Internal Family Systems
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a confidential, non-judgemental and compassionate talking therapy, conducted in a safe environment and is a powerful, evidenced-based approach to psychotherapy. To move well and feel good, the body requires all parts to work in harmony. The mind operates in a similar way, and for overall well-being the correlation between body and mind also has to be in harmony.
Experiences and memories, as well as beliefs and habits, create the individual. These personalised components leave an imprint on the body, with the most repetitive or significant having the strongest influence. While a peaceful, positive experience can result in bodily relaxation - conditioning the body to readily respond to situations with a relaxed open posture – a stressful experience can have the opposite effect. Stress can cause the muscles to clench, the heart to race, and stress hormones to surge, triggering the body to be on-guard and constantly preparing for fight or flight.
Through time these experiences shape the physique. With the mind not balanced and not working in synergy, the result is often stress, anxiety or depression, which in turn leads to physical symptoms such as pain, tension, insomnia, fatigue, illness as well as breathing or digestion problems.
IFS is an extremely effective treatment for all of these conditions and symptoms, and can also provide the healing solution for trauma, abuse, phobias and addictions. By providing a natural way to regulate emotions and improve problem-solving skills, IFS has positive implications in every area of life, including performance, relationships and career. IFS has also been proven to help physical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, and it improves general functioning and well-being.
IFS works by identifying and understanding the components of the internal system. We are all made up of many interconnected parts – some wounded, some hurt and some which try to protect us, like a family, making up the internal mental system. At the core of this family is Self – the space where all of the parts exist. When we are truly led by Self we have the qualities of calmness, curiosity, clarity, compassion, confidence, courage, creativity and connectedness. This self-energy allows internal healing and delivers what you seek, less extreme thoughts, feelings or behaviours as well as a greater sense of inner peace, mental balance, harmony and contentment.
Reaching out for help and support regarding internal problems can be difficult. Others have taken that tentative first step and have benefitted greatly from IFS. It may be helpful to read the case studies and further information on the key aspects of the IFS approach are also explained here https://ifs-institute.com