Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an evidence-based therapy approach that helps people understand different emotional and behavioural responses that arise in everyday life, particularly under stress and in relationships. These responses are understood as “parts” — patterns of thinking, feeling, or behaving that developed over time, often in response to earlier experiences or stress.

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IFS recognises that parts can hold strong and sometimes conflicting emotions or beliefs. For example, one part may push to achieve or stay in control, while another may feel anxious, withdrawn, or overwhelmed. Rather than viewing these responses as problems to be eliminated, IFS focuses on understanding how these patterns operate and how they continue to influence current experiences.

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In therapy, parts are explored with curiosity and respect. This process supports greater awareness of longstanding patterns, reduces internal conflict, and allows for more regulated and flexible ways of responding — both internally and in relationships.

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IFS does not focus on suppressing emotional responses. Instead, it helps reduce the intensity and rigidity of familiar patterns, allowing people to respond with greater balance and flexibility in situations that previously felt overwhelming or stuck.

For more information on IFS, click here.