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Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Do you ever feel like there are different “parts” of you pulling in opposite directions? Maybe one part of you wants to stay calm and patient, while another part feels frustrated or overwhelmed. Or perhaps you’ve noticed an inner critic that’s hard to silence, even though another part of you longs for self-compassion.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapeutic approach that helps you understand and work with these different parts of yourself. Instead of viewing your inner conflict as a problem, IFS sees it as a natural way the mind tries to protect and support you—even if it doesn’t always feel helpful. By developing a compassionate relationship with these parts, IFS allows you to heal emotional wounds, reduce internal tension, and move forward with greater clarity and self-awareness.

Developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz in the 1980s, IFS is an evidence-based approach that is effective for a variety of challenges, including anxiety, trauma, and self-esteem issues. It offers a safe, nonjudgmental way to explore your inner world and foster emotional balance and resilience.





What Is Internal Family Systems (IFS)?

IFS works by helping you identify, understand, and heal the different parts of yourself—whether they’re protective, critical, or vulnerable. It’s particularly effective for individuals who feel stuck in patterns of self-doubt, emotional overwhelm, or unresolved pain.


At Harlowe Counseling, we use IFS to support clients navigating challenges such as:
  • Anxiety and stress, helping you address the inner voices that amplify worry.
  • Trauma and emotional wounds, allowing you to reconnect with and heal the parts of yourself affected by difficult experiences.
  • Self-esteem issues, reducing the influence of critical or perfectionist parts.
  • Parenting struggles, including reparenting work, where you can heal your inner child and align with the parent you want to be.
  • Life transitions, offering tools to navigate inner conflict and rediscover balance.

How Does IFS Work, and Who Can It Help?

How DBT Can Help

IFS is a gentle and collaborative process that helps you build a compassionate relationship with all parts of yourself. Sessions may include:
  1. Identifying different parts of yourself, such as the inner critic, the anxious part, or the protective part.
  2. Understanding the role of each part, exploring how they’ve tried to help or protect you.
  3. Reconnecting with your “Self,” the calm, confident core of who you are, which can lead and support your internal system.
  4. Healing wounded parts, allowing them to release pain and embrace a healthier role in your life.

What Happens in an IFS Session?

For example, if a critical part of you is constantly telling you you’re not good enough, IFS helps you understand where that voice comes from, why it developed, and how to soften its influence while nurturing more compassionate parts of yourself.

Why Choose IFS?

IFS is unique because it views every part of you as valuable, even the ones that feel difficult or disruptive. By fostering understanding and self-compassion, it allows you to resolve inner conflict, heal emotional wounds, and move forward with confidence and peace.

At Harlowe Counseling, we’ve seen how transformative IFS can be for clients seeking deeper self-understanding and healing. Our therapists are trained in IFS and incorporate its principles into therapy for individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, and parenting challenges.

We often use IFS in reparenting work, helping clients heal their inner child while becoming the parent they want to be. Many clients appreciate how IFS offers a safe, nonjudgmental way to explore their inner world, allowing them to feel more balanced and whole.

Whether you’re addressing emotional wounds, managing stress, or navigating inner conflict, IFS provides a compassionate and empowering path toward healing.
















Why We Use IFS at Harlowe Counseling

Ready to Build a Healthier Relationship with Yourself?

Internal Family Systems (IFS) can help you heal from emotional wounds, resolve inner conflict, and foster greater self-compassion.

Schedule a free consultation with Harlowe Counseling to explore how IFS can support your journey. There’s no obligation—just a chance to see if we’re the right fit for your needs.