Have you ever felt like you’re torn into multiple directions? You desperately want to feel better and get over what has happened to you. You want to find healing, but you don’t want to change. And, when you’ve tried, you’ve found that giving up your coping techniques or vices to be extremely difficult. For example, you’re really stressed and very anxious, and it’s negatively impacting your life and relationships. You realize the solution to this problem is to set good boundaries with your employer, but every time you try, you wind up giving in and taking on more work to make them happy. Maybe, you have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) tendencies as a result of a trauma you experienced years ago. And, as much as you want to stop your compulsive behavior, you can’t because it makes you feel better.
What is Internal Family Systems (IFS)
If you feel like you’re experiencing a war within yourself and your mind is torn into multiple directions, then you may benefit from Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. Internal family systems is an evidence-based approach to counseling. IFS believes that you have a core Self in your mind that embodies all your best qualities like compassion, curiosity, calmness, courage, connectedness, clarity, confidence, and creativity. When you interact with your environment in childhood, you begin to develop subpersonalities or “parts” of your mind. These parts are designed to keep you safe from danger. Some parts are positive, productive, and rational. But, when faced with trauma or pain, a part can become wounded and extreme. This extreme part functions to keep you safe from harm or pain, by encouraging you to develop negative coping behaviors.
Maybe you’ve laid in bed at night and thought, I don’t know why I am worried about this, it’s silly. But I just can’t stop! This is a perfect example of your parts working against each other. On one hand, you have the rational part of your brain telling you that your fear isn’t justified, but you have a different part telling you there might be a threat and you should worry about it.
You can learn more about IFS, the different parts, and the Self here.
The Goal of Internal Family Systems Therapy:
Internal Family Systems wants you to get to know these parts. This allows you to develop compassion for them and your thoughts and actions. Ultimately, this compassion leads to healing. In IFS, we work to heal the wounded parts of your self so they can relax, knowing you’re safe from harm. Over time, they can become less extreme and reactive to potential threats.
Who does IFS help?
Internal Family Systems helps a variety of clients experiencing a range of mental health issues. IFS is appropriate for men, women, couples, and teens. However, it is most beneficial for clients struggling with:
- Anxiety
- Phobias
- Trauma or PTSD
- Depression
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Perfectionist behavior
- People-pleasing or co-dependency
- Body image issues
- Relationship issues
What You Can Expect from IFS therapy
When you meet with an IFS therapist like myself, you can expect to be heard. You can also expect to be encouraged to share everything that’s on your mind. But, most importantly, you can expect to be empowered. Each part of your mind has it’s strengths and weaknesses. When you begin to identify the parts of your mind, you will be able to acknowledge these so you can help them function better to meet your needs. After IFS, you will have more self-compassion and even more compassion for others. Also, you will feel more confident, calm, connected with your Self.
Begin Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) in Bradenton, FL
If you are ready to find the clarity and direction and courage to pursue their dreams, then IFS can help. As an IFS therapist, I can help you heal the wounded parts of yourself, so you can feel confident moving forward in your life in a way that brings you joy. To begin counseling in Bradenton, FL, follow these steps:
- Contact Forever Free Counseling and request a free consultation with me,
- Get to know IFS therapist Elizabeth and learn more about her approach to counseling
- Begin Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and get to know all the parts of your mind and get in touch with your Self.
Other Services Offered at Forever Free Counseling
In addition to Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, I offer a range of counseling services at my Bradenton, FL counseling clinic which is nearby to Lakewood Ranch. My individual mental health services include Christian counseling, treatment for childhood sexual abuse and emotional abuse, Brainspotting, EMDR, counseling for women, sexual anorexia treatment. I also offer relationship therapy services including couples therapy and marriage counseling, counseling for emotionally destructive relationships, therapy for partners of sex addicts, relationship anxiety therapy, and sex therapy. Additionally, I provide online therapy in Florida and group counseling services. Contact me to learn more about how I can help you heal and feel free.
