Internal Family Systems Therapy, and the Multifaceted Mind
Internal Family Systems Therapy was developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz in the 1980s. He noticed that his clients had many different parts, or subpersonalities, that each had their own qualities and viewpoints. He believed that these parts could be reintegrated into a functioning whole and that our core Self knows how to heal.
When we embody self-energy, we are in a state of being characterized by calmness, connectedness, clarity, and self-compassion. When we have experienced a disconnect from our caregivers early in life, some of these parts can get “stuck” in the past with their own behavioral and reaction patterns, sometimes overriding the Self. Their intentions are good but are locked in their younger experiences of the world, where they felt unsafe, unseen, or unheard.
Examples of how your parts might be influencing you:
Anxiety: In IFS, anxiety is classified as a “firefighter manager” part—parts that use extreme behaviors or reactions which, while disruptive, still serve a protective role. Anxiety tries to keep you small and safe by isolating you, making you reluctant to talk to others. Feelings of shame may arise, along with self-judgment for viewing anxiety as a weakness, which can intensify the sense of being out of control and helpless.
Chronic pain: Sometimes chronic pain can show up as a protector part. I’m referring to pain that has been thoroughly investigated—through blood work, scans, and possibly consultations with specialists—yet has no medical diagnosis or treatment plan. In this case, the manager part may manifest as pain, serving as a form of “protection.” It creates limits in life—keeping you small and safe—by reducing socializing, draining your energy through constant struggle, and fueling the ongoing search for reasons and help. When no medical explanation is found, this pain may be linked to unresolved trauma.
Social situations: When your boss approaches you at work, you may become extremely anxious because he reminds you—often unconsciously—of your angry father. Even if you don’t make this connection cognitively, your body senses danger. In that moment, a younger part can take over, leaving you feeling like a powerless five-year-old and unable to speak.
“Caroldean has a gentle soothing style which allowed my parts to feel safe. This has resulted in healing and recognition of their importance in my path to becoming whole.” ~ SC
What to Expect During our IFS Session:
When people come to me, they often have exhausted all other options. I use IFS in a somatic way, supporting some settling and body awareness, then I offer (with permission) to become a mediator. In IFS, we practice turning gently towards parts (instead of rejecting) to befriend, update them, get to know their fears, and offer them the love and acceptance that they did not receive. Sometimes people do not have a sense of differentiation between parts and Self and will need several sessions.
Results: greater clarity, compassion, connection to self and others, and confidence in being able to come into Self energy with more ease. You will have greater vitality, energy, and more capacity for life stressors.as well as the skills to be with your parts without them flooding your system.