Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Have you ever felt like different parts of you are in conflict?
Maybe one part of you wants to heal and move forward, but another part feels stuck in fear or self-doubt. Perhaps you have a critical inner voice that makes you feel unworthy, or a protective part that keeps you from getting too close to others. These internal struggles are natural, but when they become overwhelming, they can keep you feeling stuck, disconnected, or at war with yourself.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is a powerful approach to healing that helps you understand and work with these different parts of yourself with curiosity and compassion. Instead of seeing certain thoughts or emotions as problems to be eliminated, IFS helps you build a relationship with them—so you can heal the wounded parts of you, release burdens from the past, and step into greater wholeness.
How Internal Family Systems (IFS) Works:
IFS is based on the idea that our mind is made up of different “parts,” each with its own role and function. Some parts protect us from pain, while others hold onto past wounds. At the core of all of us, though, is the Self—the calm, confident, and compassionate center that has the ability to bring healing. The goal of IFS is to help you reconnect with your Self and heal the parts of you that have been carrying pain for too long.
In an IFS session, we work together to:
Identify Your Parts: Recognizing the different aspects of yourself that show up in your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Understand Their Role: Exploring why these parts exist, what they’re trying to protect you from, and how they developed.
Build a Relationship with Them: Approaching each part with curiosity, rather than judgment, so they feel heard and understood.
Unburden Wounded Parts: Helping parts of you release painful emotions, memories, or beliefs they’ve been carrying.
Restore Balance: Encouraging your Self to take the lead, so your parts no longer have to carry the weight of past pain.
Who Can Benefit from IFS?
IFS is a gentle but transformative approach that can help if you:
Feel like different parts of you are in conflict
Struggle with self-criticism, shame, or inner resistance
Have unresolved trauma, especially from childhood or past abuse
Experience anxiety, depression, or emotional overwhelm
Want a deeper understanding of yourself and a more compassionate inner dialogue
Healing happens when every part of you feels seen, heard, and supported. If you’re ready to explore Internal Family Systems therapy, reach out via 615-510-7573 or amandawhitehurstlcsw@gmail.com to start your journey toward inner harmony and self-acceptance.
Contact Me
Reach out to schedule a free 15 minute consultation to ask any questions or determine if I’m the right fit for you. I look forward to hearing from you.