If you have never experienced the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model of therapy, the concept is probably very unfamiliar to you. It is normal to wonder what you can expect to experience during your sessions and throughout the healing process.
Let’s take a few moments and talk about some of what happens when you work with an IFS therapist.
An Internal Focus
Other therapy models focus more on what is happening externally than what is happening internally. That is one of the biggest differences between IFS and say, cognitive-behavioral therapy, for example.
Focusing on your internal systems will feel very unfamiliar to you, and you may even be reluctant to explore there. Your therapist will be understanding of your concerns and will guide you in exploring them.
One thing is for sure – you will not need to worry about your therapist going at a pace that is too fast for you. We are trained to let you take the lead. We rely on you to let us know if our explorations no longer feel safe.
You are in Control
With the IFS model, our clients are in control of their therapy, not us. Not only do we need clients to let us know if they feel uncomfortable, but they also need to tell us if they feel pressured to continue in therapy, or if the timing of exploring a certain area feels off.
Clients should feel free to ask as many questions as they need to ask about their therapy. They have the right to know how certain processes will help them.
It is important for clients to offer feedback to the therapist on a regular basis. Feedback allows therapists to tailor sessions to their clients’ individual needs.
“Parts” Language
Some clients are bothered by the term Parts, and some are used to using this word every day. For instance, they may often say things like, “A part of me wanted to come to therapy, but a part of me wanted to skip it this week.”
If a client is not used to this terminology, it can take some time to get accustomed to it. And some clients never really get used to it at all. They may prefer their IFS therapist to use words like thoughts, emotions, or aspects of themselves instead of the term Parts. That is perfectly fine. Again, clients are the ones in control, and IFS therapists want nothing more than for them to feel as comfortable as possible.
Internal Family Systems Therapy Can Help
IFS therapy has helped many people who have been impacted by traumatic events in their lives. It is a modern approach that allows them to learn how to empathize with their Parts by listening to them, becoming curious about them, and eventually, resolving the issues they face.
If you are a trauma victim, the Internal Family Systems model of therapy offers you hope for healing. Please contact me to make an appointment for your first session.
