What is Internal Family Systems? (IFS)

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a theory of counseling that uses “parts work.” Many of us can think of a time when we had a decision to make and “well, one part of me wants X, and another part of me wants Y…” or perhaps you received exciting news, but “part of me is really excited, one part is really overwhelmed, and another part is scared for the change.” This is natural and a part of the multiplicity of our minds - that we can hold opposing truths at the same time.

What can sometimes happen as we go through negative and positive experiences as we age, is that some parts get stuck in that past event and begin appearing in situations where they’re protecting us from a perceived threat that might or might not be accurate. We can use IFS theory in counseling to uncover what is motivating those parts to take over the steering wheel of our life and kick our core Selves out of the driver’s seat.

In IFS, the counselor takes a depathologizing look at your situation. We understand that the symptoms we see might be the actions of a protective part that is trying to keep you (or a younger, hurt version of you) safe. Maybe you lost your sense of who you really are, because these parts have taken over the stage of your life and locked you in the Green Room. They lost trust in your ability to take care of your Self and, since they’re all part of you, your ability to take care of them. Just like a family of people, allegiances happen, divisions happen, someone becomes a scapegoat and ganged up on, another takes on all the caregiving and burns out. Our parts take on similar roles.

In therapy, identifying the parts that are reacting to events or feelings is one step in learning more about who you are and what happened along your life that made some parts louder than others. There are no bad parts - all are welcome and have something meaningful to contribute. By speaking for them, you can better understand your role in being Self-led and take in all the internal responses and make a decision that is wise and compassionate. Parts work can help you get there.

For more information about IFS, visit the Institute’s website: https://ifs-institute.com/