Internal Family Systems

I have extensive training in Internal Family Systems for individuals and couples from the Professional Education Systems Institute (PESI.com). I blend this with Hakomi/mindfulness for folks who directly express interest in doing parts work.

I am in the process of receiving training and certification in Internal Family Systems therapy.

As an IFS-trained therapist, frightening and extreme behaviors are compassionately understood as sincere attempts to help restore balance and calm within ourselves. As a non-pathologizing approach to psychotherapy and understanding behavior, we can acknowledge and validate the parts of ourselves that desperately try to help soothe us, without degrading, criticizing, or invalidation . We can also safely help unburden our wounded parts that hold pain and keep us stuck in ineffectual patterns.

I have witnessed the profound shifts IFS can bring—whether it’s calming critical inner voices, soothing anxious parts, or empowering the "Self" to take a compassionate leadership role. My expertise allows me to create a safe space for clients to explore these inner dynamics and uncover lasting personal growth, bringing a sense of internal peace and clarity into their lives.

I utilize this treatment as it has been impactful in my own personal therapy. Tremendous self-energy can be gained from understanding the various emotional parts that require attention. Once these areas are affirmed they provide information that

We all have different parts within us that carry different thoughts, emotions, and beliefs. These parts can sometimes conflict with each other and create internal struggles and difficulties in our lives. We work together to resolve the inner conflict so your system can feel more balance and cohesive.

While I’m not formally trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS), I draw heavily from its concepts in my work. I’m well-versed in IFS theory and have experience applying it to help clients explore their inner parts, understand their internal conflicts, and foster self-compassion. By integrating IFS principles, I guide clients through healing and reconnecting with their true selves, offering support in navigating complex emotions and trauma.

We will work together to identify parts of self that may need some healing or attention. These parts may have developed from past trauma or distress. IFS is a great way to learn how to treat the Self with more compassion.

Our minds are actually made up of sub-personalities. We may have our "work part" or "romantic part" and our work will be to get to know these different parts and understand what they do for our internal system. IFS believes we have an inherent self that can lead these parts in healthy ways by showing them compassion and a sense of self-leadership. This therapy will help the parts begin to trust the self. *IFS Informed

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 and its expression in the world.

I continue to add to my knowledge of IFS through readings and trainings. I have utilized IFS meditations with clients and recognize its power to cultivate self-compassion and improve one's knowledge of themselves.

Find out more via my speciality webpage for Internal Family Systems: https://windingriverpsychotherapyservices.com/ifs-therapy

We are made up of many parts that guide us, protect us, and walk along side us throughout our lives and relationships. Sometimes, these parts are loud while other important parts remain hidden, yet to be given an invitation to come out of the shadows and join us in our life journey. By engaging in inner child work, exploration of our parts, and promoting the Self, we can come closer to who we are, what we need, and how we access belonging in the intricacies of our internal and external world.

IFS identifies and addresses different parts, or "sub-personalities," within an your mental system. These parts can sometimes conflict with each other and contribute to emotional distress and unhealthy patterns of behavior. IFS views these parts as having positive intentions, even if their actions may not always be helpful. The goal of IFS therapy is to help you understand and heal these internal dynamics by fostering self-awareness and self-compassion.

I am trained in the Internal Family Systems (IFS) protocols. I have completed training and receive continuing education and consultation as an IFS informed therapist through ifsca.ca. As we learn to approach our different parts from a place of openhearted compassion, we can experience insight and deeper healing. The outcome of IFS therapy techniques include the unburdening and transformation of our parts bringing a sense of inner freedom and peace.

I have knowledge of IFS and how to access your Self.

Internal Family Systems or IFS is a unique form of therapy that focuses on your internal “world” and how you interact with the different facets of yourself. It can be a helpful model to better understand patterns that you find yourself in and how to change your inner landscape. I have completed Level 1 training through the IFS institute as well as continue with ongoing supervision, practice and continuing education. IFS is a wonderful therapy treatment to heal from the inside out.