What is IFS?

Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is a model positing that we all have many parts that make up who we are. Each part of us has its own perspective, emotions, beliefs, and role. Rather than viewing inner conflict as a problem to eliminate, IFS sees these parts as meaningful, protective, and deserving of connection and understanding.

In addition to possessing many parts, each of us also has a core essence known as Self. When we are most connected to our Self we naturally have access to qualities such as calm, compassion, curiosity, confidence, clarity, connection, courage, and creativity.

The goal in IFS therapy is to feel a greater connection to our most authentic self and achieve greater harmony with all the parts that make up who we are.

I am IFS Level 1 trained and participate in ongoing professional IFS consultation. I find IFS to be incredibly helpful and effective for many people in my practice - as well as a great compliment to other psychotherapies, including EMDR. I love that IFS is a non-pathologizing model and built on a belief system that we already have what we need to heal and grow. With a little support to facilitate that process, it makes all the difference.

You can learn more about IFS by visiting IFS Institute.

Lauren Gastorf, M.Ed., LPC-S

About Location Blog

(972) 841-9509