What is Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy?

Have you ever felt like part of you wants something, but another part of you completely disagrees?

Maybe part of you wants to set a boundary, but another part is terrified of disappointing someone. Or maybe a part of you longs for rest while another insists you keep pushing forward.

This is the heart of Internal Family Systems therapy—or IFS for short.

IFS is a gentle, powerful model of therapy that helps us make sense of these inner contradictions by understanding the different “parts” of ourselves. These parts aren’t imaginary or made-up—they’re real and rooted in our experience. They develop to help us survive, cope, and make meaning of our lives, especially when we've experienced pain or trauma.

Here’s how IFS works:

·       Protective parts help keep us safe. They might show up as perfectionism, people-pleasing, overthinking, or emotional numbness.

·       Wounded parts are often younger or stuck in the past. They carry the burdens of shame, fear, or sadness.

·       The Self is our core—curious, compassionate, calm, and wise.

IFS helps us reconnect with this Self so we can relate to our parts from a grounded, healing place.

When we approach our inner world with curiosity instead of criticism, something incredible happens: we begin to unblend from our reactions and create space for real healing.

IFS isn’t about labeling or diagnosing. It’s about creating a safe internal relationship with yourself.

In my practice, IFS is woven into nearly everything I do. It’s a non-pathologizing, trauma-informed, and deeply respectful way to help people reconnect with their inner wisdom.

Interested in exploring your inner world with IFS? Contact me to learn more about how parts work can support your healing.