • Hennadii Demidov

    Master’s in Psychology, EMDR therapist, author of metaphor card decks. Completed Level 1 IFS training. Co-facilitator of the IFS intervision group.

  • Liliia Protsenko

    Master’s in Clinical Psychology, clinical psychologist, trauma therapist with an integrative approach (EMDR, Brainspotting, Mindfulness). Completed Level 1 IFS training. Co-facilitator of the IFS intervision group.

UI IFS Partners