IFS: Internal Family Systems TherapyIFS is a type of therapy that focuses on the internal parts of an individual. It is based on the belief that the mind is multiple and everyone is naturally made up of many different parts, each with its own unique characteristics and experiences.
These parts are often categorized into "managers," "firefighters," and "exiles." |
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katie@berlincounseling.com |
- "Managers" are parts of ourselves that try to control our thoughts and emotions, often to protect us from pain or harm.
- "Firefighters" are parts that react to stress or pain by engaging in impulsive or distracting behaviors, such as substance abuse or binge eating.
- "Exiles" are parts of ourselves that hold painful memories or emotions that we try to avoid or suppress.
These parts can often be at odds with each other, for example when one part of you wants to reach out to a loved one following an argument and reconnect, but another part of you feels too angry to do that. Another common example is when one part of you keeps you procrastinating on tasks even when they really matter to you, and another part of you is frustrated and baffled by this.
IFS therapy helps you to identify and understand these different parts of yourself. You are supported to interact with your parts and develop a relationship with them. This process helps you achieve self-awareness, self-compassion, and a sense of inner peace. Clients are often amazed at the depth of new self-knowledge and healing that comes from interacting with these internal parts with the support of a therapist.
IFS has been proven to be effective in treating a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction. It is an approach that can help you heal from past wounds and move towards a brighter future.
If you're interested in learning more about IFS and how it can help you, feel free to book a free initial consultation where we can discuss this further.
