What is IFS Therapy?
IFS therapy is different to other approaches. Your thoughts aren’t faulty. Your feelings aren’t just a pesky side effect of living. They have important messages for you. They matter. Every part of you matters.
What is IFS Therapy
IFS therapy is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy based on the idea that each of us have various parts inside us which can be in conflict with each other.
Over time this inner conflict can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
The idea of having different parts can be an unusual concept for those new to IFS. The thing is, we talk in parts language all the time without realising it. Have you ever said something like:
- “Part of me wants to apply for the job because I’m ready for a different challenge, but another part of me wants to stay in my current job because it’s familiar and easy.”
- “There’s a part of me that really wants to record a podcast, but another part of me is scared to put myself out there.”
- “Every time I think about moving to a coastal town I feel excited, but then another part of me feels sad and knows I will miss the hustle and bustle of the city.”
Through getting to know our different parts we come to appreciate our complexities and understand why we can experience such polarised opinions and emotions within.
“Everyone has an inner critic. Most people have several. They’re desperately trying to get you to behave – to lose weight, to not yell at your partner, to not take risks, etc – so they attack you, thinking that will work. They’re like internalised children who are in over their heads and don’t know how else to run the whole family other than by yelling and criticising”
— Richard C. Schwartz, Founder of IFS
What happens in an IFS Therapy session?
What to expect in an IFS session
During an IFS therapy session, you and I work together to identify the different parts that make up your inner world.
We spend time getting to know whatever parts are coming up for you and the roles these parts play for you.
These might be worried parts, loud parts, scared parts, sad parts, angry parts or something else.
Some parts may carry deep wounds or traumas that were formed in childhood and need to be healed through connection with your inner Self. The Self always knows how to heal us which allows us to become integrated and whole.
I will help you do this gradually so you can feel supported and safe throughout.
What is IFS Therapy for?
Who does IFS Therapy help?
IFS has become one of the fastest growing types of therapy in the world — because it works!
IFS can be helpful for people who experience:
- Low self-esteem
- Self-criticism
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma
- Substance abuse
- Eating disorders
- Self-sabotage
- Have trouble making decisions
- Shame
- Grief
- Chronic stress
- Panic attacks
- Anger Issues
- Relationship difficulties
- Career issues
How Does IFS Therapy Work?
Parts are not problems; they are trying to solve problems
Through the process of working with and understanding your distressed, reactive, and dominant parts you’ll experience more harmony and balance within you. As your parts begin to finally feel understood, appreciated, and validated by you, they become more willing to trust you.
By getting to know your parts in new ways, these parts relax their extreme position and lead us to the pain they shield.
This pain is where healing begins.
In healing parts, you address root causes of your struggles and experience lasting change.
This allows you to interact with your inner and outer worlds in new, healthy ways and move towards a more balanced, peaceful and fulfilling life.
You are so welcome here.
Everyone has something to work through at some point in their lives.
I get that taking the first step towards starting therapy can feel nerve-racking or overwhelming. I'm here to make it as smooth as possible for you. That's why I've put together this step-by-step guide to getting started.
Contact me
0493 603 058
Get In Touch
Address
Suite 9, 134-140 King St, Newtown NSW 2042
Phone
0493 603 058