Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an evidenced based model of healing and the primary model that I use in my practice. IFS is incredibly compassionate, empowering, and effective at connecting one with a more depth of understanding of what is happening within. Once we understand “why we tick the way that we do”, it’s easier to understand and appreciate the ways our system has learned to cope and respond throughout life. Let’s face it, sometimes we have learned to adapt and cope in ways that hurt or bother other “parts” of us. This is a huge reason that many enter the therapeutic setting.

We are compiled of a “multitude” of parts within. These can show up as opposing thoughts, feelings, sensations, and urges. In the therapy room, “all parts of you are welcome”. An easy way to reflect on this idea is considering if a part of you has ever wanted to go to the gym and another part of you simultaneously wants to eat an entire pizza, while binge watching TV! This is a simple, but beautiful example of how we have different parts and thoughts within. Once we build a relationship with our parts, integration and healing can occur.

In using IFS, it will connect you with a greater sense of Self and openness within. Often times, our relationship internally reflects our relationships with others. This model allows us to not only foster a greater understanding of ourselves and behaviors, but also allows us to connect to and heal old wounds and burdens. Often times, we have parts in our system that are experts (for good reason) at leading us away from “big sensations/feelings”. I’d love to assist you in learning how to “lean in” to those parts in order to build a relationship and help them so that the system gains relief and finds a new way of responding!

I am Level One trained in IFS.