IFS in Cranbrook: What is IFS and How Does it Work in Counselling Sessions?

In recent years, Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy has gained popularity as a transformative approach to counselling. At Talking Helps Heal, several of our counsellors have integrated IFS techniques into their practice, helping clients navigate their inner worlds with greater clarity and compassion. But what exactly is IFS, and how does it work?

What is IFS Therapy?

IFS, developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz in the 1980s, is a therapeutic approach that views the mind as naturally multiple. Instead of seeing these multiple parts as pathological, IFS recognizes them as valuable aspects of our internal family that need to be understood and harmonized. Each part has its own perspective, interests, and memories.

How Does IFS Work?

IFS operates on the understanding that our psyche consists of various sub-personalities or "parts," each with its own distinct role. These parts can be categorized into three main types:

1. Exiles: These are the vulnerable parts that carry pain, shame, and fear, often from past traumatic experiences.

2. Managers: These parts try to control our environment to protect the exiles and keep us functioning.

3. Firefighters: These parts act impulsively to distract us from the pain of the exiles, often through behaviours like overeating, substance abuse, or other compulsive actions.

Central to IFS is the concept of the Self, which is the core of our being that embodies qualities like compassion, curiosity, and calmness. The goal of IFS therapy is to help individuals access their Self to heal and integrate their parts, leading to greater internal harmony.

IFS in Practice: Chair Work and Exercises

A typical IFS session at Talking Helps Heal might involve exercises such as "chair work," where clients are guided to engage with their different parts. Here’s a glimpse of what it might look like:

1. Identifying Parts: The counsellor helps the client identify and differentiate their various parts. This can involve asking the client to describe different feelings, thoughts, or behaviours they experience in different situations.

2. Dialogue with Parts: Using chair work, the client might sit in one chair representing their Self and another representing a specific part. This setup facilitates a dialogue between the Self and the part, allowing the client to understand the part’s perspective and needs.

3. Unburdening Exiles: Once a compassionate dialogue is established, the client can begin to unburden their exiles, releasing the pain and negative beliefs these parts hold. This process is often deeply healing and transformative.

4. Reintegrating Parts: The final step involves reintegrating these parts into the client's overall sense of Self, fostering a sense of internal balance and harmony.

Benefits of IFS

IFS offers numerous benefits, including:

• Enhanced Self-Awareness: Clients gain a deeper understanding of their internal world and the dynamics between their parts.

• Emotional Healing: By addressing and healing the exiles, clients can release long-held pain and trauma.

• Improved Relationships: Greater internal harmony often translates into healthier relationships with others.

• Empowerment: Clients learn to lead their internal system from a place of Self, resulting in a greater sense of empowerment and control over their lives.

Why IFS is Gaining Popularity

IFS is becoming increasingly popular due to its holistic and non-pathologizing approach. It empowers clients to see their parts as valuable, leading to greater self-compassion and healing. Additionally, IFS is versatile and can be integrated with other therapeutic

modalities, making it a valuable tool for many counsellors.

IFS at Talking Helps Heal

At Talking Helps Heal, our counsellors are trained in IFS techniques and integrate these practices into our sessions to provide comprehensive and personalized support. We believe that understanding and harmonizing our internal family is key to healing and growth. By offering IFS, we help our clients navigate their inner landscapes, fostering a deeper sense of peace and well-being. 

Though our counsellors do not have the official IFS certification that is required to be an “IFS counsellor,” many have taken extensive trainings in IFS to learn how to practice it in the most careful and ethical way while we wait for the official trainings to become more accessible since they currently work on a lottery system. However, all of our therapists are masters-level, skilled practitioners with extensive training in various modalities including emdr, cbt, dbt, narrative therapy, polyvagal therapy, and IFS (fundamentals courses).

If you’re interested in learning more about how IFS can help you, or if you’re ready to start your journey towards internal harmony, contact us at Talking Helps Heal. Our skilled counsellors are here to support you every step of the way.

Emily Popoff, RCC, Owner at Talking Helps Heal. Emily has become passionate about integrating IFS into her therapy approach.

Reach out for support at www.talkinghelpsheal.com and get the help you need today.