IFS Therapy
Access the authentic Self
What Is IFS Therapy?
Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) is a welcoming, intuitive, and exploratory form of psychotherapy. Within the IFS model of therapy, the therapist acknowledges the “multiple” quality of the mind—the many experiences, feelings, values, and opinions an individual can simultaneously hold—and approaches the work done in sessions through a systems-thinking lens. IFS therapy focuses on getting to know the various "parts" of you and how these parts work together as a protective system to care for the traumas and emotional wounds experienced throughout life.
The goal of IFS therapy is to access the authentic Self that is the free, unburdened, and fully integrated essence of every individual. This Self is comprised of inner wisdom and self-healing energy. As you gradually understand, allow, and make peace with your various parts, you in turn make more space for the Self to emerge and lead the way.
The History And Efficacy Of IFS Therapy
IFS was founded by Richard Schwartz in the 1980s. As a practicing family therapist, Schwartz observed many of his clients referring to their internal experience with “parts” language. Following the lead of his clients’ explorations, he found that as he offered permission, curiosity, and understanding to their parts, his clients were better able to experience their Self—the essential energy and wisdom we all possess. Furthermore, he discovered that by accessing elements of the inner Self, his clients created opportunities for innate self-healing of its parts. ¹
Since its inception, ongoing research has shown the efficacy of IFS in the treatment of depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The IFS model has also been shown to benefit psychedelic-assisted therapy. ²
How IFS Therapy Works
IFS is a way of being that shifts how we perceive ourselves and connect with the world. Internal family systems therapy theorizes that as humans, we are made up of a diverse system of parts. Multiplicities of identity exist within each of us. Throughout our lives, many of our parts were created as protective responses that allowed us to remain safe, receive love and acceptance, and successfully survive.
At the heart of these multiple parts lives a creation story born out of the trauma or disconnection we experienced when we were unable to be our actual selves. The more we can tune in and discover our parts—our roles, our creation story, and our needs—the more our Self-energy can shine and lead the way.
How IFS Differs From Other Therapy
IFS therapy works beyond the level of cognitive processing and, through accessing the Self, offers a level of deepened healing states to allow old traumas, hurts, and relational ruptures to be reprocessed. The IFS model of therapy serves as an archaeological excavation of the self, discovering the point in our developmental lifespan—from childhood to the present and even the burdens of our ancestral line—when our parts blossomed into sensible servants and when others got left behind.
And because IFS theory assumes our basic nature is good and accepts all of the parts of the self equally, it does not seek to change who we are. Rather, it aims to better understand why we are the way we are. This underlying principle creates a sense of safety to understand and appreciate the wisdom of our emotional and felt experience without judgment.
The gifts of IFS include a deeper understanding of our interior worlds and emotional landscape, a true acceptance of ourselves, and access to our innate and wise Self. As IFS work deepens and progresses over time, our old patterns and parts can heal and take on roles that will serve us in the unfolding of our personal journey. Through this process of discovery, we can step into who we truly are and gain more freedom and flexibility.
In many ways, IFS is a paradigm shift at the systemic level as much as a psychotherapy method. Working with the IFS system itself offers us a new perspective of how we interrelate with ourselves and the world.
My Background In IFS Therapy
After taking my initial IFS level 1 training, I felt such a connection and internal resonance with this therapy process that I knew I wanted to pursue it further. It became clear to me immediately that the internal family systems model would become my preferred method of working with clients.
I utilize IFS for facilitating life transitions, supporting the parenting journey, treating postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, as well as supporting psychedelic integration work. Not only can IFS therapy help you access tremendous healing from trauma, depression, and anxiety, but it can also be extremely effective in accessing your full potential as a human being. Whether it’s focused on resolving interpersonal dilemmas, engaging in personal growth, or becoming a better parent, partner, or professional, IFS offers a sense of depth and integration that transcends the therapy process.
The psychotherapy I practice is not only informed by Internal Family Systems but also theories of Buddhist psychology, Attachment Theory, and Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT). IFS therapy is expansive and client-led, seamlessly dovetailing with the other approaches I use. In addition to IFS practices, I will often utilize talk therapy, somatic exercises, meditation, and nervous system regulation in a typical psychotherapy session.
IFS can be immediately relieving. You will feel deeply heard, be given a safe space for exploration, and feel connected to yourself and a helping professional via the therapeutic relationship. This connection to Self enables the healing process to continually evolve in between sessions. I aim to bring compassion, curiosity, and connectedness to this worthwhile exploration of Self.
Find Out How IFS Therapy Can Help You
One of the most important aspects of any therapeutic relationship is for you as the client to feel understood and seen. Please contact me to schedule a free 20-minute consultation and discover if we are a good therapeutic fit.
