Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy in Denver, CO
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy is a specific treatment model that describes how we all have an inner “system” made of protective and wounded parts. Initially developed by Richard Schwartz, LMFT, through his work at an eating disorder treatment center, IFS has been extensively researched and shown to be effective for trauma, PTSD, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, relational conflict, attachment wounds, and more.
If you are someone who can “think” or “logic” your way through anything, yet struggle to sit with your emotions, IFS might be a great fit for you. A lot of times, individuals who have tried traditional talk therapy and are ready for something deeper, enjoy a different approach to therapy with IFS.
Protective Parts (Managers)
Managers’ primary role in the internal system is to maintain control and prevent pain before it happens. Managers are typically well-intended, however can be harsh as a way to attempt to keep life running smoothly.
Examples of managers include people-pleasing tendencies, self-criticism, perfectionism, and intellectualizing.
What is the Basis of IFS?
Protective Parts (Firefighters)
Firefighters’ primary role is to put out the “emotional fire” to a painful experience as quickly as possible. Firefighters typically have more “extreme” strategies, such as numbing out and avoidance. Like managers, firefighters are well-intended, yet their strategies often affect relationships and the ability to be present and connected to others.
Examples of firefighters include substance use, dissociation, eating disorders, and compulsive spending.
Exiles
Exiles are the wounded or traumatized parts in the inner system. Exiles carry the deepest pain, holding emotions from past hurt, trauma, embarrassment, guilt, or shame. Managers and firefighters work to try to protect the exiles from never feeling that pain again.
They also carry long-held beliefs, such as “I am not lovable” or “I am not deserving.”
Self-Energy
In IFS, Self-Energy is the core of who we are. It is a natural state of being that is not a part itself, but embodies our true, regulated, present selves.
Self-Energy embodies 8 qualities (also known as the “8 C’s”): Calmness, curiosity, courage, compassion, confidence, creativity, clarity, and connectedness.
How DOes IFS work in Practice?
Set a foundation
As we get started, we’ll do a standard intake as we begin to set goals, gently introduce the language of IFS, and gain more awareness of your parts. We will likely engage in reframing and new perspective around mental health symptoms and behaviors in our first few sessions.
Begin the Protocol
IFS utilizes a series of guided questions to process and “unburden” your parts. As your therapist, I will guide you to be curious and compassionate towards your parts— that have tried to be helpful in some way, but may no longer be serving you. This allows your protective parts to take a step back, allowing space more qualities of Self-Energy.
Work towards Self-Energy
As your healing journey unfolds, you will notice progress in emotion regulation, a decrease in mental health symptoms, and more connection with yourself and those around you. You will begin to experience more Self-Energy in your daily life, along with compassion, confidence, and clarity.
I am formally trained through the IFS Institute as an IFS-Informed therapist. I often integrate EMDR into IFS practice as well. If you are interested in IFS and curious about getting started, I invite you to reach out today.