“The more we can cultivate curiosity and compassion towards ourselves, the more we can heal our wounds.” – Dr. Richard Schwartz (founder of IFS)

 

What is Internal Family Systems (IFS)?

Internal Family Systems is a modality used within therapy that focuses on working with and healing different parts of the self. You probably notice these different parts when they are in conflict with each other–part of me wants to go exercise but another part of me wants to get a drink, part of me loves my partner and part of me wants to leave them.

The goal of IFS therapy is to get to know, unburden, heal, and integrate the hurt and protective parts which allows for more emotional balance, less reactivity, more intentional choices, a reduction or elimination of symptoms, and improved functioning in relationships.

How do these hurt and protective parts develop?

At our core, we have the True Self. This part is our essence, the Self we came into the world with. Surrounding the Self are various other parts that formed and developed throughout life. These different parts make up distinct aspects of our personality with their own thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. 

Some of these parts developed early in life and may have experienced trauma, suffered wounds, had unmet needs, or received messages that they are unlovable, unwanted, or not good enough. When people refer to the inner child, they are referring to these younger parts. 

And then in addition to these younger, hurt parts, we also develop protective parts whose job it is to make sure the hurt parts never again suffer the same emotional pain. These protector parts are the ones we generally notice as they are reactive to real or perceived threats and are highly vigilant or attempt to manage and control the environment to avoid any vulnerability. While these protective parts may create problems in life and relationships, they are not bad, they are simply doing a job–they are trying to protect us. 

What does IFS Treat?

IFS is used to treat a wide range of psychological issues including trauma, anxiety, depression, anger, substance abuse, low self-esteem, and relationship challenges. IFS is used in individual therapy but is also very beneficial when used in couples therapy. IFS can also be combined with other therapies like Brainspotting and Expanded State of Consciousness Breathwork.

Where do you offer your IFS therapy?

I provide IFS therapy in Santa Clarita, Los Angeles and Online.