What is Internal Family Systems? IFS is a type of therapy which has the belief we as human beings are made up of several parts or sub-personalities. The founder of IFS created this technique from viewing individuals minds as an inner family and started applying family system techniques which he used while working with families in the therapeutic settings with great success. The work that is done in sessions focuses on finding one’s Self while bringing other parts together to join in on the healing process. IFS is a strong modality for several different concerns or issues which range from general life stressors like grief, relationships or career issues to anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, eating disorders, dissociative identity disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and trauma. The idea is we all have parts living within us and depending on our experience, trauma and mental health we have healthy and unhealthy roles. IFS techniques allow individuals to gain a better understanding of these parts and work on gaining access to the inner Self while working through managing feelings in a healthier way.
Bethany Woychik, MSW, LCSW, SAC-IT, IFS L1, EMDR I & II
bwoychik@forward-counseling.com
For more information on IFS therapy, research, publications and resources please visit https://ifs-institute.com.