Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy

​

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a gentle, evidence-based therapy that helps you understand and heal your inner world. IFS is based on the idea that we all have different “parts” of ourselves—such as parts that try to protect us, parts that carry emotional pain, and a core Self that is calm, compassionate, and capable of leading.

 

Rather than seeing symptoms as problems to fix, IFS views them as meaningful signals from parts that are trying to help.

​

For the parts that protect us, they try to keep us safe from perceived harm. Some do this by pushing you to be productive, be in control, or please others. Other parts may try to numb our feelings, avoid situations, or cause us to shut down. The parts that carry pain are referred to exiles, as the pain they carry are from early life experiences. They often carry feelings such as fear, shame, sadness, incompetence, or loneliness. Our protective parts work hard to keep these feelings from being reactivated.

​

How this looks in session is that instead of trying to fix or get rid of parts, we work to slow things down and get to know each part one at a time. We learn what they are trying to do for you/protect you from, and over time get them to trust that you can lead your Self instead of them taking the lead. In sess you won't be analyzed or labeled, instead you'll be guided to notice what is happening inside.

​

The goal, again, is not to fix or push away difficult emotions, but to help your inner system work together with balance, self-trust and compassion. Over time, clients feel less stuck, less reactive and more authentic and genuine.