Internal Family Systems

I am an IFS-informed therapist and have undergone several trainings on IFS technique.

I utilize parts work and aspects of IFS extensively in my work. We all contain multitudes, as the saying goes. Our inner protectors can use a variety of tactics to keep us safe, but these can often cause us trouble in other ways. In therapy we work to bring insight and voice to those multitudes we contain within us, and we also, importantly, work to build a stronger connection to your core self to allow you more agency to take back the reins and develop self-trust.

Because I believe in therapy that is non-shaming and understands that being a human is complex, my approach is also inspired by Internal Family Systems (IFS) developed by Richard Schwartz, Ph.D. IFS is based on the idea that the mind is a complex system that has many different parts. All of these parts play distinct roles for us, have their own perspectives, and which are ultimately aimed at protecting your pure, authentic self. Understanding ourselves in this way can be deeply transformative.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a person centered therapy which validates the multifaceted nature of human experience. By tapping into our self system we can resolve long standing internal conflicts, synchronize our internal energy and heal deeply. Ego state work can arise naturally in therapy or be a intervention to a road block. Many people find IFS an intuitive and powerful modality to work in.

IFS is a way of looking at the different parts that make up each one of us. When we get to know those parts, both the protective ones and the ones that are hurting, we can help them heal. IFS helps us get to know our Self and understand the capacity our Self has to heal those parts and let the protectors move on to find other jobs.

I utilize this treatment as it has been impactful in my own personal therapy. Tremendous self-energy can be gained from understanding the various emotional parts that require attention. Once these areas are affirmed they provide information that

IFS identifies and works with the sub-personalities or “families” that exist in each person’s psyche. These sub-personalities — for example, the Inner Critic — represent the places within us that are wounded and store painful emotions that conflict with each other and our core, or divine, essence. I received over a year of individual supervision and consultation to guide my growth and ability to use IFS well.

Internal family systems is a theory of personality that we are all composed of different "parts" of ourselves instead of one unified personality. This modality resonates with me after years of hearing clients naturally say "well part of me thought 'X' and part of me thought 'Y.'" IFS is an intuitive form of self healing that helps clients expand their self compassion and self awareness.

I am trained in IFS and find this to be a wonderful tool for my clients to learn to have self-compassion. I have attended intensive trainings and engage in IFS in my own personal therapy.

Together, we can look deeper to unearth the internal wounded parts and survival mechanisms that are in conflict with your true self and your goals. We can acknowledge, honor, quiet, and eventually release these parts over time to work towards a healthier way of dealing with emotions.

I continue to add to my knowledge of IFS through readings and trainings. I have utilized IFS meditations with clients and recognize its power to cultivate self-compassion and improve one's knowledge of themselves.

I am a certified Level 1 IFS therapist, but I have actually done extensive CE as well, and view IFS as a way of being in the world with greater peace, deeper healing.

We are all made up of parts as well as a core, nuclear self. Some parts develop in response to difficult experiences from our past to protect us from the dangers of the world. These parts can remain active for years, trying to protect us in ways that no longer work to promote our wellbeing. Learn how to manage these parts and support your core self through IFS.

Have you ever said, “Part of me feels this way, but another part of me feels another way”? IFS recognizes that we have many aspects to our personalities. Through the process of Self-Leadership, also known as Internal Family Systems, we will get to know these different parts of you. As we get to know your parts better, we can begin to resolve conflicting feelings between parts to become a more consistent, well-integrated you.

I primarily work from an Internal Family Systems orientation. I am level 1 trained in IFS through the IFS Institute. IFS is an evidence-based practice that can be used for pretty much any type of issue, but it is especially useful for working through trauma. Using IFS, I can guide the process but my clients really lead us in whichever direction they need. IFS explains people in terms of "parts" rather than being single-minded, which tracks for people with religious trauma and eating disorders.

We are all made up of different parts that contain valuable qualities and we all have an inner Self that knows how to heal. Together, we can get to know these different parts, hear their stories, and release their burdens all while establishing more trust in the Self, allowing you to feel more integrated and whole. I have completed my Level 1 IFS Training through the IFS Institute.