Internal Family Systems (IFS)
“IFS is more than a therapeutic technique. It is a conceptual framework and practice for developing love for ourselves and each other.”
Richard C. Schwartz, Ph.D.
What is Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a paradigm that is quickly growing due to its revolutionary approach to understanding and relating with ourselves. Richard Schwartz, Ph.D., developed this model after decades of practice and research with clients.
Learn directly from Dr. Richard Schwartz, the founder of Internal Family Systems by watching this video on the IFS website. https://selfleadership.org/dick-at-cap-cod.html
What is this model and how can it help you?
IFS (often referred to as “parts work”) is “a method that brings us into inner harmony, enhances self-compassion, and opens the doors to spiritual awakening” (Schwartz, 2021). IFS is founded on an assumption that we all have a core Self that is powerful, wise, compassionate, and filled with love and gratitude. The goal of IFS is to work from this core self and learn how to approach the parts of yourself you wish would go away/be better/act differently, etc. It teaches you how to address any internal conflict within that could be inhibiting your life, relationships and ability to live out a happy healthy future.
At Nashville Counseling Associates, we incorporate “parts work” (IFS) into therapy with the goal of helping clients heal wounded parts and to help other parts transform the way they operate inside you.
IFS could be right for you if you experience or relate to any of the following...
Addiction
Anger or persistent irritability
Anxiety/Perfectionism
Depression symptoms such as lack of motivation, low energy, self-hatred
Self-criticism, low-self esteem, or lack of confidence
Unworthiness, hopelessness, feeling "not good enough," or feeling unlovable
Relationship struggles
Suicidal thoughts
Experiences of childhood neglect/trauma and continue to experience PTSD symptoms such as hypervigilance, dissociation, guilt, loneliness, intrusive thoughts, or suicidal thoughts.
How does trauma affect the mind and body?
- Trauma occurs when the nervous system becomes overwhelmed and unable to fully process an experience. This can happen after a single event — such as an accident, assault, medical trauma, or loss — or through repeated experiences over time, such as childhood neglect, emotional abuse, chronic stress, or attachment wounds.
When trauma is not fully processed, the brain and body can continue responding as though danger is still present, even in safe situations. This often shows up as:
Hypervigilance
Anxiety or panic
Emotional numbness
Irritability or anger
Dissociation
Difficulty trusting others
Shame or negative self-beliefs
Trouble sleeping or relaxing
Feeling emotionally “stuck”
Many people attempt to push painful experiences away or minimize them, believing they should “be over it” by now. However, unresolved trauma often continues to impact relationships, emotions, self-esteem, and the nervous system long after the original experience has passed.
EMDR helps address trauma at its root by supporting the brain’s natural ability to heal and reorganize these experiences in a healthier way.
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Interested in healing under this therapeutic approach?
Reach out and we will connect you with a qualified therapist.
