What is Internal Family Systems?

I use Internal Family Systems (IFS) in therapy to help you identify and address the multiple “parts” or sub-personalities within your mental system. These parts can include wounded aspects carrying painful emotions like anger or shame, as well as protective parts that try to shield you from that pain. Often, these parts are in conflict with each other and with your core Self—the confident, compassionate, whole person that exists at the center of everyone.

IFS focuses on healing the wounded parts and restoring balance by changing the dynamics that create discord among your parts and your Self. This approach helps you feel more integrated, empowered, and at peace within yourself.

IFS was developed by psychologist Richard Schwartz, who observed that many people described their inner lives as a family of interacting parts. Understanding these interactions is the foundation of IFS, and working with these parts can create meaningful, lasting change.

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Person participating in IFS therapy, connecting with inner parts and fostering self-understanding

I use IFS as a transformative tool to help you understand yourself as a system of protective and wounded inner parts led by your core Self. I believe the mind is naturally multiple—and that’s a good thing. Just like family members, our inner parts can be pushed into extreme roles, but your Self is always present, can’t be damaged, and knows how to heal.

IFS is an evidence-based approach I use in therapy to help you access and heal both protective and wounded parts of yourself. By connecting with your Self, you can begin to understand and integrate these parts, creating greater inner and outer connectedness.

But IFS isn’t just a clinical tool. It’s also a way to deepen personal and intimate relationships and to step into life with what I call the 8 Cs: confidence, calm, compassion, courage, creativity, clarity, curiosity, and connectedness. People in many professions—bodywork, legal mediation, school administration, life coaching, and spiritual guidance, among others—can also apply IFS to their work.

Reach out to me today to learn more about how IFS can support your growth and healing.

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