Internal Family Systems

What Is Internal Family Systems?

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapeutic model founded on the evidence-based concept that we all have multiple “parts” within us. They are all there for our good, but can also be stuck in ways of being that are no longer beneficial.

These individual parts work together like a family, and like any family can be highly dysfunctional or functional; parts can work together or against each other.

If operating in a dysfunctional manner, IFS provides us with a model for working directly with our parts to create a healthier internal dynamic, and ultimately a more fulfilling life.

“But I don’t have parts!”

If you’re like most people, you may be initially sceptical of the idea that you have “parts.”

If that’s you, consider whether you’ve ever said something like this before:

“Part of me wants to just sit down, eat some chips, and binge watch Netflix, and another part of me wants to get up and go for a run.”

The truth is, most of us experience something like this on a daily basis.

When trauma is introduced into the mix, these parts can become more extreme, self-destructive, and dissociated, and manifesting as anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, and more.

IFS provides a roadmap for recognizing our parts, providing them with the love, gratitude, and acceptance that they desire and deserve, and helping them to find the most healthy way of coexisting with all of our other parts.

Bessel Van Der Kolk, perhaps the world’s leading expert on trauma, hails IFS as “the treatment method that all clinicians should know to treat clients effectively.”

We are pleased to offer IFS-Informed Talk Therapy in Kelowna, BC and online to serve the Greater Okanagan .

Wondering if IFS-Informed Talk Therapy is right for you? Book a free consultation with us.

Or you can schedule your first session with us by clicking below.