If you’ve never heard of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, you’re not alone. IFS is a type of psychotherapy that has only recently started to gain popularity, and many people are unfamiliar with its process and benefits.
Whether you’re struggling with depression or anxiety, dealing with trauma or addiction issues, or simply trying to make sense of your inner self – understanding how IFS works and whether it could help can be beneficial to both your mental and physical wellbeing.
What is Internal Family Systems (IFS)?
IFS is based on the idea that every person is composed of multiple parts. It works by helping individuals become aware of their inner dynamics, identity, dysfunctional relationship patterns, and learn to develop self-awareness and self-compassion.
Some common issues that IFS may be helpful for include:
- Trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety and panic disorders
- Depression
- Substance abuse and addiction
- Relationship problems
- Self-esteem and self-worth issues
- Difficulties with decision-making and goal-setting
Benefits of IFS
IFS can be helpful for individuals who are struggling to understand and make sense of their own thoughts and emotions, or who feel that they have conflicting or competing parts within themselves.
There are many potential benefits to the IFS model of psychotherapy. Some of the benefits include:
- Greater self-awareness and self-understanding
- Improved ability to manage and regulate emotions
- Increased self-esteem and self-worth
- Enhanced decision-making and problem-solving skills
- Improved relationships with others
- A greater sense of personal autonomy and self-leadership
What is there to know about IFS before treatment?
Before beginning IFS, it is important to understand that it focuses on different parts or subpersonalities within an individual’s psyche.
From an IFS perspective, it is believed that these different parts can sometimes cause conflict or other difficulties within an individual, and that working with these parts can help to resolve these issues.
- IFS is a collaborative process and you will work directly with your therapist to identify and communicate with different subpersonalities.
- You will be an active participant in the therapy process.
- You will be encouraged to explore your own thoughts and feelings in order to better understand and work through any conflicts or issues that may be present.
It is important to understand that IFS is not a quick or easy process, and that it may take time and effort to work through the different parts or subpersonalities that may be causing difficulties in an individual’s life.
However, with commitment and dedication, the IFS process can lead to significant and lasting improvements in mental and emotional well-being.
IFS Treatment at Get Reconnected Psychotherapy Services
At Get Reconnected Psychotherapy Services, we will aim to help you feel more connected and compassionate towards yourself and others and to develop a more positive and accepting attitude towards your own thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
Ultimately, the goal will be to help you develop a greater sense of inner harmony and balance.
For more information about our approaches, please contact us at [email protected]
If you are ready, book your first session.
To learn more, watch this short animated video on IFS.