Internal Family Systems

 

What is Internal Family Systems?

 

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a gentle, evidence based approach developed by Richard Schwartz that helps you understand the different “parts” of yourself and why you feel, think, and respond the way you do.

We all have different parts inside of us. You might notice a part that feels anxious, one that is critical, one that avoids, or one that tries to keep everything under control. In IFS, these parts are not seen as problems. They are understood as protective parts of ourself.

Even the parts that feel overwhelming or frustrating are trying to help you in some way.

IFS also integrates well with other trauma informed approaches, including EMDR, and can support deeper processing and healing.

 
 

How does IFS work?

 

At the center of this work is your “Self,” the calm, grounded, compassionate part of you that is not overwhelmed. From this place, real healing can happen.

In your sessions, you and your counselor will gently begin to:

  • identify your different parts

  • understand what they are trying to do for you

  • help them feel safe enough to soften

This allows your Self to take the lead, creating more balance, clarity, and ease.

 
 
Woman sitting quietly by window reflecting representing self-compassion through IFS therapy in Gilbert Arizona

What does IFS most effectively treat?

IFS supports healing in the following areas:

  • Trauma and PTSD

  • Anxiety and depression

  • Self-criticism and low self worth

  • Relationship challenges

  • Eating disorders

  • Grief and loss

At Cooper Counseling Center, we use Internal Family Systems because it offers a compassionate, non-pathologizing way to understand yourself, one that supports deep, lasting change from the inside out.

 
 
Person experiencing calm and self-compassion through IFS therapy at Cooper Counseling Center

Benefits and results of IFS

Internal Family Systems can help with a wide range of mental health experiences through proper support and counseling. Our counselors will help you:

  • Understand yourself in a deeper and more meaningful way

  • Feel less confused by your emotions, reactions, and choices

  • Build self-compassion and a kinder relationship with yourself

  • Strengthen your relationships with others by understanding your own patterns

  • Identify your underlying needs and find healthy ways to meet them

  • Feel more at peace with the different parts of yourself and the experiences that shaped you