Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a non-pathologizing system of therapy.  IFS believes that we all contain a core self, as well as multitudes of different parts inside of us.  The “parts” are like an internal family, each with different jobs, beliefs, fears, and wisdom to offer.  Working with IFS is a process of getting to know, connect with, and build compassionate relationship with our parts.  Through this process, we ultimately create more trust between our parts and our “core self;” the place of center within each of us that is rooted in compassion, creativity, clarity, calmness, curiosity, confidence, courage and connectedness.

Built understanding of the system and increased trust allows for deep healing in and of itself, and also enables layers of further work. IFS works to bring parts into balance by working with them, their origins, and their outdated strategies. The work at large re-harmonizes the inner-system, and ultimately leaves one with a more integrated, vibrant, and “core-self”-led life.

Internal Family Systems is an evidence-based therapy that offers a unique and compassionate approach with a wide scope of applicability and capacity. General life stressors of relationships, career, managing difficult emotions, and anyone seeking increased self-awareness and well-being can benefit from this practice. IFS is a particularly powerful framework for supporting individuals with shame, anxiety, depression, negative self-talk, substance use, and other impulsive or compulsive comfort-seeking behaviors.