Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a transformative approach to understanding and connecting with the many parts of ourselves that shape our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
At its core, IFS operates on the belief that we all have an inner system made up of various "parts," each with unique roles and intentions. These parts often develop as protective mechanisms, working to shield us from pain, fear, or discomfort. By engaging with these parts compassionately, we can uncover their true purpose, release burdens they may carry, and create space for healing and growth.
What makes IFS truly unique is the concept of "Self-Energy"—a calm, confident, and compassionate inner state that serves as our natural leader. When we lead our lives from this place of Self, we are better equipped to make decisions, navigate challenges, and build authentic connections with others. Unlike traditional therapeutic approaches, IFS doesn't aim to eliminate or suppress parts of ourselves; instead, it encourages curiosity, understanding, and harmony within our internal system. This process fosters a sense of wholeness and resilience that can profoundly impact both our personal and professional lives.
As an IFS-informed life and business coach, I integrate these principles into my coaching sessions to help clients connect with their Self-Energy and align their goals with their authentic values. Whether you're navigating life transitions, seeking clarity in your business, or striving to lead with greater confidence, IFS offers a compassionate framework for transformation. Together, we’ll explore the parts of you that may feel stuck or overwhelmed and work toward building a life and business that feels joyful, sustainable, and true to who you are.
Internal Family Systems Resources
Want to learn more?
Stuff I'm Learning
What I’m Listening To….
Books
Past Tense: Facing Family Secrets and Finding Myself in Therapy by Sacha Mardou.
No Bad Parts. Healing Trauma & Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model by Richard C. Schwartz, PhD.
You are the One You’ve Been Waiting For. Applying Internal Family Systems to Intimate Relationships by Richard C. Schwartz, PhD.
The Wonder of Small Things. Poems of Peace & Renewal. Edited by James Crews
How to Love the World. Poems of Gratitude and Hope. Edited by James Crews
The Path to Kindness. Poems of Connection and Joy. Edited by James Crews
The Fifth Agreement. A Toltec Wisdom Book by Don Muguel Ruiz and Done Jose Ruiz
Instructions for Traveling West. Poems by Joy Sullivan
The Book of Delights by Ross Gay
The Friendship Bench. How Fourteen Grandmothers Inspired a Mental Health Revolution by Dixon Chibanda, MD
Living the Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
Links above are affliate links and I might make a few dollas if you click on them and buy. But I don’t care if you do. Just find the right resources for you!
What I’m Reading…
Podcasts
The One Inside: An Internal Family Systems Podcast with Tammy Sollenberger
IFS Talks Podcast
The Unburdened Leader
We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle (This is where I first learned about IFS!)
Courses I’ve taken
Currently Enrolled in:
The Sacred Nervous System: A Relational Pathway for Self and IFS
Recently Completed:
Appreciating Extreme Parts in Context: IFS, Food, and the Body
IFS with Neurodivergent Clients (Individuals and Couples)
IFS Institute Online Circle
2024 IFS Institute Fall Conference
Legacy Burdens: Inviting Ancestors into the Healing
Reparenting Wounded Parts: Using IFS to Heal Attachment Wounds
Working with Grieving Parts
Integrating an IFS Lens with Trauma-Informed Leadership Practices
Bringing IFS to Life with Sacha Mardou, Dick Schwarts and Jeanne Catanzaro
Redefining Restorative Justice for the Exiles: IFS in Prisons
ADHDventure: Exploring the Inner World with IFS
Freeing our Financial Firefighters
Parts Journaling: Develop the Habit of Checking in with Your Parts
Meditations I Love...
Connecting with Self
Dr. Richard Schwartz Guides You Through a Meditation to Find Your True Self — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNuXHeIvNjA
IFS ‘Self’ Meditation – Open Heart Protocol — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xa573331nEY
The Path Meditation (Richard Schwartz) — https://www.therapywithalessio.com/articles/ifs-meditations-for-self-schwartz
Meeting a Specific Part
One Part Meditation – Connect to One Part — https://www.therapywithalessio.com/articles/ifs-meditations-for-self-schwartz
Target Part and Stepping Back (Schwartz) — https://www.therapywithalessio.com/articles/ifs-meditations-for-self-schwartz
Getting to Know Your Parts – IFS Therapy Meditation — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xu566kxm2Qw
Handling Triggers & Protectors
Fire Drill Meditation (Schwartz) — https://www.therapywithalessio.com/articles/ifs-meditations-for-self-schwartz
Guided Meditation for Anxiety (Conor McMillen) — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4lLWsQ4ZyQ
Heart & Body Awareness
Heart-Focused Meditation (IFS) — https://www.therapywithalessio.com/articles/ifs-meditations-for-self-schwartz
Embodiment Meditation – Body Trailheads — https://www.therapywithalessio.com/articles/ifs-meditations-for-self-schwartz
Healing & Integration
Courage Meditation (Reconnect with Younger You) — https://www.therapywithalessio.com/articles/ifs-meditations-for-self-schwartz
Trailheads Meditation (Beginner Awareness Practice) — https://www.therapywithalessio.com/articles/ifs-meditations-for-self-schwartz
Centered Practice & Inner Critic
Disarming Your Inner Critic: Free IFS Lesson + Meditation — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVo9oqoAxs8
The Virtuous Cycle & Body Listening (IFS Playlist) — https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYavST3gksljs2OvNt1P_YQaCHxKT9zXY
Additional Creative Resources
IFS Meditation by Richard Schwartz (Insight Timer) — https://insighttimer.com/drrichardschwartz/guided-meditations/ifs-meditation
Gabby Bernstein: Meditation for Connecting to Your Higher Self — https://gabbybernstein.com/podcast/meditation-for-connecting-to-your-higher-self
More YouTube Options
Internal Family Systems Guided Body Meditation (from No Bad Parts) — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRE67hsfH1E
Internal Family Systems Guided Meditation: Getting to Know a Part Better — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mh71Ya5a-Rc
Internal Family Systems Therapy: Guided Meditation with Dr. Frank Anderson — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ew2w561Ge80
Morning IFS Meditation to Check in with Parts — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkeRrHbCukM