What is Internal Family Systems?

Internal Family Systems is a model for self-healing developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz. IFS is grounded in the essential idea that each of us is not just a singularity, rather we possess an assortment of capacities and qualities that make up our personality. We call these sub-aspects of ourselves Parts.

IFS-informed coaching sessions allow us to make sustained contact with our Parts so we can explore them beyond our initial judgements. It turns out that giving open-hearted attention to our Parts has tremendous value when we feel challenged by life. The benefit of “getting to know our parts,” is we develop greater facility and kindness in our relationship with ourselves as well as how we relationships to others.

The second key element in IFS is working with our parts from the Deep-Self or Wise-Self. Rather than simply having reactions between the different parts, sessions seek to have one’s Self present. To that end, a key focus of every session involves accessing enough calm and curiosity that our Self Awareness can connect to struggling parts with compassion and care.

This Self to Part connection is a form of ‘self-leadership,’ and it is the core benefit of IFS sessions. Being Self-Led is what enables healing of long-standing hurts to take place. Self to Part connection also allows us to be more attuned and capable with our day to day experience.

The cumulative benefit of these sessions is a wiser and more compassionate relationship between Self and Parts brings about a greater sense of trust and confidence. As troubled, hurt, or confused parts become integrated, we are able to live and lead a fuller and richer life journey. This is the beauty of the IFS Model, how it supports us to have a clear presence of Self in sync with its Parts, allowing for a powerful foundation for a creative, playful and courageous life.

Client Testimonials

JOLENE D.

YOGA TEACHER

The IFS sessions that I have been receiving from Jeffrey have been transformative for me. I feel completely safe under his care and his incredible insight. His ability as a parts detector and space provider has been truly remarkable. After each session, I have a newfound sense of compassion and understanding toward my internal world.

The work I have done with Jeffrey has also helped to improve all of my relationships, and I am immensely grateful for it and for him. 

NICHOLAS O.

PROJECT MANAGER

I started working with Jeffrey in 2021 due to some stress from the pandemic and work. I was experiencing the classic symptoms of fight or flight, which I didn’t know until we chatted.

Our first session was over the phone, but I could tell instantly that Jeff was giving me the tools to succeed and come to terms with my stress.

Over the past 2 years, I’ve continued working with the IFS framework, and in each session, I find an insight that gives me a new perspective on a stressor or life event that gives me peace of mind.

I’m very grateful to have discovered this and to work with Jeff.