At Resting Tree, we use Internal Family Systems (IFS) as one of our trauma-informed approaches. Developed in the 1990s, IFS is an evidence-based practice used to treat anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse, and eating disorders. 

In each person’s mental system, we may have conflicting and complex thoughts and feelings that may be understood as some kind of internal family or sub-personalities. These parts take on different roles, such as the inner critic or inner child, and they may be filled with painful experiences and feelings such as shame or anger. These parts may manifest themselves through actions and thoughts that are unhelpful, not because of how bad they are but how hurt they have been.

How it works 

During the start of the process, the therapist would help you identify and understand these parts, and guide you through acknowledging your feelings about these hidden and suppressed parts of yourself. You would also be introduced to the concept of your core Self, that is the essence of who you are, whole and well, with innate qualities such as curiosity, compassion and confidence, etc. Because the core Self is blended with these other wounded parts, the work of IFS is to help differentiate the Self, so that we can be directed by it again.

Besides the Self, the other parts are namely the Exiles, Managers and Firefighters. In brief, the exiles are parts of us that are hurt and hidden. The Managers try to suppress the Exiles and the Firefighters try to distract the Self from the pain of the Exiles. 

For example, an Exile may be the trauma of an earlier abuse, and their emotion is suppressed by the Managers who are perhaps masking its shame by being overly productive. However, at the same time, the Firefighter may be dealing with an addiction that distracts the client from facing uncomfortable emotions. 

In therapy, tools such as relaxation techniques, visualisation, journaling, charting would be used to help illustrate the relationship between Self and the different parts of you. The end goal of the therapy is for these parts to be coordinated, healed and harmonised as they are being led by the Self.  This process naturally allows clients to reach other goals they may have such as decreasing anxiety, improving their relationships, or healing from trauma.

Curious to find out more about IFS and how it may be able to help you? Find out more by contacting us at info@restingtree.ca or book your free consultation today