INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS THERAPY
Learning to love the parts of us that no one claps for
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy
Internal Family Systems therapy developed by Dr. Richard C. Schwartz in 1980s is a non-pathologizing form of psychotherapy that focuses on an individual’s internal System of “parts” and “Self.” In IFS, the mind is considered to be naturally made up of multiple sub-personalities or families within each individual’s mental system. These sub-personalities are consist of protective parts such as inner critics and wounded parts that hold painful beliefs or emotions such as shame. In IFS, the grounding assumption is that there are no bad parts, only parts forced into bad roles. These parts play an important role in the way we perceive, think, feel, and behave in the outside world. The goal is to understand these parts of us through accessing the Self, our seat of consciousness, to heal the childhood wounds and improve our relationship with the world from the inside out.
Understanding IFS Therapy
Through the IFS lens, the Self is the healer within. It is the innate presence within each person that is the pure essence of who they are. It is inherently good and whole, and cannot be broken or corrupted. When a person is Self-led, their system is balanced and all parts are acting in harmony with one another.
Being in Self is marked by the 8 C’s of self-energy:
Curiosity
Calm
Clarity
Connectedness
Confidence
Courage
Creativity
Compassion
The goal of IFS is to help individuals access Self so that they can heal wounded parts and bring their mind into balance. This brings the whole system into harmony and allows the person to become more Self-led. The natural side effect of this healing is a reduction in problematic or symptomatic behaviour.
IFS is an evidence-based practice used to treat a range of mental health disorders but not limited to Trauma, physical, emotional and sexual abuse, compulsive behaviours, depression, bipolar, body image issues, depression, anxiety, phobias, and addiction.
Benefits of the Internal Family Systems Approach
Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is an innovative and effective approach that focuses on understanding and harmonizing the various parts or "sub-personalities" within an individual's psyche.
Some of the key benefits of IFS therapy include:
1. Self-Awareness: IFS encourages individuals to explore their inner world, promoting self-awareness and a deeper understanding of their emotions and behaviours.
2. Emotional Regulation: It helps clients develop the skills to manage and regulate their emotions, leading to greater emotional stability.
3. Reduced Self-Criticism: IFS can alleviate harsh self-judgment by fostering self-compassion and self-acceptance.
4. Improved Relationships: By addressing and healing inner conflicts, individuals can enhance their relationships with others, as they relate from a place of greater self-compassion and authenticity.
5. Trauma Healing: IFS is effective in processing and healing emotional wounds and trauma, enabling individuals to move forward with a sense of wholeness.
6. Increased Resilience: Clients often experience improved coping mechanisms and resilience in the face of life's challenges.
7. Personal Growth: IFS therapy supports personal growth and the integration of various personality aspects, fostering a sense of inner harmony.
8. Enhanced Decision-Making: Clients can make decisions from a more balanced and self-assured place, leading to better life choices.
9. Spiritual Growth: IFS can be a tool for spiritual exploration and self-discovery, helping individuals connect with their deeper sense of self.
10. Empowerment: Ultimately, IFS therapy empowers individuals to take charge of their own healing and self-discovery, leading to a more fulfilling and authentic life.
The IFS model is a powerful tool that removes guilt, self-judgement and criticism by creating an inner environment of understanding and compassion that leads us to see that all parts of ourselves we once related to as ‘bad’, actually have a purpose.
They have an intelligent role to play within us and are designed to balance our systems.
Holding Space For All Your Parts
Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy offers less tangible yet profoundly transformative benefits. It encourages individuals to embark on an introspective journey, fostering a deeper connection with their inner selves and emotions. Through this process, clients often experience a heightened sense of self-compassion, self-acceptance, and inner peace. IFS can lead to a profound shift in one's relationship with their thoughts and feelings, resulting in a more authentic and harmonious life.
IFS opens a new perspective for us to feel safe, to access our true Self and feel connected to the outside world; It teaches us a new way of being.
“IFS is more than a therapeutic technique. It is a conceptual framework and practice for developing love for ourselves and each other. ”