What is Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy?
Internal family systems therapy, also known as IFS, is often used as a treatment method for anxiety, depression, traumas, addiction,...
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IFS THERAPY
Have You Heard About IFS Therapy And Want To Learn More?
Simply put, IFS (Internal Family Systems) therapy—also known as parts work—helps individuals explore their inner world by identifying and understanding the various parts of their personality. Through guided introspection and dialogue, clients develop a relationship with these parts, which promotes healing, self-awareness, and emotional well-being.
These parts are categorized in three ways: Exiles are aspects of the Self that have been hurt, hidden, and locked up for the safety of the individual. Often, this is the result of trauma, emotional wounding, or some other negative life experience.
Managers do preventative maintenance, like keeping things on track or everyone on task to avoid anything that could create discomfort. They’re responsible for organization, daily responsibilities, taking care of business, and being proactive.
Firefighters, on the other hand, are reactionary, swooping in after the fact to soothe the fear, resolve the problem, and lessen the discomfort. This can manifest in both healthy and harmful ways, such as cleaning and exercising—or drinking, doing drugs, and engaging in other risky behaviors.
By learning how to access and open a dialogue with these parts, clients can unburden themselves, heal, and learn how to navigate emotions, conflicts, and future challenges. Because of this, IFS therapy is a powerful and effective way to treat a range of complex conditions, disorders, and inner conflicts.
When Was The IFS Model Of Therapy Created?
Internal Family Systems therapy was founded by Dr. Richard C. Schwartz in the 1980s. He was a family therapist and clinical psychologist who developed the approach based on his observations and experiences while working with his private clients. He noticed that individuals often exhibited a spectrum of inner parts—each with their own thoughts, emotions, and motivations.
Dr. Schwartz believed these parts played various roles in protecting and managing emotional experiences. Over time, research studies began to provide empirical support for the effectiveness of IFS psychotherapy in treating a broad range of psychological issues. (1)(2) This scientific validation further contributed to its acceptance as a legitimate therapeutic approach.
IFS parts work therapy is often helpful for clients who repeat negative thoughts, behaviors, or life patterns that are holding them back from living their most authentic lives. It can resolve the impact of upsetting childhood (or adulthood) experiences that continue to cause strong reactions when thinking about the past. And it can help address powerful, overwhelming emotions.
IFS Therapy is also effective at treating a number of other challenges:
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anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD
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negative self-beliefs, criticism of self
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self-esteem, self-doubt, self-worth issues
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perfectionist or people-pleasing tendencies
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relationship issues, grief and loss, addiction
What Can You Expect With Internal Family Systems Therapy?
To get started, we’ll do a comprehensive assessment to gain a better understanding of your history, your presenting concerns, and your goals for therapy. Once we know what we’re working with, we can begin parts exploration where you’ll be introduced to the concept of parts within yourself. At the same time, we’ll help you build, connect with, and strengthen your relationship with your Self.
We’ll help facilitate internal dialogues and teach you how to listen to and communicate with different parts of yourself in a safe and respectful manner. Through these dialogues, we can better understand each part’s role and nature, including their needs, fears, and purpose in the system.
As those exiled parts are gradually unburdened, we’ll coordinate with other parts of the Self so they know it is safe and can relax instead of falling back into old roles and patterns. Once those protective and hidden parts are unburdened, we can begin integrating new roles for those parts based on what they want.
Ultimately, IFS therapy is a comprehensive approach to healing that enables you to harmonize your parts and their roles so you can draw more from Self energy rather than from your extreme parts.
Perhaps You’ve Tried Talk Therapy Before Without Success
Unlike some forms of therapy, IFS therapy is both a holistic and research-driven approach to healing that allows for a deeper exploration of underlying issues and conflicts. IFS creates a safe and non-judgmental space for you to explore your inner world.
It helps you uncover core issues by addressing the underlying emotions and beliefs that drive behaviors. As a treatment method, it’s trauma-informed and highly adaptable to your individual needs and goals. And because it is a person-centered therapy model, IFS places you in the driver's seat of your own healing journey.
To supplement the therapeutic process, we can also integrate other tools into Internal Family Systems. For instance, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are intrinsically linked in order to create shifts in those individual areas, positively affecting the whole system.
EMDR (Eye Movement, Desensitization, and Reprocessing) therapy focuses on processing and lessening the intensity of painful memories often attributed to trauma and negative life experiences. EMDR uses guided talk therapy in conjunction with bilateral stimulation techniques (e.g., side-to-side eye movements) to effectively rewire the brain and how it processes information.
Together, these tools can help you regulate emotions, resolve inner conflict, and overcome personal challenges. You can heal even the deepest wounds and finally let go of the past. However, at the end of the day, IFS is about more than just healing, managing symptoms, or navigating problems. At its core, parts work is about fostering personal growth and self-discovery.
That’s why, at In View Counseling Services, we’re determined to help you discover personal empowerment—the ability to recognize and access your inner strengths and resources. We want to help you cultivate greater self-awareness and improve your relationships not only with others, but more importantly, with yourself. Ultimately, we’re here to give you the insight and tools you need to take charge of your own journey toward healing.
What Is Our Background And History With IFS Therapy
In 2021, I had the fortunate opportunity of being introduced to IFS parts work therapy—a therapeutic approach that resonated with me on a profound level. As a therapist and the founder of In View Counseling Services, I loved the person-centered nature of IFS and how it got to the core of why so many individuals continue to repeat patterns that no longer serve them. From the moment I discovered it, I knew I had to delve deeper, so I enrolled in online trainings.
In March 2022, I embarked on a self-led training focused on Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Complex Trauma with PESI. I did further training with Suzanne Luxemberger, a certified IFS therapist. Subsequently, I engaged in a comprehensive 30-hour self-led training titled "IFS Immersion: Integrating Internal Family Systems (IFS) Across Clinical Applications" with PESI in June 2022.
My excitement and eagerness led me to complete a 16-week IFS comprehensive course facilitated by Stepping Stones and IFSCA in August 2023. This course provided a structured and thorough exploration of IFS concepts and weekly practice sessions, expanding my capacity to help my clients navigate their inner landscapes effectively.
Looking ahead, I am excitedly preparing to undertake and complete Level 2 training with Stepping Stones in 2024, an opportunity that promises to further elevate my proficiency in this therapeutic approach. To ensure I stay at the forefront of the field, I actively participate in a monthly consultation group alongside other skilled IFS therapists, fostering ongoing learning and collaboration.
Let Us Help You Find Harmony Within Yourself
If you are still curious about IFS and would like to know more about how we may be able to help you create lasting change, please Contact Us for your free, 15-minute consultation. We would love to hear you share your story.
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