What is Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy?

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a powerful and compassionate approach to healing that helps you understand yourself in a completely new way. Developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, IFS is based on the idea that we all have different aspects of ourselves—sometimes in harmony, sometimes in conflict.

You might have noticed this in your own life. Maybe part of you feels anxious, while another part tells you to “just get over it.” Or part of you wants connection, but another part pushes people away. These inner conflicts can leave us feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or even at war with ourselves.

IFS helps untangle these struggles, even the ones that feel difficult, reactive, or painful. Rather than trying to “fix” or fight against these parts, IFS helps you build understanding, trust, and healing from within.

How Can IFS Help?

I have found IFS to be helpful for a broad range of challenges. IFS is especially helpful for people who feel:

• Anxious or overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions

• Stuck in cycles of self-criticism, shame, or self-doubt

• Traumatic past experiences still affect them today

• Disconnected, numb, or struggling to feel present

• Caught in patterns of overworking, people-pleasing, or avoiding emotions

Instead of seeing your struggles as something “wrong” with you, IFS recognizes that every part of you is trying to help in its own way—even if it sometimes causes pain. By working with these parts, rather than against them, you can begin to feel more at peace, more in control, and more like your true, authentic self.

Why IFS?

What makes IFS so unique from other modalities is that it is deeply respectful and empowering. You are not broken, and you do not need to be “fixed.” Instead, IFS helps you connect with your inner wisdom, rebuild trust with yourself, and feel more grounded and whole.

Many people find IFS life-changing because it doesn’t just manage symptoms—it helps heal at the root. It allows you to approach your struggles with self-compassion rather than self-judgment, leading to deeper and lasting change.

If you’re curious about how IFS can support you, I’d love to connect. Healing is possible, and it starts with understanding yourself in a new way.