Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy
A pathway to self-understanding and emotional healing.
A compassionate, evidence-based therapy that helps individuals understand and heal the different “parts” of themselves by connecting with the inner Self.
A pathway to self-understanding and emotional healing.
A compassionate, evidence-based therapy that helps individuals understand and heal the different “parts” of themselves by connecting with the inner Self.
A helpful snapshot of session style, recommended frequency, duration, and clinical foundation
Trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, addiction recovery and relationship struggles
Weekly · Session length: 50–75 minutes
Individual, Couples, or Group · In person or Virtual
Varies (short-term for specific issues, long-term for complex trauma or deeply rooted patterns)
Trauma-focused therapies, EMDR, mindfulness, somatic approaches, family therapy
Growing research base, particularly for PTSD, complex trauma, and eating disorders
Developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, IFS is based on the idea that each person has an internal system of “parts” that carry different roles, feelings, and stories. These parts often form in response to life experiences, especially trauma.
Exiles carry pain, shame, or trauma
Managers try to control life to prevent hurt
Firefighters impulsively fight pain with anger or avoidance
Your wise, compassionate Self leads inner healing
Various approaches to reconnect with your inner parts
Focuses on exploring parts, building Self leadership, and healing internal conflicts
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Supports mind-body integration for resilience and healing
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Builds healthier coping strategies led by Self-compassion
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Often used with complex PTSD, combat trauma, and abuse recovery
Explore MoreInternal Family Systems helps individuals understand and heal the protective and wounded parts within themselves. By creating space for compassion, clarity, and inner harmony, this approach supports lasting emotional growth and a stronger sense of self in recovery.
Parts learn to trust the Self instead of battling one another.
Exiles are unburdened in safe, compassionate ways.
Managers and Firefighters no longer need extreme strategies.
People learn they are more than their parts.
Partners and families communicate from compassion instead of reactivity
Internal Family Systems (IFS) supports individuals who feel overwhelmed by emotions, inner conflict, or patterns that feel hard to change. This approach helps people understand and harmonize their inner parts, creating space for clarity, calm, and deeper self-connection.
Those with trauma histories or PTSD who wish to rebuild safety, trust, and self-compassion
Individuals caught in cycles of addiction or compulsion who wish to regain balance and control
Anyone facing anxiety, depression, or eating-related struggles who desires healing from within
Partners striving to understand each other better and strengthen their emotional connection
IFS sessions are collaborative, respectful, and non-pathologizing. Common elements include:
Identifying and understanding protective, reactive, and exiled parts.
Creating safety so protective parts allow deeper exploration.
Helping exiles release trauma or shame they carry.
Guiding clients to live more from compassion, calm, and clarity
Ensuring all parts feel supported and connected.
TruPaths highlights IFS because it provides a gentle, deeply respectful path to healing. Rather than seeing symptoms as problems, IFS views them as parts trying to help in the only ways they know how. This makes it especially effective for trauma survivors and those seeking compassionate self-connection.
Every part of you deserves care. IFS helps individuals heal trauma, reduce inner conflict, and live from their most compassionate Self.
Recommendations are based on your location and recovery needs, including the programs you've explored, the services you've saved, and the filters you've used. We use this information to highlight similar treatment options so you never miss a trusted path forward.
