Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy

Internal Family Systems therapy in Colorado can be helpful for trauma, anxiety, depression, parenting and stress. Healing begins when we learn to listen to the different parts within us with curiosity and compassion. Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy offers us a new way of relating to different parts of ourselves so that our self-criticism and overwhelm decreases and brings us to a more compassionate and grounded place. 

What is IFS or Internal Family Systems Therapy?

IFS looks at our thoughts, behaviors, memories and everything we think of as “me” as a constellation of different parts,  each with its own emotions, memories, nervous system, strategies, and roles. Some parts protect us from pain, others carry hard memories or learnings from the past which still play out today and some manage our day to day. In therapy we start to get to know the roles these parts have played in our life, the strategies they use and why and how they are showing up in our daily life. Beneath them all is the Self which feels calm, curious, and capable of leading all parts of us with compassion and choice which peeks out like the sun hidden behind clouds at times. It’s always there but sometimes we can’t see it. 

Rather than labeling any part as “bad,” IFS invites understanding and connection with each part of us or every behavior or pattern we have that we’ve ever been curious or frustrated about.

How Internal Family Systems Therapy Works

During therapy we might start to notice and get to know your parts with curiosity. We might identify a protective part that wants to make sure everything goes smoothly or a younger part that feels scared of getting abandoned or criticized.

We will build compassion for the roots of these strategies and understand what they value and why they are doing what they are doing. If you’ve ever asked yourself “why do I keep choosing people like this or why do I keep losing it on my kids when I don’t want to” then parts work can help discover the “why” and from there we can work on showing up the way we want to.  Over time, IFS helps us find clarity and emotional regulation.

Core Principles of IFS Therapy

IFS follows a few main ideas:

• We all have parts. Every emotion, impulse, behavior, or thought belongs to a part of us trying to help us achieve goals or align with values.
• All parts are welcome. Even the ones that seem difficult generally hold positive intentions and have values and a goal for us. Often many parts that seem to be working against each other actually have the same goal but different ideas of how to achieve that goal.
• When we have access to compassion and curiosity we can work towards healing and have more space for all parts of us without getting overly activated. Our core Self embodies calm, confidence, compassion, and connection.
  

  IFS Therapy and Trauma Healing

  IFS is another way we can work with trauma in therapy in a gentle and safe way. We move as fast as your slowest part. If there is hesitancy to visit a memory or pattern or theme we will spend time with the parts that are hesitant until all of you is on board. Instead of reliving trauma, you gently connect with the parts that carry the pain and listen to what they needed in those moments and provide that for them now. This dovetails with EMDR and the nervous system work that I do as we create safety in your past, orient to present day safety and find strength of anticipated stressors.

  This process restores a sense of internal safety, supporting nervous system regulation and long-term healing. When paired with somatic or EMDR approaches, IFS deepens this healing and empowered feelings. 

  What to Expect in IFS Therapy at Colorado Wildflower Counseling

  At Colorado Wildflower Counseling, IFS sessions are collaborative and done with permission and consent at every step. We will learn about the reasons for what you wonder about and build trust with yourself and root down into your intuition. 

  IFS can be helpful for:

  • Anxiety and stress
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Relationship challenges including parenting
  • Self-criticism or inner conflict

  Every session honors your pace, your body’s wisdom, and your capacity to heal.

  Ready to Begin Internal Family Systems Therapy in Colorado?

  If you’re ready to try a new way of healing, IFS therapy may be a gentle next step.

  Schedule a free consultation or contact Colorado Wildflower Counseling to learn more about how IFS can support your healing journey.