Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapy based on the idea that we are made up of different 'parts', rather than having a single, fixed version of ourselves.
Some parts take on protective roles to try and shield us from emotional pain. You might notice a part of you that works extremely hard, gets angry at others, or is highly self critical. Other parts carry the pain from the past, perhaps feeling inadequate, not good enough, or uncared for.
Sometimes these parts can conflict, for example a part of you might want to speak up in a relationship or at work, while another part wants you to keep quiet. A part might really want you to take time for yourself, while another part pushes you to keep working or caring for others. You might notice a part of you that wants connection and to feel cared for, while another part keeps people at a distance to protect you from hurt.
Exploration with Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Internal Family Systems (IFS) helps you get to know these inner parts. All parts are met with understanding and compassion, and all parts are welcome within our work.
This therapy invites curiosity and compassion towards your inner experiences, rather than trying to get rid of or silence parts. This often differs from traditional talking therapies and counselling, which can aim to challenge or push away parts.
IFS allows the parts to have a voice so they can be heard and healed, which means they no longer have to keep showing up in extreme or reactive ways. IFS is non-pathologising and transformative.
What can Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy help with
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a way to explore any part of you. IFS can also help with the following:
Anxiety and intense worry
Anger, shame, guilt
Creating safety before working with traumatic memories
Dissociation
Relationship difficulties
Strong inner critics
Conflicting or intense emotions
Burnout, stress, and overworking
’People pleasing’
Perfectionism
Impacts of trauma
Repeating patterns
Addiction (including drugs and alcohol)
Please get in touch with me if you are considering therapy in Clapham or online, and we can explore if Internal Family Systems (IFS) could be helpful for you.