Internal Family Systems (IFS)

If you’re the sort of person who likes to have all the all the details, here’s an overview of the particular therapeutic modality that I work from. If that’s not you, feel free to skip to booking an intro call.

Starting therapy with an Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist can feel like stepping into a new way of understanding yourself—one that is both deeply compassionate and transformative. Unlike traditional talk therapy, IFS is centered around the idea that our minds are made up of different “parts,” each with its own thoughts, feelings, and roles. Some parts may be protective, some wounded, and some burdened with painful emotions. The goal of IFS therapy is to help you build a relationship with these parts from a place of curiosity, rather than judgment, ultimately leading to healing and greater inner harmony.

At the beginning of therapy, your IFS therapist will help you explore your internal world. You may start by identifying different parts of yourself—perhaps an anxious part that tries to control situations, a perfectionist part that strives for success, or a critical part that constantly evaluates your actions. Through gentle questioning and mindfulness, your therapist will encourage you to get to know these parts and understand their underlying intentions, which are often protective in nature.

One of the core aspects of IFS is developing access to your “Self,” the calm, compassionate core of your being. As therapy progresses, you’ll learn how to approach your parts with kindness, rather than resistance, and work toward unburdening them from painful past experiences. This process can bring relief from emotional struggles such as anxiety, depression, or trauma.

Starting IFS therapy often feels like uncovering hidden layers of yourself, leading to deep self-awareness and healing. It’s a journey toward self-acceptance, where all parts of you are welcomed and understood. While it may be challenging at times, it can ultimately foster a profound sense of inner peace and integration. If you would like to learn more about IFS or how I use it with clients, I would love it if you set up an intro call.