Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Internal Family Systems is a transformative, evidence-based model of psychotherapy that views the mind as a complex system of "parts," each with its own perspective and qualities. Developed in the 1980s, it draws on the idea that we are not a single, monolithic personality, but a "family" of internal sub-personalities that interact much like people in a family do.

When we experience stress or trauma, our internal system can become unbalanced. Much like the "frozen" memories described in EMDR, certain parts of us may take on extreme roles to protect us—such as a "Perfectionist" part that tries to prevent failure, or an "Inner Critic" that tries to keep us safe by pointing out flaws before others can. Other parts may carry the "raw" weight of past wounds, feeling as though they are still stuck in a painful moment in time. While these protective strategies were often necessary for survival, they can eventually lead to internal conflict, exhaustion, and a sense of being "at war" with oneself.

How does IFS work?

IFS works on the principle that every part of you has a positive intent, even if its current behaviour is unhelpful or distressing. During sessions, we will work collaboratively to help you move toward a state of "Self-leadership"—a core part of everyone that is characterized by qualities like curiosity, compassion, and calm.

As an IFS-informed Clinical Psychologist, Bryany will guide you through a process of:

Connecting with your parts: Learning to identify and listen to the different "voices" or sensations within you without becoming overwhelmed by them.

Developing curiosity: Understanding the protective roles your parts have taken on and why they feel they need to work so hard.

Healing and Unburdening: Similar to the processing that occurs in ACT and EMDR, IFS allows "wounded" parts to release the extreme beliefs or emotions they have been carrying, allowing your internal system to return to a state of balance and harmony.

The goal is not to "eliminate" parts of yourself, but to help them function more effectively together. Clients often find that this approach leads to a profound sense of internal peace, increased self-compassion, and the ability to navigate life's challenges from a place of clarity rather than reactivity.

Within Resonate Psychology, IFS-informed approaches are only offered by Bryany.