Internal Family Systems - IFS

Being IFS informed means that I aim to implement IFS methodology, when appropriate, in order to support clients in establishing more harmonious relationships between the opposing (polarising) parts of themselves.

Through effectively utilising IFS strategies, parts that were previously hidden may begin to feel safe enough to surface their burdens of worthlessness, shame, anger etc. By developing healthy relationships with all of these parts, an overall sense of inner harmony and peace will begin to be cultivated.

For example, you may learn to recognise how a part that tries to help alleviate your stress through an addiction is in conflict with another part that tries to help by making you feel guilty for the addiction. In this system, the part seeking relief from stress motivates compulsion towards a pleasurable substance or behaviour. Meanwhile, another part recognises the damage this causes you and aims to motivate you to stop this from happening again through motivating you through guilt or shame.

Through effective IFS therapy, the tension between the opposing forces of different parts will be relieved as interactions separately and between each part are guided to ensure their different needs are able to be met. This then provides a basis for establishing healthier relationships between parts so that they no longer are in conflict and the system as a whole may function more effectively.