About IFS
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy is an evidence-based, non-pathologizing approach that works with the different aspects or parts of who we are (think Pixar’s Inside Out movie). We all have different parts (e.g., part of me wants to go to the gym and another part of me wants to watch a movie). Our parts can help us achieve our goals or protect us, but often their techniques leave us feeling exhausted and distressed. IFS works with our inner world, including the parts that push, criticize, and condemn who we are and what we do.
The goal of IFS is to help individuals understand and relate to these parts in a compassionate, non-judgmental way. When the difficulties and burdens we carry are addressed, the true Self (that is, the you that is compassionate, calm, curious, clear, creative, courageous, connected, and confident) is accessible and present. IFS therapy can help improve relationships with others and with yourself, bringing out the best version of who you are while honoring your journey of where you have been and who you are becoming.
“It may seem hard to believe that unburdening could be this simple—that things that have plagued you your whole life could be lifted just by looking at where you got them. In many cases it is that simple, but just because it’s simple doesn’t mean it’s easy.”
RESOURCES TO LEARN More ABOUT IFS
HOW IFS Works With OUR PARTS
Helps soothe the nervous system and support emotional regulation, including our response to emergencies and threats
Addresses the fear, insecurity, anger, loneliness, guilt, shame, and pain we carry from the past
Works with the ways we distract, harm, avoid, withdraw, dissociate, and numb ourselves from our pain and distress
Acknowledges the ways the inner critic, perfectionism, and people pleasing control our responses to others
Enables us to experience greater self-acceptance, joy, freedom, balance, and peace… IFS empowers you to be you