Embracing Wholeness: The Transformative Power of Internal Family Systems (IFS)Therapy
- Stacy Ruse, LPC
- Feb 4, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 20
Hello, therapists, healers, and anyone on a healing journey toward growth and authenticity. In this article, we are going to focus on learning more about Internal Family Systems, otherwise referred to as IFS therapy. This heart-based modality embeds parts of work, neuroscience, and somatic awareness with a natural attachment-based understanding that can transform lives. The essence of IFS therapy is flexible, offering trauma- and culturally sensitive practices to be more meaningful to each client and gently uncovering the magic of how to embrace a sense of wholeness.
Understanding the Core of IFS:
At the heart of IFS therapy is the concept and belief that within each of us is a multitude of sub-personalities, referred to as "parts." These parts hold unique emotions, beliefs, and experiences. As therapists, you guide clients in befriending and integrating these parts, leading them toward inner harmony.
The Dance of Parts:
Imagine a delicate dance where each part gets to take a turn in the spotlight. Some parts may be wounded, carrying the scars and weight of past trauma and overwhelm. On the other hand, some parts may have jobs to protector the client from any potential harm. It's important to help client in understanding the intricate choreography of their internal system. Be paitence and taking time to map parts, and get to know them better. The art of this dance inspires more grace, compassion, and empathy within.
Unlocking the Healing Potential:
IFS therapy invites us to create a safe-enough space where clients can openly explore, understand, and heal these inner parts. Through compassionate inquiry, as Gabor Maté coined, we unveil the stories, fears, and strengths residing within. It's a journey of self-discovery that goes beyond symptom alleviation to the root of where symptoms stem from. It's about embracing the full spectrum of the human
experience.
Integrating IFS into Your Clinical Practice:
As therapists, your commitment to growth, learning, and healing is unwavering. Incorporating IFS into your toolkit enhances your ability to guide clients through profound inner transformation, whether new to IFS or a seasoned practitioner; ongoing training, resources, and consultation deepen your understanding and refine your therapeutic skills.
IFS Skills You Can Practice:
Two core skills from IFS therapy that can profoundly impact emotional healing are "befriending" and "unbending." Befriending involves cultivating a compassionate relationship with the different parts of yourself—whether it's an anxious part, a critical voice, or a wounded inner child. Instead of pushing these parts away, you help your clients learn to listen to them with openness, curiosity, and warmth.
Unblending, on the other hand, is the process of clearly distinguishing between the Self—your calm, centered, and compassionate core—and the parts that may feel triggered, overwhelmed, or reactive in a given situation. When a part "blends" with you, it takes over your thoughts and emotions, making it hard to see clearly. Unblending helps clients step back, creating space to observe the part without being consumed.
How to Unblend:
To help your clients unblend, start by having them notice when they're feeling strong emotions like anxiety, anger, or self-criticism. Guide them in recognizing that this emotion comes from a part, not the entirety, of who they are. Language like, "A part of you is feeling anxious right now; is that correct?" gently creates separation, helping them shift out of the reactive state and tap into their Self-energy.
Once they recognize this distinction, please encourage them to take a few deep breaths and connect with the qualities of their Self, such as curiosity, patience, or compassion. From this unblended space, they can engage with the part more objectively, asking questions like, "What do you need?" or "What is your role?" The IFS tools and techniques can help clients to be present, even when facing difficult experiences, and lower the chance of intense emotions and unwanted behaviors taking over. Â
Embracing Wholeness Together:
It important for therapists to accknoledge and celebrate the victories, no matter how small, with cleints to model and encourage the imaprtance and benefits of working with challenges. Reminding clients, and ourselves, that we are all human, and we can learn to embrace the constant evolution of change. You and your clients can create a scared space of healing where they can uncover their most authentic Self and practice dancing with their parts.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, let the spirit of IFS inspire and rejuvenate your practice and may you find more joy in being able to guide clients, and yourself, toward a sense of wholeness. Allow the wisdom of Self and the intelligence of our bodies and minds, collborate to enrich the healing journey. Here's to embracing the dance of parts and unlocking the boundless potential within us all.
With love, AGLOW
Stacy Ruse, LPC
Stacy Ruse, LPC, is an esteemed Evergreen EMDR consultant, IFS-Institute consultant, and founder of Aglow Counseling. Stacy teaches a therapeutic style that is characterized by the art of EMDR & IFS therapies with a transpersonal twist, transcending the conventional boundaries of traditional therapy. Her holistic approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit allowing individuals to tap into their innate resilience and ignite their personal transformation journey. As a trauma expert, national and international trainer, and clinical consultant, Stacy's approach is deeply rooted in trauma-informed methodologies.