Internal Family Systems
What is IFS?
Internal Family Systems is a powerfully transformative, evidence-based model of psychotherapy. In IFS we believe that every person has different parts of themselves that emerge at different times. By connecting with these parts we can find answers, healing and growth.
When you start to look for it you may notice that you already talk about your parts, even if you aren't conscious of it. For example, "I have been looking forward to this concert for weeks, I'm so excited, but a part of me is so exhausted from this week and just wants to lay low".
Training
Many therapists use the key concepts from IFS with great success. To be an official "IFS practitioner" a therapist must take an extensive training program through the IFS Institute. I have completed IFS Training Level 1 and can be found on their website as an IFS practitioner.
Why IFS?
I chose to train in IFS because of the transformative healing I personally experienced by working with an IFS therapist. While I excelled at talk therapy and could analyze my problems like an expert, this analyzation did not always result in change. IFS is a gentle way to connect with yourself in a new way that can lead to life-changing healing.
Who Can Benefit From IFS?
You guessed it- everyone. If you are skeptical, IFS can be tailored to feel more approachable and less "hippy-dippy".
IFS Institute- Commitment to Diversity
"..all people of any age, race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, class, ability, language or cultural background are welcome in the Internal Family Systems community. You are welcome here, and all of your parts are welcome too." The IFS Institute is offering numerous trainings to support the quest to expand diversity and inclusivity in our community.
Additionally, "IFS Institute and Black Therapists Rock (BTR) have created a partnership that is helping to spread the IFS model to under-represented communities, and more specifically, Black communities across the United States."
More About IFS
Please visit the IFS Institute webpage for more information.
There are many YouTube videos and books about IFS if you are interested in learning more.