Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “I know this isn’t logical, but I still feel it,” or “I wish I could stop being so hard on myself”? These are moments where different parts of us seem to be pulling in opposite directions, and they’re exactly the kinds of moments where Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy can be deeply helpful.
IFS is a therapeutic model that views the mind as made up of “parts,” distinct inner voices or aspects of yourself that each carry their own feelings, roles, and perspectives. Some parts might be protective or controlling, while others might feel anxious, angry, or stuck in the past. These parts form over time to help us adapt and cope with life experiences, especially difficult ones.
IFS also believes that at the core of each person is a Self, a grounded, compassionate, and wise inner presence that can help guide and heal our internal system. Through IFS, we learn how to access that Self and build respectful relationships with our parts instead of trying to fight them, ignore them, or push them away.
In my work as a therapist, I’ve found IFS to be one of the most effective and transformative approaches I’ve ever used. It allows for deep insight and healing, and it often resonates with clients who haven’t fully connected to other methods.
You Might Benefit from IFS Therapy If:
You tend to be really hard on yourself and struggle to access self-compassion
You intellectualize your emotions instead of feeling them
You notice coping mechanisms (like perfectionism, overthinking, avoidance, or people-pleasing) that feel out of your control
You feel emotionally disconnected or numb, even if you can logically explain what’s going on
You’re stuck in internal conflict, like part of you wants change but another part resists it
You’ve tried other types of therapy but feel like something deeper still needs to be addressed
IFS offers a different way in. It helps you understand why your reactions make sense, not just in theory, but on an emotional and somatic level. It allows for a shift from self-judgment to self-leadership. With an IFS therapist, you can learn how to check-in with wounded parts and understand what they might need.
If you’re interested in exploring IFS therapy, the team at Root to Rise would love to support you. Reach out to our client care coordinator to find a therapist who feels like the right fit.
Warmly,
Lauren
