Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy
Awareness of Internal Family Systems (IFS) is growing quickly, as more people recognise its effectiveness in deepening self-understanding and supporting healing from trauma. This evidence-based approach to psychotherapy offers a powerful and transformative framework for personal growth and emotional integration.
As you will see from the video linked here, IFS assumes that all of our minds are multiple (which is positive!) and that these parts which we are born with and make up our personality, can be forced into taking on new roles, beliefs or ways of being, often to keep us safe or protect us in some way.
As we get older and life changes, these parts may not be aware that they no longer need to respond the way that they have been and may, through good intention, keep us stuck in the past. The film 'Inside Out' ('Inside Out 2' image featured here), offered a brilliant insight into how different parts of us want to help but can get stuck in fixed ways of being.
As we begin to develop an awareness about this, we can begin to understand ourself and make choices about our life from a more informed place.
Integrating Other Ways of Working with IFS
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) explores how the way we connect with those we love is shaped by our past experiences. It helps us understand what might prevent us from reaching out for connection in the present day and how these feelings show up in our bodies. By gaining insight into these emotional patterns, EFT empowers us to build stronger, more meaningful connections in our relationships.
I’ve trained in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT), which helps couples identify and break negative cycles, offering support to rebuild connection. In this process, I also use Internal Family Systems (IFS) to explore the parts of each person influencing the dynamic and guide shifts toward deeper understanding.
Creative Therapy
Creative therapy can be a way to make space for our different parts, thoughts and feelings outside of ourselves. Sometimes when we are going through a challenging time, parts of us that are used to resolving problems through logic and analysis can become worn out or confused. Drawing, using a sand tray, or moulding play dough can help us make sense of our inner world by putting it in front of us on the outside and being able to observe it with a little space.
Online Therapy
I offer online therapy for individuals ages 18 and over. This work can be very different than working face to face, but has been shown to offer just as much value to clients.
I am qualified as a Certified Cyber Therapist with the Online Therapy Institute who offer a broad and comprehensive training about working online and all the different ways this may suit different individuals.