Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Humans are complex creatures and therapeutic interventions should address our unique development and strivings, which consists of a system of protective and wounded inner parts led by a core Self. According to the IFS Institute, “ the mind is naturally multiple and that is a good thing. Just like members of a family, inner parts are forced from their valuable states into extreme roles within us. Self is in everyone. It can’t be damaged. It knows how to heal.”
Internal Family Systems (IFS) uses Family Systems theory is based on the idea that individuals cannot be fully understood in isolation from the family unit. Techniques and strategies are used to effectively address issues within a person’s internal community or family. This evidence-based approach assumes each individual possesses a variety of sub-personalities, or “parts,” and attempts to get to know each of these parts better to achieve healing.
By learning how different parts function as a system and how the overall system reacts to other systems and other people, people in therapy can often, with the help of a trained, licensed professional, become better able to identify the roots of conflict, manage any complications arising, and achieve greater well-being.
Tell Me more about IFS Therapy…
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a psychotherapeutic approach that views the mind as consisting of various subpersonalities or "parts" that interact with each other within an internal system. Developed by Richard Schwartz in the 1980s, IFS draws on systems thinking, family therapy principles, and mindfulness practices to help individuals understand and navigate their inner landscape.
In IFS therapy sessions, the therapist guides clients in exploring their internal system of parts and facilitating communication and collaboration among these parts. Here's how IFS is typically implemented in psychotherapy sessions:
Introduction and Assessment: The therapist begins by introducing the concept of parts and the IFS model to the client. They may explain that everyone has different parts within themselves, each with its own unique thoughts, feelings, and motivations. The therapist collaborates with the client to identify the different parts of their internal system and gain insight into how these parts interact with each other.
Externalizing Parts: Clients are encouraged to externalize their parts by giving them names, characteristics, and personalities. This process helps clients develop a sense of curiosity and empathy toward their parts, viewing them as distinct entities rather than as aspects of themselves to be judged or suppressed.
Understanding Part Roles: Through exploration and dialogue, clients and therapists work together to understand the roles and functions of each part within the internal system. Some parts may serve protective functions, while others may hold painful emotions or memories. By understanding the underlying intentions and purposes of each part, clients can develop compassion and acceptance toward themselves and their experiences.
Facilitating Self-Leadership: In IFS therapy, the ultimate goal is to help clients cultivate Self-leadership—the capacity to access a core, compassionate, and wise center of awareness within themselves. The therapist supports clients in strengthening their connection to Self and learning to lead their internal system with clarity, compassion, and balance.
Internal Dialogue and Integration: Clients engage in internal dialogue and communication with their parts under the guidance of the therapist. Through this process, clients learn to establish healthy relationships with their parts, fostering cooperation and integration within their internal system. Parts that have been burdened with extreme roles or emotions may be supported in releasing their burdens and transforming into healthier states.
Healing Trauma and Wounds: IFS can be particularly effective in working with trauma and emotional wounds. By creating a safe and supportive environment, clients can explore and process traumatic memories and experiences with the guidance of the therapist and the support of their internal system.
Integration and Wholeness: As clients progress in their IFS therapy journey, they work toward achieving greater integration and wholeness within themselves. Integration involves harmonizing the various parts of the internal system and aligning them with the leadership of Self. This leads to greater inner peace, resilience, and authenticity.
In conclusion, Internal Family Systems therapy offers a compassionate and empowering approach to healing and personal growth, emphasizing the innate wisdom and resilience of the individual's internal system. Through the process of exploring and understanding their internal dynamics, clients can cultivate greater self-awareness, self-compassion, and self-leadership, leading to transformative changes in their lives.
About Holistic Psychotherapy & Wellness Manhattan
Kimberly Seelbrede, LCSW is a New York State licensed Psychotherapist, EMDR Practitioner and Couple Therapist with a private practice in New York City, Montana and virtually. As a wellness psychotherapist and holistic consultant, she has receive advanced, extensive training in Trauma Therapy, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Somatic Experiencing (SE), and Nutrition & Integrative Medicine For Mental Health. She is passionate about honoring the exquisite interplay of the mind-body connection. Kimberly Seelbrede specializes in anxiety & mood disorders, trauma and women’s mental health. She brings over 20 years of counseling, coaching, and healing experience to her holistic practice and transformational work.
In addition to online therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma and relationship struggles, Holistic Psychotherapy & Wellness offers a wide variety of online services to fit the needs of busy professionals. New Yorkers often lead fast-paced and complex lives, which makes work-life balance and managing career, family and social obligations a challenge. Psychotherapy and wellness practices provides the support to help clients cultivate resources, resilience and enhanced emotional health, as well as uncover conflicts and obstacles that may interfere with having the life they desire.