Approaches
Internal Family Systems and Parts Work
Part of me wants to rest. Part of me feels guilty for wanting to rest. If that sounds familiar, you already understand the basic idea behind parts work.
Approaches
What IFS Is, in Plain Language
Internal Family Systems, often called IFS, is an approach developed by Richard Schwartz. It starts from the idea that the mind is naturally made up of many parts, each with its own feelings, beliefs, and job to do. Some parts try to keep us safe by planning, pleasing, or criticizing. Others carry old pain.
IFS also holds that underneath all of these parts is a core Self that is calm, curious, and compassionate. That Self is not damaged by what happened to you. It can be obscured, but it is still there.
How Parts Work Shows Up in Our Sessions
I use parts work in an IFS-informed way, woven together with the other approaches I draw on. We might notice the part of you that rushes to fix everyone's feelings, and get curious about what it is afraid would happen if it stopped. We might listen to the inner critic without letting it run the show.
This fits how I see people. Patterns like people-pleasing and over-functioning usually made sense once. Parts work lets us honor that while making room for something new.
Why It Suits Sensitive, Thoughtful People
Many of the people I work with have spent years analyzing themselves. Parts work is less about more analysis and more about relationship: turning toward what is happening inside you with warmth instead of judgment.
Therapy is held online for adults located in Georgia, Ohio or Tennessee. If you are curious whether this way of working fits you, a free 15-minute Connection Call is a good place to ask.
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