Coaching with IFS (Internal Family Systems)
We all carry within us an infinite source of love and compassion.
“By embracing our inner parts with love and acceptance, we release their pain and allow our authentic and wise essence to emerge”
Richard Schwartz
What is Coaching with Internal Family Systems (IFS)?
Coaching with Internal Family Systems (IFS) is inspired by the therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, which is based on the premise that the human mind is composed of multiple subpersonalities or “parts”, each with its own feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
The creation of IFS represents a significant innovation in coaching sessions and therapies, offering a new, non-pathologizing way to understand and treat emotional and psychological issues. Within this system of interacting parts that make up the mind, the “Self” or “Essential Self” stands out — a central and compassionate part of the individual that can lead and heal the more wounded and defensive parts.
In addition to its use in individual, family, and couples processes, IFS has been applied in the treatment of traumas, addictions, eating disorders, and other psychological issues.
IFS is an integrative approach that seeks not only to treat symptoms but also to heal and balance the entire internal system of the person.
What Can You Expect from IFS Coaching?
- Greater Self-Knowledge and Internal Understanding:
You will learn to identify and understand your different internal parts, including your protectors (parts that take on defensive roles to protect you from emotional pain) and exiles (parts that carry painful emotions and past traumas).
You will develop a deeper understanding of how these parts interact and how their emotions and behaviors affect you.
- You Will Be Able to Heal Emotional Wounds:
IFS facilitates the healing of your emotional world by allowing exiled parts to express their pain and be attended to and supported by the Self (or Essential Self).
This process helps to release repressed emotions and integrate traumatic experiences in a harmonious and healthy way.
- You Will Be Able to Reduce Internal Conflicts:
By working with the different internal parts, you will be able to reduce internal conflicts and achieve a greater harmony and coherence in your life.
With IFS, you will also be able to transform maladaptive patterns of thinking and behavior and access more constructive and balanced responses.
- You Will Strengthen Your Self:
The IFS process aims to empower your Self, which is your core, wise, and compassionate part.
When you achieve a greater presence of the Self in your daily life, it leads effectively, providing a sense of calm, confidence, and clarity in your everyday life.
- Your Interpersonal Relationships Will Improve:
As you understand and heal your internal parts, your relationships with others will also improve.
IFS fosters greater empathy and compassion towards yourself and others. This can lead to healthier and more fulfilling relationships.
- You Will Develop Greater Emotional Resilience:
As you address and heal wounds, you will develop greater emotional resilience. You will be able to handle stress and life’s challenges with more ease and balance.
- You Will Develop Greater Self-Care and Self-Compassion:
IFS teaches you to attend to and care for your internal parts, which will, in turn, enhance your capacity for self-care and self-compassion.
Process of Coaching with IFS
Individual Sessions:
The work with IFS is typically conducted in individual sessions. The facilitator guides the person through an internal exploration to identify and dialogue with their internal parts. During this guided internal exploration, the person also learns to access and strengthen their Self, which will be essential for establishing effective communication and dialogue with their parts and thus resolving various internal conflicts.
During the IFS work, I cultivate a safe and trusting environment so that the people who come to me can explore their emotions and experiences without any judgment. Compassion is the primary and most important value.
All parts are welcome!
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