As we grow up and develop things happen to us, that’s inevitable. Our inner system, seeking safety, exiles more vulnerable parts and starts protecting them.

Years later the parts are still protecting them even though the threat is not there anymore. Like the soldiers no one told them the war is over.

In IFS we get to know these protectors in a deep and compassionate way and with their permission we go to the vulnerable parts that hold hurt, pain, shame and any other burden they took on and we help them release these so they can go back to their natural joyful state.

1. Depression: IFS therapy provides a safe and supportive environment to explore and heal the underlying causes of depression. By promoting self-awareness and compassion, it helps individuals alleviate depressive symptoms and regain a sense of inner balance.

2. Anxiety: Working with an IFS therapist empowers individuals to identify and manage the various parts of themselves that contribute to anxiety. Through gentle exploration and understanding, individuals can develop healthier coping strategies and reduce excessive worry or fear.

3. Panic: IFS therapy assists individuals in understanding the roots of their panic attacks. By fostering a compassionate and non-judgmental environment, it helps individuals cultivate a sense of calm and resilience, reducing the frequency and intensity of panic episodes.

4. Phobias: With the support of an IFS therapist, individuals can uncover and address the underlying fears and traumatic experiences related to their phobias. IFS therapy helps individuals develop a healthier relationship with their fears, leading to greater confidence and reduced avoidance behaviors.

5. Trauma: IFS therapy offers a gentle and effective approach for healing trauma. By helping individuals navigate and process traumatic memories, IFS therapy promotes resilience, reduces symptoms of post-traumatic stress, and facilitates a sense of safety and wholeness.

6. Substance Use: IFS therapy recognizes that substance use can often stem from underlying emotional, relational, or traumatic wounds. It supports individuals in building a stronger sense of self, increasing self-compassion, and developing healthier coping mechanisms, thus assisting in overcoming substance use challenges.

7. Physical Health Conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis: IFS therapy acknowledges the potential impact of emotional and psychological factors on physical health conditions. By working holistically, it helps individuals explore the emotional roots of their physical symptoms and develop healthier ways of managing pain and overall well-being.

8. General Functioning and Well-being: IFS therapy goes beyond targeting specific conditions or symptoms. By fostering self-compassion, improving self-awareness, and building healthier relationships with all parts of oneself, it supports individuals, couples, and families in enhancing their overall functioning and well-being.

How IFS Work

The Core Self: Unleashing the Essence of Who You Are
In line with the principles upheld by Internal Family Systems (IFS), lies the concept of the undamaged Core Self, which encapsulates the very essence of your being. This undamaged core provides a foundation upon which personal growth and healing can flourish. IFS suggests that a person's various parts, their inner selves with distinct roles and functions, can find solace, transformation, and improved management by aligning themselves with the Core Self. Achieving three vital goals elucidated by IFS is instrumental in this process:

1. Freeing Parts from Extreme Roles: Within our intricate psychological makeup, we may encounter parts that have assumed extreme roles, causing disharmony and distress. IFS posits that by acknowledging and allowing these parts to express themselves authentically, they can be liberated from their extreme roles. By doing so, these parts can discover alternative ways of functioning that promote healing, balance, and overall well-being.

2. Restoring Trust in the Self: Over time, experiences and challenges can erode our trust in ourselves and our Core Self. IFS highlights the significance of rebuilding this trust as a crucial step towards integration and personal growth. By honing our self-awareness and nurturing a compassionate relationship with our Core Self, we can reestablish a sense of trust, creating a solid foundation from which to navigate life's complexities.

3. Coordinating and Harmonizing Self and Parts: A central objective of IFS is to foster a cohesive and collaborative relationship between the Core Self and its respective parts. By cultivating effective communication and fostering synergy among these various aspects of our inner selves, we can establish a harmonious team dynamic. This alignment allows the Core Self to take the lead as a compassionate leader, ensuring that the parts work in unison towards shared goals and aspirations.

By embracing these goals, individuals can unlock their true potentials and foster personal growth. The undamaged Core Self serves as an anchor, guiding us towards a life that is characterized by authenticity, inner harmony, and emotional well-being. IFS offers a framework that empowers individuals to embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing, recognizing that the Core Self is the compass that can lead us towards actualizing our truest selves.

Watch the videos to learn more about IFS.