What Is Internal Family Systems?

Internal Family Systems, or IFS, is a powerful and transformative therapeutic model that works to heal pain and trauma from the past that is keeping us stuck in the present, and restore balance, harmony and alignment to our inner world and our outer lives.

IFS has been shown to be effective in working with a wide range of psychological and emotional challenges including: anxiety and depression, relationship issues, low confidence and self-esteem, unresolved childhood trauma and chronic pain.

Internal Family Systems: About

How does it work?

As human beings, our personalities are made up of a complex system of internal interactions and relationships which directly influence our ways of behaving and relating in the world. When these internal relationships are aligned and harmonious our lives tend to feel like they're free-flowing and in balance. Conversely, when there is conflict and polarisation in our inner system, we can feel stuck, disconnected, anxious, fearful and depressed.

The beauty of IFS is that it offers an empowering, compassionate, non-pathologising way

to explore these inner dynamics and to restore balance, harmony and wholeness to our whole system. By tapping into our own Self energy - that wise part of ourselves which is profoundly healing and carries the true essence of who we are - we can begin to transform our lives in profound and often surprising ways.

Typically the focus of an IFS session will be on exploring how what happened to us in the past is impacting on our life in the present, and discovering what might be needed to help the parts of us that are carrying old wounding, pain or trauma to release their burdens so that our system can find its way back into balance.

As therapist, my role is to guide, witness and hold space for you to explore and come into a new relationship with these different aspects of yourself.

How many sessions do I need?

The number of sessions needed will vary according to each person and what they are working through. While my core focus is on short to medium term therapy - typically 6-12 months - I can also offer longer-term therapeutic support where this is needed.

Sessions are generally weekly, either via Zoom or in person in Bath.

Pricing

I offer an initial 20-30 minute call free of charge so you can find out more about session fees and the way I work. Please get in touch here.

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Internal Family Systems: Image

"Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it."

Rumi

Internal Family Systems: Quote