What is IFS?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a gentle, evidence-based approach to therapy that helps you explore your inner world with compassion and develop a better understanding of the different “Parts” of yourself. Developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, IFS is grounded in the belief that we all have a core Self — a calm, wise, and compassionate inner presence — along with many internal Parts that each play a role in how we navigate life.
Sometimes these Parts can feel in conflict. One Part might push you to be productive, while another Part feels anxious or overwhelmed. IFS helps you listen to these Parts with curiosity rather than judgment, uncovering their deeper needs and intentions. The goal isn’t to eliminate or banish these Parts, but to help them feel heard, supported, and integrated.
How does IFS work?
IFS therapy involves exploration of the following:
- Identifying and Understanding Parts: We begin by noticing and naming the different Parts of you that show up, such as Protectors who try to prevent pain and Exiles who carry wounds or traumatic memories.
- Connecting with your Self: As you learn to relate to these Parts from a grounded and compassionate place (your Self), space opens up for healing and in turn your Parts begin to trust you in the healing process.
- Healing and Unburdening: Through guided exploration, we work together to connect to the Self in order to listen to and to help Parts let go of painful beliefs, emotions, or past experiences they may be carrying. This helps the Parts take on their naturally intended roles. The goal is to heal wounded parts and reduce the burden they carry.
- Integration: As Parts Unburden, they begin to take on their naturally intended roles and work together in harmony, thus leading to more internal balance, resilience, clarity, confidence, and ease.
What does IFS help?
IFS can be helpful for a wide range of mental health concerns, including:
Trauma and PTSD
Anxiety and depression
Inner criticism or perfectionism
Grief and loss
Self-esteem issues
Addictive patterns
None of the above symptoms or experiences fit you?
Do you experience distressing emotions that appear to you, and perhaps to others, to be excessive given the current situation? Do you tend to be highly reactive to certain triggers? Or do you simply want to deepen your self-understanding?
If so, contact us today for a free 30 minute video consultation call to see if IFS might help you unburden what no longer serves you.
To learn more about IFS therapy, watch this video of Dr. Richard Schwartz providing an overview of this model.
Visit the IFS Institute for even more information regarding this powerful therapy approach.