Internal Family Systems
There isn't Just One "You"
We've all had the experience of part of us wanting to do one thing while another part wants to pull us in a different direction. This isn't you being fickle or indecisive. These competing impulses are different Parts within your internal system who are attempting to take care of you as best they know how. IFS treats each of these parts as "subpersonalities" with their own opinions, motivations and needs. By separating out the Parts and getting to know them individually, you grow to know yourself better and gain a better understanding of why you do the things you do. Relating well with your Parts allows for more internal flexibility and a greater sense of peace.
Freedom to Change
By bringing understanding and compassion to the different parts of ourselves we open up new ways to respond to our world. Recognizing our kneejerk or extreme responses as Part of us rather than the whole of us, allows the space to comfort an activated Part before it acts in ways that cause us harm or harms our relationships with others. Bringing compassion and care to Parts can help them relax and trust you more, looking to your core Self for guidance rather than repeating unwanted or maladaptive behaviors. This focus on compassion and understanding creates lasting change in a way that just trying to use willpower cannot.
Healing, Not Just Coping
While Parts are there to help us and defend us, it is by accessing the core of ourselves that we heal. Unlike other therapies that focus on learning strategies to manage symptoms, IFS believes that everything you need to heal the wounded Parts of you that respond in extreme ways is already in you. Self is the compassionate, calm, clear, creative, connected, curious, confident and courageous energy that is in each of us. By connecting to that energy, we bring greater peace into our lives and greater healing.