Internal Family Systems

I use internal family systems to help clients explore different "parts" of themselves, this is a compassionate, healing process.

The IFS model is a form of psychotherapy developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz. It posits that the mind is naturally subdivided into a number of subpersonalities or "parts," each with its own unique perspective and qualities. These parts often take on extreme roles to protect the individual from emotional pain. The goal of IFS is to help clients access their "Self"—a core state of compassion, curiosity, and calmness—and to foster healing by harmonizing the relationships among the various parts.

IFS is based on the idea that people have multiple sub-personalities, or "parts", within them, each with its own unique qualities, emotions, and perspectives. These parts can operate independently, leading to internal conflicts and emotional distress. IFS therapy aims to help people heal from past trauma and correct problematic behaviors by: Liberating parts from roles they've been forced into Restoring trust in the "self" and Re-harmonizing parts that are in conflict with one another

One way of thinking about IFS is any time you’ve said, “Part of me wants to go to a party this weekend, but part of me wants to catch up on some sleep.” In IFS, this is a normal expression of the different motivating aspects of your being that drive internal conflict. In other words, the part of you that wants to go to the party is in conflict with the part that wants to catch up on sleep. If this example seems simplistic, you’re right. IFS is applicable to a broad range of concerns.

With this potent approach, my clients could fully understand their recurring, difficult inner conflicts, and move forward with more ease and alignment. IFS has equipped my clients with tools to use their minds and hearts to bring healing and resolution to longstanding traumas and emotional wounds. IFS has helped my clients feel significantly less afraid to face certain aspects of themselves. I’ve also seen my clients form their own roadmaps towards lasting healing and change.

Most of us are ambivalent about most things to some degree. That is because we have parts with different, and sometimes conflicting needs and wants. Internal Family Systems is an approach that takes all impulses, feelings and desires seriously and is an approach that fosters integration and mastery so that no part is taking the lead without the consent of all other parts. This integration leads to a sense of empowerment and well-being.

Have you ever been trying to make a decision where one "part" of you thought something completely different than another "part" of you? As an IFS-informed therapist, I guide clients in this gentle, non-pathologizing approach to understanding internal parts. This is just one of the self-discovery tools in my toolbox that helps develop self-compassion and heal shame.

People naturally understand that they have different parts of their personality. Internal Family Systems builds on this way of understanding ourselves. When I integrate this model into my work, my clients are able to bring more compassion, courage, calm and creativity to themselves and others. This helps bring more satisfaction into their lives and relationships.

Have you ever said, “Part of me feels this way, but another part of me feels another way”? IFS recognizes that we have many aspects to our personalities. Through the process of Self-Leadership, also known as Internal Family Systems, we will get to know these different parts of you. As we get to know your parts better, we can begin to resolve conflicting feelings between parts to become a more consistent, well-integrated you.

Using IFS, an experiential and process-oriented evidence-based model, we work with your subpersonalities, understanding them to carry their own histories, beliefs, and experiences. Focusing on the relationship between you and these parts of yourself, we notice your loudest and quietest voices. We tune into young parts that are stuck in the past when an abuse or trauma first occurred, believing we ALL have the capacity to heal, and our authentic Self isn't broken to begin with.

Internal Family Systems Theory believes that within each person's personality exists several parts. We may have parts that are self-critical, angry, organized, etcetera. Underneath all of these parts is a concept known as the Self. The Self is the essence of who we are at the core. The Self is inherently curious, and compassionate, and makes clear choices. Drawing from IFS, I hope to foster healing and harmony between your various parts and help your core Self shine through.

I use an Internal Family Systems (IFS) Informed approach to help you explore how your family relationships shaped your inner self. We often develop these parts of ourselves in response to different relationships, and they may need to transform to align with who you are today. Together, we will identify and nurture these inner parts, so that you can gain valuable insight to your emotions and behaviors. This helps foster self-compassion, making it easier to create the fulfilling life you desire.

Become better connected with your Self, and get to know different ways you show up in your emotions, thoughts, bodily sensations, and urges. All your parts have valuable information, and you are the one who gets to choose your course.

Internal Family Systems Therapy is a foundational aspect of work. IFS is a therapeutic approach that views the mind as a family system of interrelated parts, each with unique perspectives and roles. IFS helps clients identify and understand these different parts, which supports a feeling of integration and coherence in our lived experiences. By addressing the underlying conflicts and traumas that may be affecting these parts, IFS aims to promote healing, self-compassion, and personal growth.

Internal Family Systems is a powerfully transformative, evidence-based model of psychotherapy. We believe the mind is naturally multiple and is made up of the combination of the Self and our parts. 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. People from all backgrounds are welcome.

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.

We are all made up of parts as well as a core, nuclear self. Some parts develop in response to difficult experiences from our past to protect us from the dangers of the world. These parts can remain active for years, trying to protect us in ways that no longer work to promote our wellbeing. Learn how to manage these parts and support your core self through IFS.