Internal Family Systems Therapy: What Is It Used For?
Maybe you’ve tried traditional talk therapy before, and you struggled to make progress. You might be intrigued by other approaches, like Internal Family Systems therapy. This versatile form of therapy honors the many “parts” that make up who you are.
In IFS sessions, your therapist will help you identify how important relationships, challenging life events, and past trauma have created parts that aim to protect you from pain. You’ll get to know these parts, engaging with compassion and curiosity, and understand what it feels like when your parts are reacting to stressors. Over time, you’ll work to heal and integrate these parts so that you can embrace your core Self and move forward with deeper confidence.
IFS can be highly effective for lots of people. If you’re coping with one of these conditions, IFS might be the right choice for you.
Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
After living through trauma, you might feel burdened by the pain of the past for years to come. Trauma recovery can be complicated, and talk therapy can feel like opening the wound all over again.
Through IFS, you can understand the roots of your wounded parts, and how certain parts have been trying to keep you from feeling the emotional turmoil associated with triggers.
Rather than trying to suppress your parts to avoid pain, you can shift your perspective, viewing these parts as human reactions to danger and fear. Gradually, you can heal your nervous system so that you can navigate life without relying on these defenses.
Relationship Issues
Have you ever been in a loving relationship that was marred by conflict? Perhaps you frequently argue with certain family members. Maybe you and your significant other seem to cycle through the same problems over and over again. This might be because your “parts” are clashing.
When it comes to healing within relationships, IFS can help you figure out where opposing parts are coming into conflict. You’ll learn to acknowledge where your pain is coming from, and you’ll find new ways to move through difficult conversations.
Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression are often linked to low self-esteem. IFS can aid you in digging into the causes of your symptoms, rather than just trying different strategies for temporary relief.
Sometimes, fighting against your anxiety or depression leaves you exhausted. But constantly beating yourself up for your symptoms only makes you feel worse. In IFS sessions, you can create space for these painful parts without shaming yourself. For people with anxiety and depression, IFS can provide a path to genuine self-acceptance.
Substance Abuse Disorders
Many people turn to substances like alcohol to cover up past hurt, or to cope with circumstances that you just don’t see a way out of. You might be dealing with chronic stress at work, tumultuous relationships, family troubles, or financial difficulties. Substances can seem like an easy escape, but they take a toll. Through IFS, you can address the unconscious pain that might be contributing to an addiction.
Difficult Life Transitions
Even if you don’t usually struggle with your mental health, everyone hits rough patches once in a while. If you’re going through a tough life transition, IFS can help you adapt and tap into your inner strength. Whether you’re facing grief, career ups and downs, a big move, or simply taking on new responsibilities, your parts might be reacting to your current situation. By learning how to integrate your parts, you’ll be prepared to take on the future.
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If you’re curious about the benefits of Internal Family Systems therapy, we encourage you to contact our practice to set up a consultation.