So what is IFS?

My primary therapy theory and specialization is IFS - (Internal Family Systems, Parts Work). It is a relationally based, multi-mind systems therapy theory.

-What does that mean, exactly?

It means that our work together is centered on connecting you to your Capital S Self, and using a relational model to build trust, healing, and growth between you, your Self, and your Parts.

Your Self is the You who existed before life, society, trauma, and everything re-molded you and taught you what you are supposed to believe, or feel, or think. The Self is, in essence, who You are without the internalized beliefs and messages that someone else gave you to believe about yourself, or others. The Self is often experienced through 8 primary, or core, grounding emotional experiences, also known as the 8-C’s of Connection. They are:

Calm

Confidence

Clarity

Compassion

Curiosity

Courage

Connectedness

-What does this look like in session?

When working with clients to connect to their Higher self, we begin with a brief deep breathing or grounding exercise. I then read the 8-C’s, and then ask which one or two feel the most present today. When the client identifies it, I ask “Where do you feel that energy in your body today?” The client will name it, place their hand there, and then we focus on that energy, drawing presence to it and identifying how it feels somatically for the client. And then we move from that place, holding that energy, to an emotion, experience, story, etc., that feels pressing or present, and then explore that part together to understand them and build a relationship with them.