IFS Therapy

I offer Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy sessions for clients who are specifically seeking IFS therapy.

As a trained IFS therapist and Integrative psychotherapist, I can also integrate the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model of therapy into our regular counselling/psychotherapy work, as and when we both feel it may be beneficial.

What is IFS therapy?

You know that feeling when you think “part of me wants to do this, but another part of me wants to do something different”?

The IFS model understands that we all have different “parts” within us, with different roles, drives and motivations.

Usually, these parts work in harmony, led by our core “Self”, to function as an efficient system.

However, life events can cause some parts to hold onto certain beliefs, emotions or behaviours that create discord within the system. These “parts” may drive defences or masks that can end up holding us back from being true to ourselves.

IFS therapy works explicitly with these distinct parts, seeking to understand each part, and explore how different parts interact with each other, as if working with separate members of a family (hence the term “Internal Family”).

By working with these parts, and not against them, we can help parts to relax their behaviours, to allow the Self to regain control. We can help wounded parts to heal and be free, so the protective parts no longer need to be in their extreme protective roles.

Consider an orchestra, as a metaphor; when one part/player tries to take control, or when different parts are fighting for their own tune to be heard, there is discord. When all parts are heard, working together, all guided by the Self (as the conductor), beautiful harmony can be achieved. 

I find IFS can be transformational, it can help shift from a mindset of self-criticism, blame, guilt and shame, to a place of self-compassion, curiosity (without judgement), and inner peace. The IFS process can create inner “space” for the Self to expand and flourish.

More information on IFS Therapy can be found here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/therapy-types/internal-family-systems-therapy and here: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/internal-family-systems-therapy/