Counselling, IFS Therapy in Stevenage and Online
Hertfordshire, UK
Internal Family Systems
Do you ever feel like different parts of you are in conflict?
Perhaps one part wants to take risks and pursue dreams, while another holds you back out of fear. Maybe you struggle with self-criticism or find yourself repeating patterns that you know aren't helpful. These experiences often stem from how our system holds onto past hurts and traumas. You see, trauma isn't just about the events we've experienced – it's about how these experiences get stored in our body and mind, creating protective patterns that once helped us survive but may now hold us back.
What is trauma? It is a - "wound that happens inside a person as a result of what happens to them". (G. Mate)
Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is a powerful trauma modality that helps you gently release this grip of the past. If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or at odds with yourself, IFS might be the key to unlocking inner peace and personal growth, helping your system finally feel safe enough to let go.
"Whatever triggers you also reveals what you need to heal."
What is Internal Family Systems Therapy?
IFS therapy is a powerful and innovative approach to healing and self-discovery. At its core, IFS recognises that our minds are naturally made up of different parts or subpersonalities. Each of these parts has its perspectives, feelings, and beliefs. They're all trying to help us, even if their methods sometimes cause problems.
In IFS, we work with three main types of parts:
Exiles: These parts hold painful memories and emotions, often from past traumas or difficult experiences.
Managers: These parts try to keep us functioning and protect us from pain, often through control or perfectionism.
Firefighters: These parts react quickly to emotional distress, often through impulsive behaviours.
The aim of IFS therapy is to help clients connect with and heal their wounded parts. How is this done? By gently visiting and revisiting those parts. When we approach them with compassion and understanding, the protective parts can let go of the extreme roles they've taken on, and trust begins to grow. Over time, old survival strategies start to soften and relax, allowing us to release past burdens. This process also helps us connect with our core Self – that manifests through compassion, curiosity, clarity, courage, creativity, consistency, connectedness, and confidence. It's a healing energy that gives us a sense of self-leadership, helping us become more integrated and self-aware.
How IFS Works
In our IFS sessions, we'll work together to:
- Identify and understand your different parts
- Help your parts feel heard and acknowledged
- Unburden parts carrying pain from past experiences
- Strengthen your connection to your core Self
- Create harmony among your parts
This process is gentle yet powerful. We move at a pace that feels safe for you, always respecting your parts and their intentions.
"You survived the abuse. You are going to survive the recovery."
Benefits of IFS Therapy
IFS can help with a wide range of issues, including:
- Anxiety and depression
- Trauma and PTSD
- Relationship difficulties
- Low self-esteem
- Addictive behaviours
- Eating disorders
- Chronic pain and other physical symptoms
"Take a moment to appreciate how much you have grown since the event you thought would break you."
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
If you're curious about IFS and how it might help you, I'm here to guide you on this transformative journey. Whether you're dealing with specific issues or simply want to know yourself better, IFS offers a path to healing and growth.
Let's take the first step together. Contact me today for a free 30-minute consultation. We can discuss how IFS might benefit you and answer any questions you have about the process.
Remember, the way to healing and harmony is within you. I'm here to help you find it.
"The path to wholeness is through inner integration, not suppression."