Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a parts-based therapy that helps you heal by understanding and unburdening “inner parts” while strengthening your core Self—your capacity for calm, clarity, and compassion
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What is Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy?
How Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy Works
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a compassionate, non-pathologizing therapy that helps you understand and heal your “parts”—like an inner critic, protector, or younger wounded part. Instead of trying to get rid of them, IFS helps these parts soften out of extreme roles while strengthening Self-leadership so you feel less reactive and more grounded.
Who Can Benefit From IFS?
Many people find IFS helpful when they feel pulled in different directions internally—wanting change, yet also feeling blocked by fear, doubt, or self-criticism.
IFS may help with:
- Trauma
- Anxiety
- Relationship Challenges/Betrayal Trauma
- Depression
- Shame, Guilt, Or Inner Conflict
- Eating Disorders
- Substance Abuse
What to Expect in IFS Therapy
In IFS therapy, you’ll start by identifying what feels most stuck—like an inner critic, people-pleasing, avoidance, sadness, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm. Your therapist will guide you to notice and get to know the “part” behind that pattern. Rather than forcing change, IFS emphasizes building a respectful relationship with parts and helping your core Self take the lead. As trust grows, therapy may gently explore vulnerable parts carrying pain or beliefs from earlier experiences, with the goal of helping them “unburden” and allowing protective parts to relax into healthier roles.
Meet Your Care Team
Our specialized clinicians are experts in treating this condition and are here to support your journey to wellness.
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Hadas Ron-Zarki
Ph.D. Candidate, CSAT (IITAP), IFS-Informed Therapist, CST, ETT
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Rachel Jensen
MC, PsyD
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Gabriella Corsino
Intern
FAQs About IFS Therapy
What are common “parts” therapists see in IFS therapy?
Common parts include an inner critic, people-pleaser, avoider/numbing part, controller/overthinker, caretaker, angry defender, and a wounded younger part—and in IFS, these parts aren’t “bad,” they’re protective patterns that therapy helps soften into healthier roles.
What is “parts work” in IFS?
“Parts work” means learning to recognize and relate to different inner experiences—like an anxious part, an inner critic, or a protective part that shuts down—without judging them. In IFS, parts are seen as having positive intent, even if their strategies cause problems.
Do I need to have trauma to benefit from IFS?
No. Many people use IFS for anxiety, stress, relationships, self-esteem, and inner conflict. Trauma work can be part of IFS, but it’s not required for the therapy to be useful.
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