And we’re back to the blog series on therapy jargon!
Most people who seek out therapy have no idea what all the acronyms are and there are A LOT of them!
This collection of blog posts talks about many of the acronyms you may come across while you go throughout your therapy journey.
Today we’re talking about, Internal Family Systems, often referred to as IFS.
IFS is a newer form of talk therapy that’s entered the scene recently.
It’s something I’ve found interesting and useful in my practice as a client and as a therapist.
IFS focuses on understanding our “parts” or members of “family” that exist within someone’s mental system.
These “parts” are usually wounded or painful emotions (like anger, shame, or guilt), and they work within out system to try and protect us from the pain our wounded parts are experiencing.
Sometimes these “parts” may be in conflict with each other and with a client’s core “Self.” The goal of IFS is to heal those wounded parts and bring a sense of balance to the system and the Self.
The idea is basically that we all have “inner families” that operate in such a way to protect us from harm and/or discomfort and in therapy, using the IFS model, we can better understand these parts, and help them heal.
In my personal experience, I’ve found IFS to be the most difficult form of therapy I’ve done as a client. I’d done CBT in the past, felt like I had good coping skills, and this was a way for me to do deeper, emotional work.
IFS is made up of several components, mainly relaxation techniques, visualization exercises, and journaling. The goal is to feel grounded in Self (your core), understanding the role your parts play, and assisting them in healing.
Now, IFS is fairly complex and this blog post certainly won’t do it justice.
Just like any other therapeutic approach, it isn’t for everything, and that’s okay.
IFS can be helpful for people managing:
Depression
Anxiety
Panic
PTSD
If you’d like to learn more about IFS, you can read more about it at the following resources:
Psychology Today. (2013). Internal family systems therapy | psychology today. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/internal-family-systems-therapy
Blanchfield, T. (2023, April 14). What to know about internal family systems (IFS) therapy. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-ifs-therapy-internal-family-systems-therapy-5195336
If you think IFS might be for you and you’re interested in exploring more, schedule a free consultation here!
