Somatic Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy

An integrative approach that combines IFS with body-based awareness, helping people heal trauma by working with both parts of the mind and sensations in the body.

Explore Program Near You

Understanding This Mind Body Therapy

A breakdown of session flow, pacing, and the supportive modalities that enhance trauma recovery.

Best for

Trauma, PTSD, chronic stress, anxiety, depression, addiction recovery, somatic symptoms, mind-body disconnection

Session format

Individual, Couples, or Group · In person or Virtual (with adapted practices)

Typical cadence

Weekly · Session length: 60–75 minutes

Duration

Flexible short-term (12–20 sessions) or longer for deep trauma work

Often combined with

EMDR, mindfulness, yoga therapy, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Schema Therapy

Evidence base

Increasingly supported in trauma-informed care and somatic psychology

What Is Somatic Internal Family Systems (IFS?)

Somatic IFS integrates the Internal Family Systems model with body-based practices. Trauma often lives not just in memory, but in physical sensations such as tightness, numbness, or hyperarousal.

In Somatic IFS, clients:

Trusting Addictive Parts

Explore how their parts express themselves through the body (e.g., a tight chest for anxiety)

Healing Inner Pain

Learn to approach these body sensations with the compassion of the Self

Supporting Protectors

Release "burdened" parts through gentle somatic practices such as breathwork, posture awareness

Empowering the Self

Develop deeper mind-body integration, where parts feel safe and supported physically

How Somatic Internal Family Systems Helps in Recovery

Healing the mind by reconnecting with the body

Improves regulation

Calms the nervous system and reduces fight/flight/freeze responses

Deepens part connection

Allows parts to be heard and soothed through body awareness, not just words

Strengthens Self-leadership

Encourages presence, grounding, and embodied compassion

Support long-term healing

Creates harmony between body, mind, and emotional parts

What to Expect in Sessions

Somatic IFS blends traditional IFS with body awareness. Sessions may include:

Part mapping

Identifying where parts “live” or express themselves in the body.

Somatic unburdening

Guiding exiled parts to release trauma through physical sensations.

Movement or mindfulness practices

Helping clients reconnect safely with their bodies.

Integration work

Combining body-based healing with Self-led emotional regulation

Who Benefits from Somatic Internal Family Systems (IFS)?

For those seeking freedom from addiction, stress, or emotional pain

Somatic Internal Family Systems (IFS) supports individuals who feel disconnected from their bodies, overwhelmed by emotion, or burdened by past trauma. By combining somatic awareness with parts work, it helps people restore balance, release stored tension, and build a deeper sense of safety and self-understanding.

Trauma Survivors

Survivors of trauma, PTSD, or abuse

Anxiety & Depreesion

Individuals with anxiety, depression, or chronic stress

Body-Based Symptoms

People with physical symptoms linked to trauma

Addiction Recovery

Those in addiction recovery where bodily urges and sensations trigger relapse

Mind-Body Healing

Anyone seeking deeper mind-body connection and resilience

Why TruPaths Highlights Somatic Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Healing isn't just in the mind it's in the body, too.

TruPaths highlights Somatic IFS because recovery often requires more than talking. Trauma lives in the body, and Somatic IFS provides a safe, compassionate way to release it while deepening mind-body harmony.

FAQs about Somatic Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Is this like yoga or bodywork?

No. While it may use breath or posture awareness, Somatic IFS is rooted in psychotherapy, not physical exercise.

Is Somatic IFS evidence-based?

Research on IFS and Somatic therapies is growing, showing promising results. Somatic IFS blends both approaches to support emotional and body-based healing.

Do I have to revisit trauma memories?

No, Somatic IFS doesn't require reliving traumatic events. It works through gentle body awareness and present-moment sensations.

Is it covered by insurance?

Coverage varies by insurance plan and therapist credentials. Licensed providers offering IFS may be eligible under mental health benefits.

Can this help with physical pain?

Yes, many people experience reduced tension and pain through this approach. Somatic IFS helps release stored stress patterns in the body.

Can Somatic IFS help if I feel disconnected from my body?

Yes — Somatic IFS can help you feel more connected to your body by gently integrating physical sensations with parts work.

Find Recovery Options Offerings Somatic IFS

Healing is embodied. Somatic IFS helps people release trauma from the body, strengthen Self-leadership, and reconnect with wholeness.

Explore Program Near You

About TruPath's Recommendations

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.