what is internal family systems therapy

IFS is a structured, holistic, and integrative approach to self-regulation, personal development, and mental and emotional clarity.  IFS is gaining global acclaim for its effectiveness in creating internal healing and positive change.

IFS approaches the mind as a system of sub-personalities or parts, each with its own role or emotional burden often shaped by past experiences.  

Can you remember a time in your past when there was a situation when you experienced something uncomfortable or embarrassing?  Perhaps a part of you took on the role of becoming vigilant in some way to try to make sure it didn't happen again.  Perhaps this part became a people-pleaser or distrustful and on-guard in some way.  This is an example of parts and the burden they carry - a feeling of suffering or discomfort or the burden of having to manage and avoid the pain.

For most people there is an internal critic that is chronically reminding you of a sense of failing or not measuring up.  A lifelong internal critic can do significant damage to your sense of self and may be demeaning or critical to others causing shame and ruptures to relationships.  

IFS offers a gentle and insightful way to find resolution, acceptance, and internal harmony by helping these parts of you become unburdened of the wounding they carry, the burden of having to manage keeping up a persona, or the burden of not getting the results you desire in life and relationships.