Internal Family Systems

Unlocking the Multilayered Self with IFS

Within each of us exists a complex inner world made up of many different “parts,” each with its own feelings, desires, and ways of trying to protect us. For much of my life, I believed that every challenging thought or emotion defined who I was. But discovering the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model helped me realize that these parts are not the entirety of who I am—they are facets of a larger, more expansive Self.

In IFS, we recognize that our internal landscape isn’t a single, unified personality, but a dynamic community of parts. You might have a bold, adventurous part and another that’s fearful or protective. You might also have exiled parts that hold past wounds, along with protective parts that work hard to shield you from re-experiencing pain. When these parts clash, we often feel stuck, conflicted, or disconnected.

The IFS approach is not about suppressing or fighting with these parts, but about understanding and connecting with them. At the center of this model is the “Self”—a core essence within each of us that is calm, compassionate, and capable of bringing harmony to our inner system. By engaging with our parts from a place of Self, we can create a safe internal space where healing becomes possible.

Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, shame, trauma, or even more extreme mental states, IFS offers a way to unlock your own multilayered prison. It’s a journey of reclaiming your inner freedom and discovering that the most powerful healing comes from within.

If you’re interested in exploring this transformative process, I offer one-on-one IFS sessions tailored to help you connect with your parts, release burdens, and move toward a more compassionate relationship with yourself.

I’ve been a Certified Level 1 IFS Practitioner since 2019. To learn more about IFS check out their website.