What is IFS?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapeutic approach that views the mind as made up of different “parts,” each carrying its own thoughts, feelings, and roles. In IFS, you learn to understand and heal these parts with compassion, guided by your core Self, which fosters balance, resilience, and inner harmony.
It’s almost like one part of me wants one thing, and another part of me wants something else…
Understanding Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Internal Family Systems, or IFS, is a type of therapy that helps you understand the different “parts” of yourself. Think of it like an inner family: we all have different parts that show up in different ways. For example, you might have a part that is very self-critical, a part that wants to avoid conflict, a part that gets anxious, or a part that feels playful and creative. Sometimes these parts clash or take on extreme roles in an effort to protect you—like a part that shuts down emotions to keep you from getting hurt, or a part that uses anger to make sure you’re not taken advantage of. These parts likely formed in childhood and sometimes they take very extreme protective positions that can get in the way as adults.
The goal of IFS is not to get rid of any part of you, but to help you connect with your true core Self—the calm, compassionate, wise center that we all have. From this place, you can get to know your parts, understand what they’re trying to do for you, and begin to heal old wounds they may be carrying. Many clients find this approach helpful for reducing inner conflict, easing anxiety or shame, and feeling more whole and at peace within themselves. At its heart, IFS is about learning to relate to yourself with kindness, curiosity, and compassion, so that you can live more authentically and with greater emotional freedom.
In my practice, I draw on Internal Family Systems (IFS) as a foundation while also integrating tools from other therapeutic models to provide the most effective and personalized care. Depending on your needs, I may weave in approaches such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to strengthen relationships, somatic practices to reconnect mind and body, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for practical skill-building, or mindfulness techniques to reduce stress and increase self-awareness. I believe there is no one-size-fits-all path to healing, so together we’ll find the approaches that resonate with you, always honoring your comfort level and unique goals. This integrative style allows therapy to be flexible, creative, and tailored to support your growth in the way that feels most authentic and sustainable for you.
Ready to get started?
Book a free call or session to start your healing journey.