Internal Family Systems

We’re all multifaceted human beings with more than one part to our bodies and our minds. Internal Family Systems follows that concept. Through IFS therapy, you and your therapist embrace each part of your personality individually and identify the purpose behind each one. For instance, everyone has different parts to their emotional person. When you are angry, your angry part is demanding more attention than other emotional parts of yourself and the same for when you’re sad or anxious. Uncovering the reasons behind the power of your emotions and the roles for different parts of your personality can lead to better understanding of self.

Different parts of your personality serve different roles and IFS therapy sessions helps you understand why you have certain personality traits. Some, for example, are protectors that were created as a way of coping with pressures from the outside world. Talking with a therapist allows you to learn what parts of your personality still serve you and which ones you can let go.

What are the benefits of Internal Family Systems therapy?

IFS helps you identify different parts of your personality and understand the role each personality part plays in your life. It’s not a therapy that addresses identity disorders, instead it focuses on the natural parts each person has in their personality. IFS therapy focuses on the wounded parts of you that are being masked by emotions or personality. Together, you and your therapist find ways to let go of anger, shame and work toward healing the wounded parts of you.

Through IFS therapy, you can become more self-aware and increase your levels of resilience and acceptance. IFS therapy can give you the freedom to experience life in a calmer way with increased self-esteem, decreased anxiety and a better understanding of the emotions of others.

What happens in an Internal Family Systems therapy session?

IFS allows you to get to the core of who you are, setting aside society’s labels, work titles, accolades and failures. During an IFS therapy session, you’ll turn your thoughts inward and begin to assess your true self. As you go through your thoughts and emotions, you’ll identify any sadness, shame, anger or blocked emotions that arise.

Through IFS therapy sessions, you and your therapist put compassionate attention toward those extreme emotions. As you work through sessions, you’ll discover those extreme emotions and thoughts are there for a purpose, to protect a wounded part of yourself. By identifying and focusing on that wounded part, you’ll be able to find some true healing.

Why is it important to address different parts in Internal Family Systems therapy?

Addressing the wounded parts of your true self and bringing intentional healing to them is vital toward restoring balance in your life. Talking with a therapist about your various personality aspects through IFS therapy also allows you to understand where you are blocking yourself from what you truly want in life. Through IFS therapy you can discover beliefs, emotions, and fears that are holding you back from achieving your goals.

Internal Family Systems is a technique used in individual therapy that identifies different personality parts and emotional facets of a person. Through identifying extreme emotions, beliefs and fears, you can work with your therapist to find healing, freedom and balance in your life.