Healing in IFS therapy

IFS therapy makes intuitive sense to some people, but not everyone relates to the notion of parts, and even less to that of having vulnerable 'inner children' in need of time and attention. Some may object that caring for their outer children is enough! Most, however, would agree that there is some vulnerability in all of us - ways in which we feel small, powerless, ashamed  or rejected in different situations  (what IFS therapy calls 'exiles') and we all develop ways to either prevent or defend this vulnerability (which IFS therapy understands as the strategies of our 'protectors parts').


Some people may see similarities between IFS therapy and 'inner child work'.

 It is true that often exiles are young parts of us who hold extreme beliefs, memories, feelings and sensations (which IFS calls 'burdens') linked to being unsafe or unseen growing up. (you can learn more from Dr. Frank Anderson. lead IFS trainer describe how this process works here)


One important difference is that IFS therapy works systemically, addressing protectors' concerns and listening to their wisdom first. The more protectors feel understood and validated in their positive intent, the more they can relax and sense Self as an inner presence capable of drawing on all the resources available to the system to keep it in balance. The more protectors relax, the more of this Self energy becomes available for the healing of our abandoned inner children. 


 IFS therapy is a mindfulness based/experiential/internal attachment model, which draws on the neuroplastic power of the imagination to help exiles get 'from within' the attuned presence they needed and never got so that they can find a safe and loving home inside of us in the present.

IFS Therapy FAQ's

  • Is IFS therapy a form of family therapy?

    No, IFS is not family therapy, it is an individual therapy. The focus in IFS is on the first word, internal – you’ll develop ways to understand and effectively coordinate different parts of you (thoughts/feelings/beliefs) that interact with each other much like a family inside. However, what you learn in IFS therapy can be applied to external systems like family, work, school, and you may find that  individual IFS therapy will help you understand how to navigate interpersonal dynamics and conflicts in your life.

  • What are the benefits of IFS therapy?

    • IFS therapy  has been recognised as an evidenced-based therapy, meaning it is a therapy approach which has been proven scientifically to produce positive results in treating many mental health conditions.
    • IFS therapy offers a clear, non-pathologizing method of understanding your symptoms and regulating your emotions.
    • IFS therapy provides an effective alternative to other popular treatment models, such as CBT or DBT, that may not be working for you.
    • In IFS therapy, you will develop the ability to rely on yourself over time and not become dependent on your therapist for support.
    • The pace and intensity of IFS therapy is set by you, not your therapist, empowering you to experience healing that is compassionate, safe and offers hope.
    • IFS therapy attends to often conflicting beliefs and emotional experiences parts of us carry that when left unresolved can sabotage your efforts toward healing.
  • What type of problems does IFS therapy treat?

    IFS therapy has been shown to be effective in improving the symptoms related to 

    trauma, 

    complex trauma

    anxiety

    relationship problems

    loss and bereavement

    mood (depression/bipolar)

    body mage, eating,

    self-harm and addictions

    physical health conditions.

    IFS therapy has been shown to be equally effective with improving personal resilience/self-concept and overall well-being by addressing specific life-stressors such as relationships, career, or recurrent patterns that can impact multiple areas of life.

  • How does IFS therapy differ from other therapy models?

    IFS therapy focuses on how internal parts of yourself interact . When those parts have negative thoughts, impulsive behaviors, or overwhelming emotion, IFS therapy helps you understand why this is and offers them a more hopeful alternative way of doing things.  

    IFS therapy treats the system not the symptoms.

    IFS therapy is a gentle and respectful method to work with the different internal conflicts that typically slow down progress in therapy.

    IFS therapy contends there are no “bad” parts, so the goal is not to shame, change, or eliminate any part of you but to develop a relationship between them and the “Self”.

    IFS therapy can assist you in achieving balance and harmony within your internal system instead of constantly feeling “there’s something wrong” with us.

    IFS therapy can help you give voice to, nurture, guide and consider your internal parts rather than automiatically reacting out of stress or trauma responses.

    IFS therapy offers hope for the possibility that you can change how you experience, understand, and respond to situations and experience well-being.

IFS Therapy Resources

There are a growing number of books and resources on Internal Family System Therapy, here are is my selction of videos/podcasts and books to learn more about IFS therapy model.


Looking for Internal Family System therapists in Ireland?

Click here for IFS Institute directory

Internal Family Systems Therapy

IFS Therapy Podcasts

Click on the arrows for a selection of IFS therapy podcasts by lead IFS trainers

puzzle piece

Self or 'Emotional Bypass'?

Pam Krause, IFS trainer

Listen
puzzle piece

Pitfalls in IFS Language

Mariel Pastor, IFS trainer

listen
puzzle piece

4 types of protectors

Chris Burris, IFS trainer

listen

Befriending your inner critic

Chris Burris, IFS trainer

listen

The gifts of our protectors

Paul Neustadt, IFS trainer

listen

IFS & Eatings Disorders

Amy Grabowsky, IFS therapist

listen

Self or 'Emotional Bypass'?

Pam Krause, IFS trainer

Listen

Pitfalls in IFS Language

Mariel Pastor, IFS trainer

listen

IFS Therapy Books

Internal Family Systems Therapy

Listen to Dr. Schwartz, the developer of IFS therapy, talking about his audio book and how Internal Family Systems can help you meet, dialogue with, and heal your inner system.

Internal Family Systems Therapy

 'Self-Therapy' makes  Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) cutting-edge psychotherapy approach accessible to everyone. Available on audible/kindle and in print

Introduction to IFS therapy

In this book, Dr. Schwartz introduces the basic concepts and methods Internal Family Systems Therapy, in an engaging, understandable, and personal style.