Internal Family Systems

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This type of psychotherapy focuses on understanding and addressing the different parts of an individual’s personality. Developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz in the 1980’s, IFS posits individuals have various internal “parts,” each with their own thoughts, feelings, and motivations. These parts can sometimes conflict with each other, leading to emotional distress and dysfunctional behavior.

In IFS therapy, we help you identify and understand these parts, fostering communication and cooperation among them. The goal is to achieve harmony and balance within the internal system, leading to improved emotional well-being and functioning.

We help emphasize the importance of the “Self,” which represents the core, undamaged, and inherently healthy aspect of the individual. By accessing and nurturing the Self, individuals can better navigate and heal their internal conflicts and wounds.

IFS therapy has been used to treat a variety of issues, including trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, and relational struggles. It is often described as a “non-pathologizing” and empowering approach, as it views all the parts of the individual as valuable and deserving of understanding and compassion.