Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy

IFS therapy approaches the mind as a system of distinct, interacting parts. The goals of IFS therapy are to liberate parts from their extreme roles and burdens, restore trust in self, achieve more balance, harmony, and wholeness, and bring more self-energy to the world.

​

This therapy helps you identify "burdening" or when parts become extreme or carry a lot of burden, such as negative beliefs, emotions, sensations, and energies.

​

The different parts of self that are explored in this therapy:

• The Exiles: The young, vulnerable, wounded, and shadowed parts. Exiles get abandoned through trauma, neglect, attachment, wounds, humiliation, boundary violations, chronic criticism, rejection, and lack of attunement, etc.

• The Firefighters: Working to reactively put out internal fires. These parts spring into action when feared (exiled) emotions and memories surface. Firefighters suppress and repress to release emotional pressure.

• The Managers: Working proactively to manage day-to-day life. These parts attempt to control people, events, and other parts. The managers work at being socially acceptable and have a fear of releasing control.

​