Healing with Internal Family Systems Therapy
Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is a transformative and compassion-based approach to understanding and healing emotional wounds. Developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, IFS views the mind as composed of different “parts,” each with its own feelings, thoughts, and roles. At the heart of this inner system of parts is the Self- a compassionate, curious, and wise essence who is capable of healing and leading the parts within our system.
Unfortunately, trauma, whether it stems from an acute single experience such as a sexual assault or an ongoing experience such as childhood abuse or neglect, can force protective parts to take over in an attempt to shield you from pain. While well-intentioned, this may cause you to lose access to your authentic Self-energy and exile some of your most wonderful characteristics. For example, you may have developed a part who functions as your inner critic to protect you from external criticism or punishment, one that functions as a people pleaser to protect you from feeling disliked, one that pushes for perfectionism to protect you from feeling not good enough, or one that generates anxiety to warn you of potential dangers of the worst case scenario.
Have you ever thought, “part of me wants to say ‘no,’ but another part of me feels like I need to say ‘yes?’” Then, you’re already more conscious of your parts than you may have previously thought. IFS harnesses this natural occurrence to provide profound healing and inner harmony.
How IFS Heals Trauma
As an IFS-Certified Therapist, I can help you identify and deeply connect with these protective parts to help you deeply understand their roles and the reasons they took on their roles. Instead of trying to suppress or “fix” these parts, IFS fosters curiosity and compassion toward them. Through this process, you can release the burdens of past trauma, allowing protective parts to relax and the authentic Self to emerge.
This approach is particularly effective for trauma because of its foundation of internal consent and because it doesn’t pathologize experiences like anxiety, self-criticism, perfectionism, or people-pleasing. Instead, we can recognize them as adaptive responses that once served a meaningful purpose. Simply put, there isn’t something wrong with you; there was something wrong with how you were treated. By working with, rather than against, these parts, IFS can help you achieve profound healing and a deep sense of inner harmony.
If you’re struggling with thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that don’t feel quite aligned with your true Self, working with an IFS therapist may be the next step in your journey towards empowerment and resilience. By cultivating a loving relationship with your parts, you can break free from old cycles and build a life rooted in clarity, confidence, and calm.
Written by Dr Megan Mansfield (PSY31497), IFS-Certified Clinical Psychologist and trauma specialist. If you’re ready to begin your journey or have some questions about the process, schedule a time to talk with Dr Megan here.