Internal Family Systems Therapist in Chicago
Are you looking for an Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist in Chicago? Hoping to find a psychotherapist who can help you better understand the different parts of yourself? Have you heard that IFS encourages whole person integration?
If the answer is yes, you have landed on the right page.
IFS, sometimes referred to as “parts therapy”, operates on the belief that your feelings, emotions, and actions come from learned behaviors. Sometimes, your response to a situation comes from deep inside, like the unconscious. In IFS therapy, this is called a “part”.
And the cool thing is “parts” often have names. When you engage in IFS therapy, you explore your different parts in a non-judgmental way while moving about the goal of integration. There is no such thing as a bad part.
By working with an IFS therapist, you can learn to better understand yourself while strengthening your core. Rather than act on impulse, IFS allows you to assess what part of you is present and create observational distance with curiosity.
What is Internal Family System Therapy?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is a therapeutic modality that recognizes the complexity of the human mind by acknowledging the presence of different internal parts.
These parts represent distinct aspects of an individual’s personality, each with its own thoughts, emotions, and beliefs. IFS therapy aims to foster an internal system of harmony and balance among these parts, promoting self-discovery, healing, and personal growth.
For greater insight into IFS therapy, we’ve included an explainer video a bit further below. For now, let’s explore what IFS can be used to treat.
What Can IFS Be Used To Treat?
- Trauma Recovery: IFS therapy is highly effective in addressing trauma-related issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex trauma, and childhood abuse. By creating a safe space for trauma survivors, IFS therapy helps individuals explore and heal the wounded parts, fostering integration and reducing the impact of traumatic experiences.
- Anxiety and Depression: IFS therapy can be beneficial in treating anxiety and depression by helping individuals identify and address the underlying causes of these conditions. By developing a compassionate relationship with anxious or depressed parts, individuals can better understand and regulate their emotions, leading to improved mental well-being.
- Relationship Issues: Internal conflicts within individuals often manifest in challenging relationships. IFS therapy provides a framework for resolving inner conflicts and developing healthier relationships. By understanding and working with different parts involved in relational dynamics, individuals can cultivate empathy, effective communication, and stronger connections with others.
- Self-Esteem and Self-Worth: IFS therapy helps individuals build a deeper sense of self-compassion and self-acceptance. By exploring and healing wounded parts that contribute to low self-esteem, individuals can develop a healthier self-image and improved self-worth.
- Phobias and Panic: IFS may help you to understand an early reaction you had to a person, place, thing, or situation and create a different response when in the presence of the feared stimuli. IFS may also be useful in working through panic attacks, particularly when combined with cognitive behavioral therapy (see our CBT therapist Chicago page).
IFS Therapy Chicago: A Closer Look
What Can IFS Be Used To Treat?
- Trauma Recovery: IFS therapy is highly effective in addressing trauma-related issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex trauma, and childhood abuse. By creating a safe space for trauma survivors, IFS therapy helps individuals explore and heal the wounded parts, fostering integration and reducing the impact of traumatic experiences.
- Anxiety and Depression: IFS therapy can be beneficial in treating anxiety and depression by helping individuals identify and address the underlying causes of these conditions. By developing a compassionate relationship with anxious or depressed parts, individuals can better understand and regulate their emotions, leading to improved mental well-being.
- Relationship Issues: Internal conflicts within individuals often manifest in challenging relationships. IFS therapy provides a framework for resolving inner conflicts and developing healthier relationships. By understanding and working with different parts involved in relational dynamics, individuals can cultivate empathy, effective communication, and stronger connections with others.
- Self-Esteem and Self-Worth: IFS therapy helps individuals build a deeper sense of self-compassion and self-acceptance. By exploring and healing wounded parts that contribute to low self-esteem, individuals can develop a healthier self-image and improved self-worth.
- Phobias and Panic: IFS may help you to understand an early reaction you had to a person, place, thing, or situation and create a different response when in the presence of the feared stimuli. IFS may also be useful in working through panic attacks, particularly when combined with cognitive behavioral therapy (see our CBT therapist Chicago page).
- Problems Stemming From Childhood: If you were verbally, sexually or psychologically abused during childhood, there is a good chance that abuse contributed to issues in the here and now. IFS therapy may help you to heal these wounds and create inner harmony.
Combining IFS Therapy with EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a widely recognized therapeutic approach specifically designed to address trauma-related issues.
When combined with IFS therapy, the synergistic effect can enhance the healing process and facilitate profound transformation.
The integration of these two modalities allows individuals to process traumatic memories and associated emotions while also working with internal parts through IFS therapy, promoting deep and lasting healing.
EMDR focuses on bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or taps, to activate the brain’s natural healing mechanisms.
By incorporating IFS therapy alongside EMDR, individuals can navigate through traumatic memories and associated parts’ emotions, working towards integration and resolution. This combined approach can enhance self-awareness, reduce distressing symptoms, and promote a sense of wholeness.
What To Expect With IFS Therapy?
When embarking on your therapeutic journey with Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, it is important to have an understanding of what to expect.
Here are some key elements to anticipate during your IFS therapy experience:
1. Safe and Non-judgmental Environment: In IFS therapy, the therapist creates a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore your internal parts and their dynamics. You can expect a compassionate and supportive therapeutic relationship that encourages open and honest communication. The therapist will guide you through the process, ensuring that you feel heard, validated, and respected throughout your sessions.
2. Exploration of Internal Parts: IFS therapy involves delving into the various parts of your internal system. You will explore the roles, emotions, beliefs, and needs of these parts, understanding how they contribute to your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The therapist will help you develop a compassionate and curious stance towards these parts, fostering a deeper understanding of yourself.
3. Cultivation of Self-Leadership and Integration: An essential aspect of IFS therapy is the cultivation of self-leadership. You will learn how to connect with your core Self, which is the wise, compassionate, and undamaged essence within you.
Through the guidance of the therapist, you will work towards integrating and harmonizing your parts, allowing them to collaborate with your core Self for a more balanced and authentic way of being.
4. Personalized Approach and Pace: Each individual’s journey in IFS therapy is unique. The therapist will tailor the therapy process to your specific needs, goals, and pace. You can expect a collaborative and empowering therapeutic relationship where your input and preferences are valued.
Together with your Chicago therapist, you will navigate your inner landscape at a pace that feels comfortable and supportive for you.
5. Long-lasting Transformation: IFS therapy aims to facilitate deep and lasting transformation. As you work through the different parts of yourself, heal emotional wounds, and integrate conflicting aspects, you can experience increased self-awareness, emotional regulation, self-compassion, and personal growth.
The insights and skills gained in IFS therapy can extend beyond the therapy room, positively impacting various aspects of your life.
Remember that every therapy experience is unique, and individual outcomes may vary. However, by engaging in IFS therapy with an open mind and willingness to explore your internal landscape, you can expect to embark on a transformative journey towards healing, self-discovery, and greater well-being.
Find an IFS Therapist in Chicago
If you want to work with an IFS therapist in Chicago (Internal Family Systems), we hope you consider us. Second Story Counseling has a team of psychotherapists who have been trained in IFS therapy.
Our Northside counselors are available for in person session at our Lakeview Chicago offices. You can also schedule sessions for telehealth. Contact us today to learn more and make an appointment.
References
- Jenn Pagone, Kathleen Choe: Integrating Horses Into Healing. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-19195-4.00016-9