Understanding Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy
A Holistic Approach to Understanding the Human Experience
We all have different parts within us, each with its own role.
Some parts carry our pain, while others work to protect us from it.
These parts, though sometimes difficult, always have good intentions.
At our core, we all possess an infinitely wise, compassionate Self, a source of healing and guidance.
When we experience stress or trauma, our parts carry burdens of challenging emotions, memories, and feelings which affect our mental, physical, and spiritual health.
Understanding, healing, and unburdening these parts is essential for overall well-being.and connecting to Self energy so we can live more fulfilling and free lives
“If you think of these [parts] as ephemeral thoughts and emotions, then it makes sense to separate and just witness them. If instead, you think of them as suffering inner beings, it makes no sense to just watch them from remove, because that’s not compassion, compassion means to go to suffering entities and embrace them and love them and help them heal. ”
— Richard Schwartz, Internal Family Systems Founder
The Basic Glossary of IFS
Before we get started
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The unshakeable energy which contains leadership qualities such as compassion, perspective, curiosity, and confidence. The Self is best equipped to naturally lead the internal family
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Leadership from a place of Self characterized by compassion, calmness, clarity, curiosity, confidence, courage, creativity, and connectedness.
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The term used in Internal Family Systems for a person's subpersonalities. Parts are best considered internal people of different ages, talents, and temperaments. Each part has it’s unique qualities, roles, perspectives, and purposes they play in our system. Parts include managers, firefighters, and exiles.
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Parts that have been sequestered within our systems for their own protection or for the protection of the system from them. They carry the unhealed burdens of emotional pain, challenging memories, uncomfortable feelings, and our traumas. Managers often work hard to protect them from others and to keep them out of our awareness.
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Managers are parts that play a role of protecting our exiles from outside harm or from other parts as well. They have the motto “never again” as they don’t want the Self or parts of us to be harmed the way we were in the past. They are always trying to help, though when they go into extreme roles they can sometimes inadvertently negatively impact ourselves and others.
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Parts that go into action after the exiles have been activated and the first line of protection, the managers, are unable to keep them protected. Examples of firefighters are rage, substance use, workaholism, self harm, or thoughts of suicide. While they can inadvertently cause damage, they are always trying to help. Healing the exiles they protect can free firefighters of the belief they have to protect at all costs, even if it causes us or others damage.
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A state in which the members of a human system relate collaboratively, with effective communication, mutual caring, and a sense of connection.
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A state in which one part (or a group of parts) has an outsized role in the system. Imbalance is caused when there is a polarization between opposing parts. It’s also caused by parts that are so blended with the Self that we lose access to the compassion, calm, clarity, confidence, creativity, courageousness, and connectedness inherent in Self energy.
Healing with IFS can look like:
Connection to Self-energy
Self-compassion
Exploration of thoughts, emotions, and body sensations
Non-judgment and curiosity
Exploration of fears and limiting beliefs
IFS Therapy helps you:
Create a better relationship with the Self, honoring yourself for who you are
Explore a new path of self-expression and creativity
Find peace and inner harmony with all parts of self, releasing them from their burdens and old patterns
Maintain self-leadership for a healthy and connected life
Deepen your relationships with others and spirit
A powerful synergy to unlock deep transformation
Combining IFS with Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)
Internal Family Systems
Recognizing Parts: Identifying and acknowledging different internal parts.
Exploring Parts: Understanding the origins, intentions, and impacts of these parts.
Self-Leadership: Connecting with the core Self for guidance.
Healing Parts: Facilitating the healing of wounded parts for internal harmony.
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Setting Intentions: Establishing therapeutic goals for KAP sessions.
Accessing Deep Emotions: Reaching deep-seated emotions with the help of ketamine.
Neuroplasticity Activation: Promoting new ways of thinking and feeling.
Insight Integration: Integrating insights gained during KAP sessions into daily life.
Synergy
Synergistic Healing: The integration of emotional insights from KAP with the compassionate leadership of the Self in IFS.
Transformation: Achieving profound personal growth and emotional resilience.
Ongoing Integration: Continuing the healing process beyond the retreat, fostering long-term well-being.
