IFS Therapy: What It Is, How It Works, and What You Can Expect
A compassionate, evidence-informed approach to healing that helps you work with — not against — your inner parts.
What Is Internal Family Systems (IFS)?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is a respectful, collaborative model that understands the mind as a system of parts—like inner managers, firefighters, and exiles—organized around a compassionate core called Self. Instead of trying to erase feelings or behaviors, IFS helps you build a trusting relationship with each part so it can relax and heal.
- Parts: sub-personalities that carry specific roles, feelings, and beliefs.
- Self: your steady center marked by the 8 C’s (calm, curiosity, clarity, compassion, confidence, courage, creativity, connectedness).
- Goal: restore Self-leadership so parts feel safe, less extreme, and more collaborative.