IFS is like hosting a family meeting
Internal Family Systems Coaching

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
headphones with a collage of flowers

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 Internal Family Systems Workbook. A guide to discover your self and heal your parts 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!

stack of books

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!)

laptop computer with collage flowers and a cup of coffee.

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...

woman sitting in a field with headphones on her head

Connecting with Self

  1. Dr. Richard Schwartz Guides You Through a Meditation to Find Your True Self — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNuXHeIvNjA

  2. IFS ‘Self’ Meditation – Open Heart Protocol — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xa573331nEY

  3. The Path Meditation (Richard Schwartz) — https://www.therapywithalessio.com/articles/ifs-meditations-for-self-schwartz

Meeting a Specific Part

  1. One Part Meditation – Connect to One Part — https://www.therapywithalessio.com/articles/ifs-meditations-for-self-schwartz

  2. Target Part and Stepping Back (Schwartz) — https://www.therapywithalessio.com/articles/ifs-meditations-for-self-schwartz

  3. Getting to Know Your Parts – IFS Therapy Meditation — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xu566kxm2Qw

Handling Triggers & Protectors

  1. Fire Drill Meditation (Schwartz) — https://www.therapywithalessio.com/articles/ifs-meditations-for-self-schwartz

  2. Guided Meditation for Anxiety (Conor McMillen) — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4lLWsQ4ZyQ

Heart & Body Awareness

  1. Heart-Focused Meditation (IFS) — https://www.therapywithalessio.com/articles/ifs-meditations-for-self-schwartz

  2. Embodiment Meditation – Body Trailheads — https://www.therapywithalessio.com/articles/ifs-meditations-for-self-schwartz

Healing & Integration

  1. Courage Meditation (Reconnect with Younger You) — https://www.therapywithalessio.com/articles/ifs-meditations-for-self-schwartz

  2. Trailheads Meditation (Beginner Awareness Practice) — https://www.therapywithalessio.com/articles/ifs-meditations-for-self-schwartz

Centered Practice & Inner Critic

  1. Disarming Your Inner Critic: Free IFS Lesson + Meditation — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVo9oqoAxs8

  2. The Virtuous Cycle & Body Listening (IFS Playlist) — https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYavST3gksljs2OvNt1P_YQaCHxKT9zXY

Additional Creative Resources

  1. IFS Meditation by Richard Schwartz (Insight Timer) — https://insighttimer.com/drrichardschwartz/guided-meditations/ifs-meditation

  2. Gabby Bernstein: Meditation for Connecting to Your Higher Self — https://gabbybernstein.com/podcast/meditation-for-connecting-to-your-higher-self

More YouTube Options

  1. Internal Family Systems Guided Body Meditation (from No Bad Parts) — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRE67hsfH1E

  2. Internal Family Systems Guided Meditation: Getting to Know a Part Better — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mh71Ya5a-Rc

  3. Internal Family Systems Therapy: Guided Meditation with Dr. Frank Anderson — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ew2w561Ge80

  4. Morning IFS Meditation to Check in with Parts — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkeRrHbCukM