IFS:
INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS THERAPY:

Internal Family Systems Therapy, an evidence based trauma treatment created by Richard Schwartz, calls to attention the idea that we all are made up of multiple “parts.” What does this mean? 

Well, think of a recent time when you felt conflicted about something. Let’s say, what you are going to have for lunch. One part of you might be wanting to splurge and go out to eat, while another part of you may be saying it is better to eat at home to save money. Maybe there is a part of you that feels anxious about what decision to go with. This is an example of how our “parts” work in our minds! In IFS, we will identify parts of you that play a role in your life, most likely parts that cause us pain or distress. Some examples include: anxiety, depression, binge eating, alcohol consumption, drugs, self harm, suicidal thoughts, inner critic, the list can go on forever! Often times, “extreme” parts of us that we “want to get rid of” originate from early traumatic experiences. Through IFS, we can get to know all of your parts and befriend them, instead of trying to get rid of them. As Richard Schwartz says, there are no bad parts. IFS also helps us to feel compassion for ALL parts of ourselves, which can result in increased self esteem and reduced feelings of shame.