Internal Family Systems Therapy, and the Multifaceted Mind
Internal Family Systems Therapy was developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz in the 1980s. He noticed that his clients had many different parts, or subpersonalities, that each had their own qualities and viewpoints. He believed that these parts could be reintegrated into a functioning whole and that our core Self knows how to heal.
When we embody self-energy, we are in a state of being characterized by calmness, connectedness, clarity, and self-compassion. When we have experienced a disconnect from our caregivers early in life, some of these parts can get “stuck” in the past with their own behavior and reaction patterns, sometimes overriding the Self. Their intentions are good but are locked in their younger experiences of the world, where they felt unsafe, unseen, or unheard.
Examples of how your parts might be influencing you:
Anxiety: Is classified in IFS as a “firefighter manager” part, parts who have extreme behaviors or reactions that, while disruptive, fulfill their role of protection. Anxiety keeps you small and safe by isolating, not wanting to talk to anyone (feelings of shame can come up with self-judgment of seeing anxiety as a weakness), and possibly feeling out of control and helpless.
Chronic pain: Can sometimes show up as a protector part. I am referring to pain that has been fully investigated with blood work, scans, and possibly a specialist involved, that has no medical diagnosis or treatment. This manager part is showing up with the “protection” of pain, creating limits in life (keeping you small and safe), with less socializing, draining your energy in fighting with it, and trying to seek reasons and help for it. This could be unresolved trauma, especially if there is no medical diagnosis or explanation for the pain.
Social Situations: When your boss approaches you at work, you become extremely anxious because he reminds you of your angry father. A younger part takes over, becoming a powerless 5-year-old, losing all ability to talk.
What to Expect During our IFS Session:
When people come to me, they often have exhausted all other options. I use IFS in a somatic way, supporting some settling and body awareness, then I offer (with permission) to become a mediator. In IFS, we practice turning gently towards parts (instead of rejecting) to befriend, update them, get to know their fears, and offer them the love and acceptance that they did not receive. Sometimes people do not have a sense of differentiation between parts and Self and will need several sessions.
Results: greater clarity, compassion, connection to self and others, and confidence in being able to come into Self energy with more ease. You will have greater vitality, energy, and more capacity for life stressors.as well as the skills to be with your parts without them taking over your system.
Contact me for a 20 minute free consultation.
Located out of Kelowna, BC, I provide in-person appointments to Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton and surrounding communities. I also provide on-line appointments to clients across Canada.