Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a compassionate, evidence-based approach to psychotherapy that helps people better understand and heal the different “parts” of themselves.
What difficulties can IFS help with?
IFS is used to support a wide range of mental health and emotional challenges, including:
- Anxiety and panic
- Depression and low mood
- Trauma and PTSD (including complex trauma)
- Difficult family or relational dynamics
- Self-criticism and low self-esteem
- Grief and loss
- Addictive or compulsive behaviours
- Feeling “stuck” or overwhelmed
- Inner conflict or self-sabotage
How does IFS work?
In IFS, your psychologist supports you in building a curious, non-judgmental relationship with your internal world. Rather than trying to get rid of symptoms or change behaviours directly, IFS explores the underlying parts of you that hold certain beliefs, emotions, or protective strategies.
For example, you might notice a part of you that feels angry, another that tries to please others, and another that feels small or anxious. All of these parts have developed for good reasons which are often linked back to previous painful or confusing experiences.
By working with these parts from a place of compassion and curiosity, IFS helps you:
- Understand why you feel or behave in certain ways
- Heal wounded parts that may be holding trauma or emotional pain
- Release burdens carried from the past
- Allow your authentic Self to lead with clarity and confidence
IFS is a gentle but powerful process that allows for deep emotional healing at your own pace.
What can I expect from sessions?
Sessions are collaborative so you do not need to come with a clear agenda. Instead, we follow what feels present for you in the moment. Your psychologist will guide you in connecting with your inner experience and help you listen to the different parts of yourself in a supportive, structured way.
Over time, many people experience:
- Greater self-awareness and emotional resilience
- Relief from overwhelming or confusing feelings
- Improved relationships (both internally and externally)
- A stronger sense of inner calm, clarity, and confidence
IFS can be used as a standalone therapy or integrated alongside other approaches, depending on your needs and preferences.
Is IFS right for me?
IFS is suitable for adults of all backgrounds and can be particularly effective if:
- You are interested in a non-pathologising, holistic approach
- You’ve tried other forms of therapy and still feel unresolved
- You want to understand and transform inner patterns, not just manage symptoms
If you’d like to explore whether IFS might be a good fit for you, we’re happy to answer any questions or arrange an initial consultation.
Get in touch today
A psychologist will then be in touch to arrange a free 15-minute no-obligation call, where we can discuss your requirements in more detail and you can get a feel for whether Turning Tides is the right psychology practice for you.
If we’re not right for you, we’ll try and signpost you to somewhere that is.
Please note – Turning Tides is not a crisis service, and if you feel you need urgent support or are experiencing a mental health crisis then it is important that you contact your GP if they are available, or attend A&E.