with Internal Family Systems
What is Internal Family Systems?
IFS is a therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Richard C. Schwartz originally a family therapist who discovered with the help of his clients their internal world consisting of different parts or aspects of their psyche showing a multiplicity of mind.
It was found that just like external families we have an internal family made up of many parts who have taken on protective and managerial roles to help us navigate life and cope with events that have impacted us.
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When a person has experienced trauma and or may be carrying cultural and trans-generational burdens these parts get into conflict. The role of the manager parts are to make sure the client doesn't get overwhelmed with the feelings the original traumatic or distressing event caused.
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This is why people engage in compulsive behaviours that bring temporary relief and distraction from the pain but then have to also deal with further emotional and physical consequences on top of the original pain.
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How can IFS help?
IFS helps you get to know all the different parts that support and navigate your life, and understand how and why they do this. For example if you experience social anxiety you may have a part that avoids social situations and if you can't avoid the situation you may have a part that helps you to cope by drinking and or eating too much. You then may have a part that berates you for doing this.
These parts may initially just feel like you. But if you pay attention to one at a time you may notice a different energy, thinking and emotions to each one.
IFS therapy can help you get to know your parts and pay attention to them in a way that is understanding, nurturing and healing. ​
