What is an IFS Therapist?
If you have ever seen the abbreviation IFS in relation to therapy, you might wonder what that means. IFS, or Internal Family System, is a specific approach that therapists use. When it was originally developed in the 1980s, it was used in therapy settings for people dealing with eating disorders. Now, however, it is used for various mental health concerns, most notably trauma. But, it is also incredibly useful when tackling issues such as anxiety or depression.
IFS is a different type of therapy that really dives deep into a person’s mind and the things that hold them back. What exactly is an IFS Therapist, though?
IFS Is More Than Just Talk Therapy
Most people have a basic understanding of what therapy is. Or at least, they believe they do. There are different approaches to therapy and treating issues. One of the main ones is something almost everyone is familiar with—talk therapy or traditional therapy. This typically looks like weekly sessions where you talk about the issues you are facing as a way to vent and receive guidance from someone on healing.
An IFS Therapist does more than that. This type of therapy is a very hands-on approach to helping someone work through their issues. Instead of looking at their client as a whole, they will see that there are parts, or families, that make up each person. These different parts can sometimes conflict with one another and cause emotional distress, turmoil, and conflict.
An IFS Therapist Helps You To Identify The Parts That Make You “You”
Sometimes, we don’t even truly know ourselves. We feel confused and torn, questioning ourselves and doubting. This is when the parts of the self conflict with one another the most. An IFS Therapist helps you to identify the parts of yourself that are holding you back the most. The different facets you are made of can sometimes convince you that the conflict and turmoil they cause you to feel are part of who you are. With IFS Therapy, it teaches you to find the core of who you are.
What Special Trainings Do IFS Therapists Go Through?
If you have never gone to therapy, you may wonder what is involved for someone who practices IFS Therapy. Besides being a licensed psychotherapist, counselor, or social worker, a therapist will also receive training in different approaches to therapy. One of these training can include Internal Family Systems. Because it is a very specific approach to understanding the mind and soul of who humans are, many therapists will take courses or training. One of these programs is The IFS Institute. Originally called The Center for Self Leadership, it was founded by the original psychotherapist who created IFS Therapy.
Can An IFS Therapist Help With Trauma?
Trauma is complicated, just like the parts of who we are. Internal Family Systems can help with a variety of mental health issues. It is particularly useful when treating trauma. For therapists who are also trained in helping trauma survivors, it can be an approach that can be a true catalyst to healing.
IFS Therapy seems very complicated at first. Especially to those who have never heard of it before. That’s why working with a therapist who is trained in IFS Therapy is incredibly important.
As a therapist who is, I know how important it is for you to understand what you will be getting out of your therapy experience. If you are not sure if IFS Therapy is right for you or your situation, contact me so I can help you discover if this is the right approach for you.
