Healing Through Inner Harmony
Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is an evidence-based counseling approach developed by Dr. Richard C. Schwartz in the 1980s. It views the mind as a system of distinct parts—such as Managers, Firefighters, and Exiles—guided by the core Self. Rather than suppressing or eliminating these parts, IFS seeks to heal them through curiosity, compassion, and balance.
How IFS Works
- Self-Leadership
The goal is to access the Self, a compassionate core that can relate to and heal wounded parts. - Mapping Internal Parts
- Managers strive to keep you safe and controlled.
- Firefighters act impulsively during distress.
- Exiles hold emotional pain or trauma, often hidden.
IFS helps you meet and unburden these parts in a safe, non-judgmental way en.wikipedia.org.
- Unburdening Process
The therapist guides each part to release emotional “burdens”—like shame or fear—and reconnect in healthier roles. - Integration & Healing
As parts trust the Self, internal harmony grows—reducing emotional turmoil and preventing destructive behaviors neurolaunch.com.
Who Can Benefit from IFS?
IFS is helpful for individuals facing:
- Trauma, including PTSD and developmental wounds
- Anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation
- Complex patterns like perfectionism or self-criticism
- Relationship difficulties, self-esteem challenges
“Clients often experience a profound sense of empowerment as they discover their internal dynamics… improved relationships… significant relief from longstanding emotional pain.” goodtalkhelps.com
Proven Benefits
- Greater Self-awareness by mapping internal parts truenorth-psychology.com
- Enhanced emotion regulation through unblending and viewing thoughts with clarity arttherapyguelph.com
- Reduced trauma impact via compassionate processing and integration
- Improved self-compassion as all parts learn to relax and trust
- Resilience and relationship growth from a balanced inner system
What a Typical IFS Session Includes
- Gently verifying you’re in Self-energy (calm, curious, connected)
- Identifying and dialoguing with a part (Manager, Firefighter, or Exile)
- Understanding its purpose and burdens
- Supporting it to release old wounds
- Integrating the healed part into your system with Self leading
Why Choose IFS at Linanna Therapy?
- Trauma-informed & compassionate counseling in Coquitlam, Surrey and online across British Columbia
- Affordable and accessible IFS therapy options designed to support personal healing, mental health, and resilience
- Integrative approach—combining IFS with mindfulness, trauma therapy, and cognitive-behavioral techniques
