Internal Family System
(IFS)
We all have parts of ourselves that we must take time to nurture and get to know. As we grow, we inherently learn more about ourselves and our surroundings every single day. Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an inclusive form of psychotherapy that can transform you and help you know yourself better. The mission of IFS therapy is to heal any past wounds and bring your mind to a more compassionate, stable place.
What is IFS?
IFS is a psychotherapeutic method that accesses our inner parts and “Self.” To connect with ourselves and our parts on all levels, we must engage in practices that balance and sustain us.
According to the IFS Institute, “IFS is a movement. A new, empowering paradigm for understanding and harmonizing the mind and, thereby, larger human systems. One that can help people heal and helps the world become a more compassionate place.”
IFS is now an expansive model that supports a broad range of clients, including non-clinical mental health diagnoses. Non-clinical mental health diagnoses may include anger, chronic pain, self-esteem, stress, and more.
As IFS therapy is individualized, clients may be experiencing either physical or emotional trauma. Regardless of what you’re facing, an IFS therapist will support you through the process of getting to know your blended parts, differentiating your core Self. In IFS, exploring in Self contains 8 C’s.
Curiosity
Calm
Clarity
Connectedness
Confidence
Courage
Creativity
Compassion
Accessing the Self will always take time. All IFS therapists will walk you through each individualized part and make sure you’re comfortable in the process. As we befriend ourselves and unburden the internalized parts that seemingly hold us back, we will be one step closer to healing and decreasing anxiety. Relieving exiled parts that burden us is one of the most beneficial aspects of IFS. Since our mind consists of multiple parts, we deserve to understand ourselves well to form a whole being.
Who Does IFS Help?
IFS is very accepting and diverse, welcoming all people and cultures. Your age, race, religion, gender identity, etc. doesn’t matter. IFS serves as an opportunity to heal and connect to yourself. You are eligible for this form of therapy, and all of your internal parts are, too. IFS also aims to expand leadership in all communities. When we get to know ourselves, we have the power and privilege to Self-lead.