Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy for Women in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Our individual parts make up the beautifully messy mosaic of our mind, body, and soul!

What is Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy?

Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy is a compassionate counseling approach that helps people understand the different “parts” inside themselves.

Our parts often show up in our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a variety of ways. They oftentimes feel like different versions of ourselves (eg – “anxious me”, “sad me”, “angry me who comes out when I’m overwhelmed”).

Some of our parts might have their own roles and opinions regarding our life, relationships, and goals. Think of your mind like a family:

  • Some parts act as protectors, like parental figures sometimes do

  • Other parts act as distractors, to numb pain or overwhelming emotions

  • Some parts might be fearful and isolated within the system, like a young child hiding away when they’re frightened of a storm

Our internal family of parts can become at odds with one another at different points in our life.

For instance, there are times that our parts might play tug-of-war with one another inside of our head and heart when confronted with the idea of transformation or letting go of something within our lives (eg – part of me wants to change, but this other part of me feels safer staying the same).

The characteristics of our parts are also flexible. They sometimes change throughout our lifetime depending upon adversity and obstacles we’ve experienced and overcome. Sometimes this is due to trauma, difficult life circumstances, personal growth, and/or significant milestones.

Bad weather sometimes causes parts to feel like they need to adopt very polarized roles in order to survive and keep our mind “safe” from life’s storms (eg. – a protective part who was once very warm and open with others might become more withdrawn and fearful of emotional vulnerability after experiencing bullying as a teenager).

Even when the storm is long over it can be difficult for some parts to let go of these extreme roles, coping patterns, and burdens they may have shouldered through the rain. This can lead to chaos within your inner family.

Some parts might feel ready to “move on” while others still feel “stuck” in the past, unable to experience joy or ease within the present.

These parts might feel safer emotionally numbing and isolating because – “this is the only way I can feel safe and at peace. People’s expectations are too scary and too much to handle. It’s safer to wear a mask out in public. I don’t want to be seen.”

If you struggle with patterns of people-pleasing, anxiety, or codependency within your life and relationships, one of your parts might look something like:

A protector who says “yes” when she actually wants to say “no” because she’s afraid of upsetting someone she cares about. She also feels like she needs to show up for everyone because no one showed up for her when she was little. When she says “no” to others, she feels like she’s letting them down. She sometimes feels guilty and doubts her self-worth because of this.

the Benefits of IFS Therapy

IFS therapy helps you to get to know these parts, listen to them, and help them work together so that there’s more balance and closeness within the family again. This new balance can:

  • Help process past trauma and facilitate relief from anxiety, depression, PTSD symptoms, and more

  • Increase self-awareness

  • Improve boundary setting, communication, & conflict management

  • Allows richer access to self-compassion

  • Facilitate more meaningful and fulfilling connections with others

  • Improve attunement with your emotions, needs, and dreams

How interesting is it to consider that we have a little “internal family” within our mind and body?

If you're ready to dive into parts work, reach out today to schedule a session or free consultation!

Let’s work together!

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Frequently Asked Questions about IFS Therapy

  • Yes! Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy and “parts-work” can be especially powerful for relationship issues, as it helps you to develop a better understanding of the inner complex dynamics that influence your emotions, behaviors, and beliefs.

  • IFS sessions often involve an eclectic mix of: conversation, exercises, visualization techniques, and the accompaniment of EMDR (when appropriate) to help improve inner reflection and a better understanding of the complex relationships and needs found within your own internal family system dynamics.