What is Parts Work (IFS)?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a transformative therapeutic model of psychotherapy that helps individuals understand and harmonize the various parts within themselves. According to IFS, we all have different parts within us that carry different thoughts, emotions, and beliefs. These parts can sometimes conflict with each other and create internal struggles and difficulties in our lives. IFS is commonly utilized to work with trauma memories or difficult childhood experiences.
What to Expect
In IFS therapy, you’ll work with your therapist to identify and understand the different parts or sub-personalities within you. This approach views psychological issues as stemming from wounded parts of the personality (exiles), which are protected by other parts (managers and firefighters).
The goal is to help these parts find their non-extreme roles, to listen to and understand these parts of self better, and to build a relationship with these vulnerable parts of self. Much healing occurs when the vulnerable parts (Exiles) feel heard, supported, receive compassion, and that they are not alone any longer.
Benefits of Parts Work (IFS)
- Improved Self-Understanding: Gain a clear understanding of your internal system and the dynamics between different parts.
- Enhanced Emotional Healing: Address the pain of wounded parts and reduce harmful coping mechanisms.
- Greater Self-Compassion: Develop an accepting and caring relationship with all parts of yourself.
- Harmonious Internal System: Achieve balance and peace within your internal system, leading to greater well-being.
Our Approach to Parts Work (IFS)
Touchstone’s approach to IFS involves guiding clients to self-leadership, allowing them to lead their internal parts with self-qualities such as compassion, curiosity, and calmness. Through the IFS process, clients learn to negotiate with their parts, understand their roles, and eventually transform their relationships with these parts. The therapy fosters an environment where all parts feel valued and heard, facilitating deep internal healing.
