Internal Family Systems Sydney
Do you feel like you act or feel very different at different times? Behave or feel differently around different people? Or feel like a part of self is too controlling or out of control?
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How can it help?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an approach to psychotherapy that recognises the multiple parts within our self. These parts consist of wounded parts (past negative experiences) and painful emotions such as anger and shame, and parts that try to control and protect us from the pain of the wounded parts. The parts often conflict with each other and with one's core self. Our core self describes the confident, compassionate, whole person at every individual's core.
IFS focuses on healing the wounded parts and restoring mental balance and harmony by changing the dynamics that create conflict among the parts and the self.
What to expect?
The IFS therapist supports you in identifying and understanding the specific parts that make up your internal system. Once you identify these, the therapist will help you acknowledge your feelings about these suppressed emotions, learn how to release these feelings so you are freer to address the actual problem, and ultimately find more positive ways to manage conflicts on your own.
In the IFS model, parts often play three common roles within us:
Manager Parts: Managers are protective parts that function to control our surroundings and manage emotions and tasks to navigate our daily life.
Exile Parts: Exiles are parts that hold hurt, fear, or shame from early experiences, and they carry difficult emotions and memories associated with those experiences. The Manager Parts aim to keep Exiles contained and hidden from conscious awareness to avoid feeling distressed and pain.
Firefighter Parts: Firefights are activated when Exiles produce overwhelming, painful, or threatening emotions. Firefights aim to prevent those difficult emotions by any means necessary, such as substance use or binge eating.
IFS also suggests that everyone has a core self and a genuine self waiting to be accessed. The core self can identify, observe, and address our other parts to become less extreme, more productive, and coexist effectively.
Our core self has many positive traits, including the IFS’s eight Cs and the five Ps. The presence of these traits can help identify how much of the core self is available at a given time, and how much of the self may still need to emerge.
The eight Cs are:
Confidence
Calmness
Creativity
Clarity
Curiosity
Courage
Compassion
Connectedness
The five Ps are:
Presence
Patience
Perspective
Persistence
Playfulness
IFS therapists can help identify your parts and release the problems that these parts carry. To do so, IFS therapists can follow a six-step process:
Find: Identify the parts of your mind and body that need attention.
Focus: Pay attention to the relevant part.
Flesh: Describe the part and your experience with it.
Feel: Explore how you feel toward this part.
Befriend: Become more curious about this part and begin accepting its presence.
Fear: Ask what this part fears and what it would fear if you changed its role.
EXERCISE PARTS MAPPING (15mins)
We usually have a few main Parts and a many more less active Parts. This exercise is to first explore and get to know our parts.
Find a quiet, safe space.
To start invite self energy by evoking the 8C's: curiosity, creativity, complassion, calmness, courage, confidence, clarity, connectedness. Once you feel grounded in these Cs invite your Parts to manifest.
As we begin to notice our Parts (i.e scared part, joker part) write them down on a piece of paper. Developing our list of Parts will help valid the complexity of us/everyone and will begin the process of us listening, learning and how we can better support, manage our Parts.
Inner Active Cards are a great resource to help identify, connect with our different Parts
WATCH Dr Richard Schwatz explain IFS (8mins)
Understanding Internal Family Systems Therapy
Internal Family Systems Therapy offers a unique approach to mental health and wellbeing, blending evidence-based practices with a deep understanding of personal narratives. This method is relevant for those seeking innovative support, recognises the complexity of the human psyche and aims to harmonise internal conflicts. It's a crucial step towards self-awareness and healing, guiding individuals through their journey with compassion and expertise.
What Is Internal Family Systems Therapy?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy is a transformative and evidence-based approach to psychotherapy that recognises the diversity of the mind. It suggests that the mind comprises various parts or sub-personalities, each with unique viewpoints and qualities. IFS focuses on healing by fostering self-leadership, allowing individuals to access their core Self, characterised by confidence, openness, and compassion. People can achieve greater harmony and psychological wellbeing by understanding and embracing these inner parts. IFS in Sydney is becoming a sought-after method for those seeking deeper self-understanding and emotional healing.
