As a therapist, I have been trained in a variety of therapeutic modalities, but there is one in particular that I have grown to love: Internal Family Systems (IFS). IFS is a powerful and effective model that helps clients better understand and work with their different parts.

What I find so compelling about IFS is how it acknowledges that every person has many different parts, each with a unique perspective and purpose. These parts may be wounded, anxious, or defensive, and they often act out in ways that are confusing or frustrating. However, each part is simply trying to protect and serve the person in some way, even if its behaviour is ultimately counterproductive.

By identifying and getting to know these parts, clients can build relationships with them, leading to healing and growth. In addition, through the process of working with these parts, clients can begin to access their innate wisdom and resilience. I have seen time and time again how transformative this work can be.

One thing that sets IFS apart is how it treats every part of the system with respect and compassion. There are no "bad" parts, only parts that have been wounded or taken on complex roles to protect the person. By working with these parts in a gentle and non-judgmental way, clients can start to create a sense of safety and trust within themselves.

In my work with clients, I have seen the power of this approach first-hand. I have seen people overwhelmed and trapped by their parts start to gain a sense of freedom and agency. I have seen people who felt stuck or hopeless start to tap into their inner resources and strengths. And I have seen people who felt disconnected from themselves start to build deeper, more meaningful relationships with their inner world.

Of course, like any therapeutic approach, IFS is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, it requires time, effort, and a willingness to explore some of our most vulnerable and complex parts. But for those willing to do the work, the rewards can be life-changing.

I feel honoured and humbled to work with clients in this way. I love seeing people discover their capacity for healing, growth, and self-compassion. And I love being able to support them on that journey by providing the tools, guidance, and safe space they need to do this vital work. You may be curious to get to know some of your internal systems.

Here are some of the different parts that IFS recognises:

1. Managers: These are parts of ourselves that try to prevent us from feeling pain and discomfort. They work to keep us safe and in control, often through perfectionism or overwork. Managers can be helpful, but they can also become overbearing and prevent us from living fully.
2. Exiles: These parts of ourselves carry our past wounds, often from childhood. Exiles hold our pain, sadness, and fear, and they can cause us to feel overwhelmed or anxious. These exiles can surface when we experience a trigger, causing us to feel intense emotions.
3. Firefighters: These parts of ourselves are designed to protect us from intense emotions. They often use distraction or numbing behaviours, like substance abuse or overeating, to keep us from feeling the pain of our exiles. Firefighters can be helpful in the short term, but they can become problematic when they become habitual behaviours that prevent us from dealing with the underlying emotions.
4. Self: This is the core of who we are. It is the part that is curious, compassionate, and accepting. In IFS, the goal is to help clients access their Self to witness parts in their system. In Self, we can observe our other parts with curiosity and compassion rather than becoming overwhelmed by them, and the Self becomes a powerful healing energy.

The IFS approach recognises that all these parts are natural and normal. These parts are often trying to protect us and keep us safe. However, when these parts become too dominant, they can prevent us from living our lives to the fullest. The goal of IFS therapy is to help clients access their Self and learn to work with their parts in a healing and growth-oriented way.

IFS is a powerful therapeutic approach that can help us understand ourselves more deeply and become more accepting of all aspects of ourselves. We can find greater inner peace, balance, and happiness by working with our different parts. If you're struggling with overwhelming emotions or feeling stuck in your life, IFS can help you find a path forward.

In abundant love and kindness for all gentle souls

Angela xox