Internal Family Systems

Internal Family Systems (IFS) helps clients move through difficult times by becoming familiar with all "parts" of ourselves. Have you ever felt like, "part of me wants to do this thing, but another part of me doesn't want to?" If so, then you were experiencing an internal conflict between your parts. IFS helps us get to know our parts and the roles they play in keeping our internal system balanced.

I am a Level 1 graduate of the Internal Family Systems training.

Using IFS, an experiential and process-oriented evidence-based model, we work with your subpersonalities, understanding them to carry their own histories, beliefs, and experiences. Focusing on the relationship between you and these parts of yourself, we notice your loudest and quietest voices. We tune into young parts that are stuck in the past when an abuse or trauma first occurred, believing we ALL have the capacity to heal, and our authentic Self isn't broken to begin with.

Internal Family Systems or IFS is a unique form of therapy that focuses on your internal “world” and how you interact with the different facets of yourself. It can be a helpful model to better understand patterns that you find yourself in and how to change your inner landscape. I have completed Level 1 training through the IFS institute as well as continue with ongoing supervision, practice and continuing education. IFS is a wonderful therapy treatment to heal from the inside out.

There are so many parts of you that are serving you in different ways. Understanding yourself as complex human being is an important way to provide yourself with the compassion you need to heal. Together we will take a deeper look into the parts of you that are helping, those that are hurting, and those that might do a little of both!

I have participated in training and readings around internal family systems from the start of my career. This approach aligns closely with my personal values, allowing the client to be the expert in their own life and never taking a pathologizing focus to the challenges my clients face. I incorporate this approach as the client feels comfortable and check in often to make sure the language and concepts feel relevant and helpful.

Stephanie has experience using Internal Family Systems tools in practice.

Internal Family Systems has been a major part of my own healing journey and it is my favorite way to work with clients. Working with parts is a creative and effective way to find the root of what is causing suffering in one's internal system. In IFS, the concept of 'Self' is what really brings the power. Self is described as a powerful and undamageable entity within that has the capacity to heal our deepest wounds. Helping clients access Self is my motivation and honor.

One way of thinking about IFS is any time you’ve said, “Part of me wants to go to a party this weekend, but part of me wants to catch up on some sleep.” In IFS, this is a normal expression of the different motivating aspects of your being that drive internal conflict. In other words, the part of you that wants to go to the party is in conflict with the part that wants to catch up on sleep. If this example seems simplistic, you’re right. IFS is applicable to a broad range of concerns.

I utilize parts work and aspects of IFS extensively in my work. We all contain multitudes, as the saying goes. Our inner protectors can use a variety of tactics to keep us safe, but these can often cause us trouble in other ways. In therapy we work to bring insight and voice to those multitudes we contain within us, and we also, importantly, work to build a stronger connection to your core self to allow you more agency to take back the reins and develop self-trust.

With this potent approach, my clients could fully understand their recurring, difficult inner conflicts, and move forward with more ease and alignment. IFS has equipped my clients with tools to use their minds and hearts to bring healing and resolution to longstanding traumas and emotional wounds. IFS has helped my clients feel significantly less afraid to face certain aspects of themselves. I’ve also seen my clients form their own roadmaps towards lasting healing and change.

Sometimes we repeat patterns or behaviors that we don't like, that don't seem to make sense. Whether it's emotional eating, perfectionism or overwork, the struggle feels intractable. We may feel conflicted, like part of us wants to do one thing or be a certain way, while another part of us wants to go the opposite direction. IFS offers a framework for understanding these inner conflicts, and support a return to harmony within that honors the wisdom of your True Self.

I have been using IFS with myself and my clients for 5 years. I have completed both level 1 and level 2 trainings through the IFS Institute and have taken ongoing training with Institute lead trainers on working with self-criticism and polarities, self-led activism and somatic IFS. I work with my clients on getting to know parts of themselves, listening to internal needs and building internal connection and confidence.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is a transformative, evidence-based approach that helps you understand and heal your inner world. It views the mind as made up of sub-personalities, or "parts," each with its own perspective. By fostering a compassionate relationship with these parts, especially the wounded and protective ones, IFS promotes emotional healing, reduces inner conflict, and enhances self-awareness. Ideal for addressing trauma, anxiety, and relationship challenges.

IFS therapy helps clients reconnect with their core Self and harmonize their internal system of distinct "parts," each with its own role and perspective. Trauma can cause these parts to become fragmented or stuck in extreme roles. I use IFS to guide clients in healing these internal divisions, fostering greater internal cohesion and peace. This approach empowers clients by helping them understand and integrate the various aspects of their personality

Just like a family is made up of different individuals with their own unique personalities and roles, our internal world is composed of different parts. Each part has its own specific qualities, desires, and intentions. Our parts are often in conflict with one another which causes internal distress. Rejecting, hiding, or denying our parts does not make them go away - it primarily causes us to lose a chance for connection and understanding. IFS is a framework for building inner harmony.