Internal Family Systems

What is IFS?

Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy is a compassionate and evidence-based approach that helps individuals understand and harmonise the different parts of their inner world. Originally developed to address trauma, IFS is now widely used to treat a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. This method promotes self-awareness and self-compassion by guiding you to explore and heal the parts of yourself that may feel conflicted or overwhelmed.

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What is IFS used to treat?

Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is used to treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including:

- By addressing inner conflicts and promoting emotional integration, IFS helps individuals manage overwhelming emotions and negative thought patterns.
- IFS facilitates the healing of trauma by helping clients process painful memories and the emotional burdens carried by different parts of themselves.
- IFS helps individuals connect with their true selves, fostering greater self-compassion and confidence.
- By improving internal harmony, IFS can support healthier communication and emotional dynamics within relationships.
- IFS provides a compassionate framework for processing grief, allowing individuals to navigate complex emotions with greater ease.
- IFS helps address the underlying emotional pain or parts that may be driving addictive behaviors, fostering healing and recovery.

How Does IFS Therapy Work?

IFS therapy gently invites you to explore the different parts of yourself, each representing emotions, thoughts, and past experiences. These parts often develop as protective mechanisms in response to trauma or difficult life events. For example, you may have a part that feels anxious and overprotective, a part that carries sadness or shame, or a part that feels disconnected or numb due to past hurts.

In a safe and compassionate space, your therapist will guide you to connect with these parts, allowing you to access your inner "Self" — the wise, loving, and centred part of you. For instance, you might discover a part of you that has been holding onto old grief and gently invite it to share its pain, with your compassionate Self offering love and understanding.

Through this healing process, parts that have been stuck in old patterns can release their burdens, whether it’s a fear of failure, a defensive wall built to protect you, or an inner critic that undermines your confidence. This allows for a more harmonious relationship with yourself and greater emotional balance. Over time, IFS helps you heal from issues like anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges by fostering greater self-awareness, compassion, and acceptance of all parts of who you are.

What Does an IFS Session Look Like?

An Internal Family Systems (IFS) session typically lasts 60-90 minutes and is conducted by a trained therapist. During the session, your therapist will guide you through a process of gently exploring your internal "parts." You’ll be encouraged to connect with different aspects of your personality, such as protectors or vulnerable exiles, and communicate with them from a place of curiosity and compassion. The therapist helps you unburden these parts, allowing for emotional healing and fostering a sense of internal harmony. Sessions are tailored to your progress and can vary in number based on individual needs.

The session begins with your therapist helping you feel grounded and relaxed. This allows you to feel safe and present, so you can fully engage in the process. Your therapist will also take some time to understand the issues you're currently facing, whether they are related to emotions, relationships, or unresolved past experiences.
Together with your therapist, you'll begin identifying different "parts" of yourself that are present in the moment. These could be parts that feel anxious, ashamed, angry, or protective, for example. You’ll be encouraged to connect with these parts, allowing them to express their thoughts and emotions. The therapist may ask open-ended questions to help you better understand the role or function of each part, fostering curiosity rather than judgment.
The therapist will guide you to engage with these parts from your core "Self"—a compassionate and wise aspect of you that is always present. The Self is capable of healing, offering empathy, and listening with understanding. When you're connected with your Self, the parts can feel safe to share their deepest concerns and pain. This step creates an internal dialogue between your Self and the parts that need attention.
Once you’ve established a connection with your parts, your therapist may guide you through a process of healing. This may involve comforting a wounded part, encouraging it to release old emotions, or inviting it to let go of beliefs that no longer serve you. The goal is to help these parts shift from roles of protection or distress to roles that are more supportive and nurturing.
After healing, your therapist will help you bring the different parts into a more harmonious relationship with each other. This may involve reimagining how the parts interact or how they can work together toward your greater well-being. The therapist may ask how these parts feel now, and whether they are ready to integrate their insights into your broader sense of self.
The session will conclude with grounding techniques that help you return to a calm and balanced state. This might include breathwork or visualisation, ensuring that you leave the session feeling stable and centred. Your therapist will also help you reflect on what you’ve experienced, ensuring that any emotional shifts are understood and integrated.
Finally, there’s a reflective space for you to discuss any feelings or insights you’ve had during the session. You’ll have the opportunity to share how the experience felt and what changes you noticed within yourself. The therapist will offer guidance on how to continue the healing process between sessions, empowering you to stay connected to your Self and the work you’ve done.

Who is IFS suitable for?

Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is suitable for individuals seeking to deepen their self-awareness and improve emotional regulation. It is particularly effective for those struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges. IFS is beneficial for anyone willing to explore their inner world and engage in a compassionate dialogue with their various parts. This approach can be helpful for individuals at any stage of personal growth, whether they are new to therapy or have prior experience.

Who is IFS not suitable for?

IFS therapy may not be suitable for individuals currently experiencing severe psychosis, active substance abuse issues, or those who are not ready to engage in introspective work. Additionally, individuals in crisis or requiring immediate stabilisation may need different therapeutic interventions. It’s important to consult with a qualified mental health professional to determine the most appropriate treatment approach based on individual circumstances and needs.

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Our Perth-Based IFS Therapists

Meet our qualified counsellors, each with unique specialties, and knowledge. You can choose one of our therapists intuitively, or if you'd prefer, we can match you with your best-fit therapist with a personal recommendation.

Viola Prinz
Registered Counsellor

Viola is a warm and compassionate therapist who creates a gentle, calming atmosphere where you can go at your own pace. In her therapy room, there is no rush—she will meet you where you are, allowing you to be yourself without pressure. Viola’s approach is collaborative, helping you discover your insights and internal guidance, so you can build the confidence to thrive beyond our sessions.

Learn more about Viola

Jo Bealey
Registered Counsellor

Jo is a qualified psychotherapist, with extensive specialist training. She supports women, mums, new parents, couples, and young families using EMDR, emotion-focused, and attachment therapies. Jo helps couples reconnect and overcome life stresses to rediscover their emotional bonds, providing holistic support for stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues.

Learn more about Jo

Kylie’s approach is warm, non-judgemental and trauma-informed, with a deep respect for all the parts that have helped you cope on your journey here. Over the past 5 years, Kylie has worked with individuals, families, and groups in community clinics, private practice, and hospital (in-patient and day-patient) settings. Kylie has gained so many invaluable insights into such diverse experiences of mental health.

Kylie Grills
Registered Psychologist

Learn more about Kylie

Jen is a warm, non-judgmental therapist who integrates various therapeutic modalities, including Mindful/ Compassion/ Somatic Self-Inquiry, CBT, EMDR, and Mindfulness, to foster self-compassion and resilience. She creates a safe space for clients to explore their inner worlds. Jen is also a sexologist with a Masters Degree in Sexology.

Jen Vellios
Registered Psychologist

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IFS at Gabriella de Mori & Co.

At Gabriella de Mori & Co, IFS therapy is provided by trained therapists in a supportive, safe environment. Your therapist may suggest IFS if it suits your needs, explaining the process beforehand. This evidence-based method is used to help clients address mental health issues and build emotional strength.

You can discuss trying IFS with your therapist or book a session directly.

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