What is IFS (Internal Family Systems)?

IFS is a type of therapy that uses parts-work language and framework as a way to help you understand yourself and your inner reactions. IFS believes that we have different parts of us in our inner world that help protect us and help us navigate our outer world.

Whats the deal with ‘parts’?

Using parts language can help us notice different places within ourselves and the sometimes different agendas that we hold.

Maybe you have a part that wants to repair a relationship and see the good in someone. You might have another part that doesn’t want to trust them or repair the relationship. You can want both things at the same time - and without working with each part this can lead to feeling stuck or stagnant.

How does knowing this help me?

Viewing our experiences through this lens can help us notice parts that are feeling overworked and burdened.

Traumatic experiences and attachment injuries can force our parts to take on burdens that cause them to overwork themselves. Though these parts have good intentions, often the result of this overwork is a negative impact in our lives and relationships.

For example: a ‘critical’ part may be trying to keep you safe through a critical voice that is constantly telling you that you’re not enough.

But the impact of the critical voice may be causing distress or shame.

I notice these parts - then what?

Once we are able to notice and connect with parts that are burdened with extreme memories, emotions and sensations then we can begin to work to help unburden these parts and provide healing and balance to the system.

How does that work?

The lovely thing about parts-work is that it works however is best for you and your system of parts. I can be your gentle guide through this process - often this involves somatic experiences, visualization and other experiences that help guide you to your own inner place of healing and change.

So can we get rid of parts of me I don’t like?

There are no ‘bad’ parts, just overburdened parts. The goal of therapy is not to get rid of parts but is to help unburden parts so they can find non-extreme roles. Once unburdened, parts are able to take on new roles that often result in you feeling less distress and more calm and confidence.