Internal Family Systems (IFS) in Therapy
understanding IFS
IFS is a gentle, collaborative therapy that helps you understand and care for the different “parts” that make up your inner world—like the parts that protect, please, stay busy, or carry pain. These parts have been with you since the beginning, each with good intentions. Over time, life experiences and hurt can lead them to take on roles that help you cope or stay safe, even if those roles become tiring or painful. In therapy, we create space to listen to these parts with compassion and curiosity. As they feel understood and supported, they begin to relax and work together more smoothly. This process helps you feel calmer, more connected, and more at peace within yourself.
when IFS can help
IFS can help with nearly anything you bring to therapy—anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, grief, self-doubt, or simply wanting to understand yourself more deeply. Because it works gently and at your pace, it can also be supportive if you’ve tried talk therapy but feel like something deeper still needs attention. I sometimes integrate IFS with EMDR when that combination best supports your healing.
how trauma affects the mind and body
When we go through pain or ongoing stress, parts of us step in to help us survive—taking control, shutting down emotions, or carrying heavy feelings so we can keep functioning. These parts often show up in the body as tension, fatigue, or overwhelm.
IFS honors the body’s wisdom and helps you listen to what those signals may be trying to tell you. As your inner system begins to feel seen and supported, the body can start to relax, and a sense of safety and ease becomes more possible
what an IFS session is like
An IFS session is collaborative and guided by curiosity, not judgment. You don’t have to have everything figured out or talk through every painful memory. Instead, together we’ll gently explore what’s happening inside and help the parts of you that carry pain or protect you feel heard and understood.
Over time, this process brings more balance, ease, and compassion into your inner world. Many clients describe feeling lighter, calmer, and more whole.
Is IFS Right for Me?
IFS may be a good fit if you’re seeking a deeper, more compassionate approach to therapy—one that helps you make sense of what’s happening inside rather than just managing symptoms. It’s helpful for trauma and anxiety, but also for personal growth, identity exploration, and creating more peace in daily life.
Whether we use IFS on its own or together with EMDR, this work helps you reconnect with yourself in a way that feels safe, healing, and real.
If you’re interested in learning more about the possibility of IFS in your therapy or have more questions, reach out to chat more or schedule a free consultation. I’d love to hear from you.