Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)

At Inside Passage Relationship Counseling, we specialize in helping individuals improve their relationship to all parts of themselves for a more fulfilling life.

What is Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy?

Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) is a transformative approach to healing and self-discovery. Developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, IFS recognizes that our minds are made up of different sub-personalities, each stemming from different life experiences, and each with its own unique “job” within our internal system.

At Inside Passage Relationship Counseling, our skilled therapists can guide you on a journey of exploration and understanding, helping you recognize and nurture the different parts of yourself to achieve greater personal freedom and inner harmony. Through guided therapy sessions, you’ll uncover the root causes of inner conflicts and unlock the power of curiosity and self-compassion to respond to life’s struggles in a way that respects all aspects of your personality.

Are you:

“Working with my therapist at Inside Passage has been like coming home to myself. I have felt more whole, more at peace, than I ever have before.”

-Anonymous

Internal Family Systems Therapy Successfully Helps Individuals with:

Lasting change requires the right intervention with the right guide.

Find a Trained Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapist at Inside Passage Relationship Counseling

Choosing to seek therapy isn’t always easy, but finding the right therapist should be.

We are committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental space that welcomes all individuals, regardless of race, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or relationship structure.

“Heather was a godsend. She helped me come to terms with hard truths about my past and figure out how to navigate life right now.”

-Anonymous

Meghan, Chris and Molly: our extraordinary scheduling team.

Call
Today

Our professional client care team will answer your questions and help you find the right therapist. 

Initial Session

We’ll schedule an initial session with your therapist so you can discuss your goals and how the therapist can help.

Recurring Sessions

If it’s a good fit, we’ll schedule recurring sessions weekly or biweekly to help you meet your goals.

How Does Internal Family Systems work?

Internal Family Systems Therapy is based on a 6-step process that guides you to reconnect and return to your whole self. 

Identifying Parts

We can help you identify the different parts of yourself. These parts could represent emotions, beliefs, memories, or aspects of personality. For example, a person might have a "critical part" that is always judgmental, a "vulnerable part" that feels scared and hurt, and more.

Understanding Part Dynamics

Once your parts are identified, we will work to understand the dynamics between them, for example, how parts interact with each other and how certain parts may dominate or suppress others.

Building Relationships with Parts

In IFS therapy, the goal is to develop a compassionate and curious relationship with each part. Instead of trying to eliminate or suppress certain parts, you will learn to appreciate and work with them.

Unburdening Exiles

Some parts, known as "exiles," carry intense emotions or traumatic memories that have been pushed out of awareness to protect the individual from pain. At Inside Passage Relationship Counseling, your therapist can help you safely access these exiled parts, and support you in a process of "unburdening" these parts so that they can finally heal.

Empowering Self-Leadership

The ultimate aim of IFS therapy is to strengthen your "Self," which represents your core essence or true nature. The Self is characterized by qualities such as compassion, curiosity, and calmness. Through the therapeutic process, you will learn to access your Self and become better equipped to lead your internal system with wisdom and compassion.

Integration

As you develop a deeper understanding and respect for your parts, you can experience a greater sense of internal harmony and coherence. Conflicts between parts diminish, and you can be better able to navigate life's challenges with resilience and authenticity.

Come home to yourself today.

If you are ready to improve your emotional well-being and quality of life, contact Inside Passage Relationship Counseling today.