Internal Family Systems (IFS)
IFS Therapy in PA & MD
What is IFS?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is an evidence-based, compassionate approach to healing emotional wounds by working with your internal “parts”—the different thoughts, feelings, and protective roles within you. Instead of seeing yourself as broken or stuck, IFS helps you understand that every part of you serves a purpose, even the ones that cause distress.
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IFS therapy is used to support healing from trauma, anxiety, depression, OCD, eating disorders, and other mental health challenges. By building a trusting relationship with these inner parts—and leading with your core Self—you can create lasting emotional balance, clarity, and resilience.
How Does IFS Therapy Work?
1
Identify & Connect with Your Inner "Parts"
IFS begins by helping you notice and name different parts of yourself—like the inner critic, the anxious part, or the part that avoids pain. Each part has a role, and even difficult behaviors come from a place of protection.
2
Develop a Relationship with Each Part
With the guidance of your IFS therapist, you’ll learn to relate to each part from a place of curiosity and compassion. This helps reduce internal conflict, calm reactive parts, and build trust within your system.
3
Lead with the Self
for Healing
As you deepen your connection with your core Self—the calm, confident center of who you are—you’ll begin to lead your system with clarity and compassion. From this space, healing becomes possible, and previously stuck patterns begin to shift.