Internal Family Systems
Do you ever feel like part of you wants to do one thing and part of you wants to do another? Is there a strong critical voice in your head?
Do you find yourself doing things that you know aren’t in your best interest, such as over-eating, spending too much money, drinking too much, wanting to get things perfect, or procrastinating? Learn more about how internal family systems therapy can help.
Internal Family Systems: All Parts Are Welcome!
Internal family systems therapy says that we all have parts and that that is a good thing; no parts are bad, but many are misunderstood. These parts try to protect us the best they can, even when we don’t like them.
Self-Compassion Is The Cure For Shame
One thing I love about IFS is that it’s not shaming. IFS allows me (the therapist) to connect with you (the client) where you are, and accept all parts of you as important, valid, and loveable. It helps us to better connect with the wisdom that we all have inside of us. It helps us see ourselves and others more clearly and with compassion.
Internal Family Systems allows us to better understand ourselves and to heal ourselves. Some say it is similar to Inner Child work, but it’s good for many things besides trauma. It can help us improve our relationships, have more compassion for others, and, in some cases, heal the body.
Everybody Has Parts
IFS sees our parts as a big family, and seeks to learn more about how these parts operate in ways that help us and sometimes hinder us. By learning more about ourselves we experience a richer life within ourselves as well as improved relationships with others.
Some may say this sounds a little “woo-woo,” and different from many therapies. I know that it is a wonderful healing tool and I am pleased to offer this therapy to my clients. I wouldn’t ask anyone to try anything that I haven’t done myself or that I don’t believe in.
My Level One training was through the IFS Institute where I had the good fortune to be taught by Dick Schwartz and others who have been practicing IFS for decades. I have attended over 90 hours of live teaching and practice, and I have also had my own IFS therapy sessions.
For more details about Internal Family Systems therapy, click here. For a brief introduction to IFS, watch this video.
If you’re interested in trying IFS therapy, call me now at (225) 366-8606 for a free phone consultation.