Internal Family Systems (IFS)
“Internal Family Systems is a powerfully transformative, evidence-based model of psychotherapy. We believe the mind is naturally multiple and that is a good thing. Our inner parts contain valuable qualities and our core Self knows how to heal, allowing us to become integrated and whole. In IFS all parts are welcome.” IFS Institute
What is Internal Family Systems (IFS)?
IFS is a therapeutic approach that is based on the belief that we are made up of various parts and that this is absolutely normal. So, for example, we may have parts within us that react by withdrawing from certain situations, parts that respond with anger on occasions or parts that reach for an extra glass of wine or a box of biscuits when they feel triggered by certain circumstances. Throughout the course of our lives these various parts have taken on roles within our system, often as a result of events and experiences we have gone through and they have taken on beliefs that impact our lives in ways that can be unhelpful.
In our work together, I will accompany you as you gradually get to know these different parts that make up your system and, with curiosity and open-heartedness, you will gain insight into how they are trying to help you. Offering acceptance and welcome to all parts of us is often healing as the parts finally feel seen, heard and appreciated for what they are doing to keep us safe and protected.
As we witness the vulnerable part’s stories we can offer them space to release the burdens they carry of shame, worthlessness, abandonment or other painful beliefs and emotions and as those parts reconnect with the Self you will experience a greater sense of cohesiveness, balance and harmony both in your internal world, and also in your relationships with those around you, along with gaining a sense of freedom, relief and spaciousness.
How it works..
IFS is a talk therapy in which we work together to identify and understand the various parts that make up your internal world. As we get to know these parts you will gain insight into the relationship they have with each other in your internal ‘family’ and this helps foster a greater sense of self awareness and Self leadership within your system. We also work to restore the connection between your Self and your more vulnerable, wounded parts thereby allowing those parts of you to unburden their unhelpful beliefs and to experience a lightness and freedom which can bring healing to your inner world.
Who can benefit from IFS Therapy?
Anyone! We all have aspects of our personalities that feel vulnerable, anxious, worthless, ashamed, lonely, empty, addicted, helpless, conflicted, driven and IFS therapy can help these and many more issues. If you would like to understand yourself better and to live a more fulfilled and connected life then IFS can help you achieve that.