How Does Internal Family Systems Therapy Work?
IFS Therapy in Sydney operates on the principle that the mind is naturally multiple and that it's possible to achieve mental balance by understanding and accepting this multiplicity. It involves identifying and engaging with various sub-personalities or 'parts' within oneself. These parts often carry the burdens of painful experiences, leading to inner conflict. Through IFS, individuals learn to access the 'Self', a core aspect characterised by compassion and curiosity, to lead and heal these parts. Examples include dialoguing with these parts to understand their roles and fears, thereby transforming them with the Self's guidance, leading to profound internal healing and harmony.
Benefits of Internal Family Systems Therapy
Internal Family Systems Therapy provides a comprehensive approach to mental health, offering several benefits that support healing and personal growth. These benefits highlight the transformative potential of IFS Therapy, providing a path toward lasting mental health and wellbeing. Here are the key advantages:
Enhanced Self-Awareness: Gain deep insights into the various parts of your psyche and how they influence your feelings and behaviours.
Improved Relationship Dynamics: By understanding your inner parts, you can improve your interactions and relationships with others.
Effective Stress and Emotion Management: Learn strategies to manage difficult emotions and stress more effectively.
Personal Empowerment: Foster a stronger sense of self-leadership and confidence in navigating life's challenges.
Trauma Resolution: Offers a safe and effective pathway for healing and integrating traumatic experiences.
Why Choose Internal Family Systems Therapy in Sydney?
Opting for Internal Family Systems Therapy in Sydney through Connecting Mental Health provides unique benefits:
Access to Skilled Therapists: Work with psychologists and therapists who are experts in IFS, ensuring you receive knowledgeable and empathetic support.
Personalised Therapy Sessions: Experience therapy adjusted to meet your individual needs and therapy goals.
Supportive Community: Join a community of like-minded people on similar journeys of self-discovery and healing.
Comprehensive Care: Benefit from a holistic approach to therapy that addresses mental, emotional, and psychological health.
Proven Techniques: Leverage the proven methods of IFS to facilitate profound, lasting changes in your life.
Personalised Approach to Healing
At Connecting Mental Health, we pride ourselves on our personalised approach to healing. Recognising that each individual's journey is unique, we adapt our therapy sessions to align with your specific needs, circumstances, and goals. Our team of skilled psychologists and therapists listens closely, adapting techniques from a wide range of evidence-based therapies, including Internal Family Systems, to ensure the most effective treatment. This bespoke approach facilitates more profound understanding, lasting change, and a more meaningful path towards recovery and personal growth.
Long-Term Results and Lasting Change
We're focused on immediate relief and fostering long-term results and lasting change. Our approach to therapy, including Internal Family Systems, is designed to equip you with the tools and insights needed for enduring mental health and wellbeing. By managing the root causes of emotional distress and facilitating deep internal healing, we help ensure that the improvements you experience are not just temporary fixes but fundamental shifts that enhance your life for years.
Contact Us for IFS Therapy in Sydney
Ready to start on a journey towards healing and self-discovery? S&B Connecting Mental Health is here to guide you with Internal Family Systems Therapy in Sydney. Trust us to support your path to mental wellness with a compassionate, skilled team and a personalised approach. Reach out today to learn how we can help you achieve lasting change and a more harmonious life. Contact us for IFS Therapy in Sydney and grab the first step towards a brighter, healthier future. Your healing journey begins here.
Connect with Connecting Mental Health Today
Initiate your path to wellness with Connecting Mental Health. Our doors are open for anyone seeking to transform their mental health landscape. With a range of evidence-based therapies, our dedicated team is ready to support your journey to a healthier, more balanced life. Explore our diverse therapy options:
Trust us to find the approach that best suits your needs. Book a session with Connecting Mental Health today, and let's take the first step together towards healing and growth. Your brighter tomorrow starts now.