IFS (Internal Family Systems)

What is Internal Family Systems?

Transformative psychotherapy… and empowering paradigm.

Internal Family Systems is a powerfully transformative, evidence-based model of psychotherapy. It is grounded in the  belief that the mind is naturally multiple and that is a good thing.  Our inner parts contain valuable qualities and our core Self knows how to heal, allowing us to become integrated and whole. In IFS all parts are welcome. The following video clip will help you to understand better the information that follows it.

IMPORTANT IFS CONCEPTS ARE:

• In Internal Family Systems(IFS) it is understood that it is the nature of the mind to be subdivided into an indeterminate number of subpersonalities or parts. Subpersonalities are aspects of our personality that interact internally in similar ways in which people interact.  These Parts may be experienced in any number of ways -- thoughts, feelings, sensations, images, and more.
• In addition to the parts, everyone has a Self, and the Self can and should lead the individual's internal system. When not blended with parts, the person experiences their Self as competent, secure, self-assured, relaxed, and able to listen and respond to feedback.  When a person is “in Self” they will often describe this as feeling centered or a sense of peace. 
• All parts have a positive intention for the person and will use a variety of strategies to have influence within the internal system.  At times conflicts will arise between parts in the internal system, just as conflicts occur in other relationships. These divisions internally are called polarizations.  Most people can relate to having more than one opinion or feeling on a topic. 
• However, Parts can become extreme and carry "burdens" - such as extreme beliefs, emotions, or fantasies. There are no "bad" parts, and the goal of therapy is not to eliminate parts but instead to help them find their non-extreme roles. Parts can be helped to "unburden" and return to their natural balance. 

THE OVERALL GOALS OF THERAPY ARE:

• To achieve balance and harmony within the internal system by healing the burdens that parts carry and, to differentiate and elevate the Self so it can be an effective leader in the system.
• When the Self is in the lead, the parts will provide input to the Self but will respect the leadership and ultimate decision making of the Self.
• All parts will exist and lend talents that reflect their positive, non-extreme intentions.

If you or someone you know would benefit from IFS therapy, please contact us today.  We would be happy to speak with you about how we may help.  Please feel free to explore the website for more information and resources.