What is IFS?
What is
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach that helps individuals understand and heal the different parts of themselves. IFS views the mind as made up of multiple “parts,” each with its own thoughts, emotions and roles. By working to bring balance and harmony among these parts, IFS fosters self-awareness, emotional healing and inner peace.
How does IFS work?
IFS therapy helps individuals identify and understand the different “parts” within themselves, such as protective parts that manage stress or wounded parts that carry pain from past experiences. The goal of IFS is to access the Self, a core, compassionate inner presence that can help lead and heal these parts. Key components of IFS include:
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Identifying Parts – Recognizing the different emotional and behavioral patterns within oneself.
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Understanding Roles – Exploring how each part functions to protect or respond to past experiences.
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Healing Wounded Parts – Using self-compassion to release painful emotions and transform internal struggles.
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Restoring Balance – Encouraging all parts to work together under the guidance of the Self, leading to greater emotional well-being.
IFS is a non-pathologizing, empowering approach that views all parts as having positive intentions, even if they sometimes create distress.
Who Can Benefit from IFS?
IFS is effective for individuals of all ages. It is commonly used to address these mental health challenges and more:
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Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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Anxiety and depression
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Self-criticism and low self-esteem
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Relationship and attachment difficulties
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Addictive behaviors
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Chronic stress and burnout
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Inner conflict and emotional dysregulation
Catholic Charities offers IFS therapy with trained professional therapists to help you experience deep healing, reduced symptoms and increased self-awareness
Catholic Charities serves people of all ages, faiths and backgrounds. We turn no one needing mental health care away for the inability to pay.
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Our services are safe, private and confidential
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We offer in-person and telehealth therapy
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Sliding-fee scale ensures there is no cost barrier
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Spanish-speaking therapists
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Free mental health assessments for any school-age child who is struggling
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Therapists use evidence-based practices such as CBT, DBT and EMDR
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Therapy clients with more complex needs have access to Psychiatrist Dr. Nesrin Abu Ata, M.D.