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IFS and IFIO
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a type of psychotherapy that identifies and addresses the different parts within us. If you've ever thought "A part of me really wants to go to this party to spend time with my friends, while another part of me really just wants to watch netflix and chill at home!", then you've been aware of your competing parts!
We all experience painful emotions, which are feelings associated with our more vulnerable wounded parts (i.e. shame, sadness and fear) and parts that try to control and protect us from the pain of these wounded parts (i.e. our people pleasing parts, our avoidant parts, our parts that over-indulge, etc.).
There's often tension between these parts, and that can create internal conflict, as well as conflict within our relationships.
IFS focuses on connecting with our true self, embracing ourselves with compassion, and healing the wounded parts of us, so that we can feel more integrated and live more authentically.
Intimacy from the Inside Out (IFIO)
IFIO is a type of couples therapy that draws primarily from IFS, among other theories. It posits that each of us has access to our own inner resources and self-energy (i.e ability to experience calmness, connection, compassion, courage. etc.), and we can learn to help our protective parts and vulnerable wounded parts unblend from us.
In this type of psychotherapy, the couple is invited into a process of internal exploration, which will help each person become aware of the conflict and communication patterns that keep them feeling stuck and disconnected. By identifying and connecting with our parts, we’ll learn to communicate more effectively, repair relationship wounds, and make room for each person's needs to be identified and met.
It’s an approach that helps people make sense of their experiences and improve their relationships in a safe and collaborative way.
Resources:
Here are a list of IFS/ IFIO resources to help you dive into it a little deeper...
Podcasts:
Tim Ferris Show: IFS Episode
We Can Do Hard Things Podcast: IFS Episode
Relationship Alive Podcast: Intimacy and Connection
IFS Talks Podcast
The One Inside Podcast
IFS and the Power of Healing Our Own Racism
Videos:
Getting To Know (Parts Of) You
What are Parts?
Articles:
Psyche
Psychology Today
Good Therapy
Books:
No Bad Parts
You Are The One You’ve Been Waiting For
Self-Therapy
Online Learning:
Greater than the Sum of Your Parts
Websites:
Intimacy from the Inside Out (IFIO)
IFS Institute
IFSCA
Meditations:
Path Meditation for Connecting with Self
Exploring Internal Reactions in Relationship
Listening to Your Inner World
Connecting with Parts and Unblending
Quick Parts Check-in
Therapist Directory:
IFSCA Directory
Phone App:
IFS Guide
IFS/IFIO Training Completed by Kristie:
Foundations of Internal Family Systems
with Frank Anderson, MD
Stepping Stones Comprehensive IFS Course
with Derek Scott MSW, RSW
Introduction to IFIO with Couples
with Liz Philips MA, RP
Mastering IFS: Deepening Your Core Practice
with Derek Scott MSW, RSW
Polyvagal Theory and IFS
with Alexia Rothman, PHD
IFIO Lecture Series
with Toni Herbine Blank, MS, RN, C-SP
Plus countless books, session practices, podcasts, consultation, supervision, articles, etc...
