What is Internal Family Systems (IFS) ?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an innovative and rapidly growing psychotherapy approach that has been developed over the last two decades. What sets IFS apart from traditional therapeutic methods is its non-pathologizing approach to healing, which focuses on self-empowerment. IFS believes that individuals can heal by reconnecting with their innate resources and inner wisdom.
We all have multiple facets or “parts” that make up our personality. These parts represent the different sides of us, and they often serve specific functions in our lives. For example, you may have a part that loves someone deeply and another part that harbors feelings of resentment. IFS helps us understand these different aspects of ourselves, even when they may seem to conflict.
Take, for instance, a person struggling with loneliness. They may develop a “workaholic” part as a way to cope with their feelings of isolation. If treatment only focuses on the workaholism without addressing the underlying loneliness, the root issue remains unresolved, and the individual might find other ways to suppress their emotions. IFS addresses the deeper emotional needs to create lasting, meaningful healing.
How IFS Helps: A Root Cause Approach
In traditional mental health care, the focus often lies on addressing the symptoms of a problem. However, this approach can miss the underlying cause. Think of it like trying to cut down a weed by trimming the visible part – it will simply grow back. IFS digs deeper to uncover the root causes of emotional distress, helping individuals address and resolve the core issues rather than just masking the symptoms.
Our Therapy Process
Getting started with IFS psychotherapy is simple. Begin by reaching out to us to schedule an initial appointment. Based on your unique needs, we will match you with the therapist who is best suited to support your journey.
During your first session, you’ll have the opportunity to build a relationship with your therapist, share your background, and discuss the reasons you’re seeking psychotherapy. This session also allows you to ask questions about the process, confidentiality, and what you can expect moving forward.
If you decide to continue with psychotherapy, we will schedule follow-up sessions and work together to create a personalized treatment plan. Your plan will be tailored to your individual needs, personality, and cultural background, ensuring a holistic and effective approach to your healing.
To schedule an appointment or learn more, please call Dr. Asif at +1 630 774 8316 or Dr. Yasmeen at +1 630 674 1138
Benefits
Our coping mechanisms can become problematic when they become extreme or unbalanced. IFS psychotherapy operates under the belief that each person has innate wisdom and inner knowledge that may be obscured by fear or emotional blocks. By addressing and releasing these fears, individuals can reconnect with their internal resources, leading to a profound transformation.
This empowering approach does more than just focus on surface-level symptoms – it creates deep, lasting changes by addressing the core of the issue, leading to sustainable emotional growth and well-being. With IFS, healing isn’t just about symptom relief; it’s about reclaiming your inner strength and living a more balanced, fulfilling life.