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Internal Family Systems

What is it?

Internal Family Systems is a powerfully transformative, evidence-based model of psychotherapy. IFS posits that the mind is naturally multiple and that is normal and healthy.  Inner “parts” contain valuable qualities and at a person’s core or True Self knows how to heal, allowing a person to become integrated and whole.  
IFS recognizes that the mind is made up of multiple parts, and underlying them is a person's core or True Self.

Like members of a family, a person's inner parts can take on extreme roles or subpersonalities. Each part has its own perspective, interests, memories, and viewpoint. A core tenet of IFS is that every part has a positive intent, even if its actions are counterproductive and/or cause dysfunction. There is no need to fight with, coerce, or eliminate parts; the IFS method promotes internal connection and harmony to bring the mind back into balance.

IFS therapy aims to heal wounded parts and restore mental balance. The first step is to access the core Self and then, from there, understand the different parts in order to heal them

How is it helpful?

IFS offers an effective answer to the seemly overwhelming questions of addictions. IFS directly addresses the intensity of the addict’s desire to quit along with the intensity of the desire to use. By becoming aware of the negative and often unrealistic thoughts that dampen their feelings and moods, people are able to start engaging in healthier thinking patterns.  

How do these therapies affect the brain?  

IFS is considered a brain-based psychotherapy designed specifically to access and modify neural networks through intentional interactions via a guided meditative processes.  These brain based interactions are the key to helping create different pathways often referred to as “rewiring” or “remapping”.

Most important thing to know?  It works!  It is evidence based, it is extremely effective in helping people quickly identify/see and understand how they are mapped or wired. Healing occurs more organically, more authentically and it is a more joyful therapy experience for both client and the therapist.