What Is Internal Family Systems (IFS)?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a compassionate, evidence-based approach that recognizes we are all made up of different “parts”—subpersonalities or aspects of ourselves that serve important roles. These parts are not signs of dysfunction; they’re a natural part of how the human mind is organized. However, life experiences—such as trauma, attachment wounds, or overwhelming situations—can push our parts into extreme roles as a way of coping and protecting us.

At the center of this internal system is the Self—your core essence, spirit, or innate wisdom. The Self is not a part, but rather the calm, grounded, compassionate presence within each of us that can lead healing from within.
Our parts help us manage daily life—they get us to work, help us achieve, keep us safe. But they can also get stuck in painful roles: becoming reactive, anxious, shut down, or overwhelmed. Even when we grow more aware of these patterns, we often struggle to change them. That’s because many of our parts are still carrying burdens from the past—old beliefs, emotions, or protective strategies that no longer serve us.

IFS teaches us to gently get to know these parts, understand their intentions, and help them release the burdens they’ve been holding. By building a compassionate relationship between your Self and your parts, deep healing becomes possible. Parts that once felt stuck or extreme can transform into supportive, balanced roles—free to move forward in healthier ways.
As a practitioner, my role isn’t to analyze or “fix” you—it’s to guide and support the connection between your Self and your parts. In IFS, you are the healer. My work is to create space for your Self to lead, witness, and bring healing to the parts of you that are ready to be seen, heard, and restored.