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Today we head over to the UK and chat with Caroline Dunne - An Internal Family Systems Practitioner.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is a therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz in the 1980s. It is a form of psychotherapy that integrates systemic, psychodynamic, and experiential components to help individuals understand and navigate their internal emotional systems. The central concept of IFS is the idea that individuals have multiple "parts" within themselves, each with its own unique thoughts, feelings, and roles.

In the Internal Family Systems model, these parts are categorised into three main types:

1. Managers: These parts take charge and try to keep the individual safe by controlling emotions and situations. They often manifest as perfectionism, rigidity, or self-criticism.
2. Exiles: These are the younger, vulnerable parts that carry emotional pain and traumatic memories. Exiles may be pushed away or suppressed to protect the individual from experiencing overwhelming emotions.
3. Firefighters: These parts emerge in response to the emotional distress caused by the exiles. They seek to distract or numb the person through impulsive behaviors, addictions, or other coping mechanisms.

The goal of IFS therapy is to help individuals develop a compassionate and curious relationship with their internal parts. By understanding and acknowledging these parts, individuals can work towards creating harmony and balance within themselves. The therapist guides clients through a process of self-discovery, facilitating communication between different parts and promoting healing and integration.

IFS is often used to address a variety of mental health concerns, including trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. The approach has gained popularity for its emphasis on fostering self-compassion and internal cooperation.

We also do a bit of a demo using me as a guinea pig so you can hear what IFS is all about.

If you would like to contact Caroline you can reach out to her on:
Instagram: @fresh.and.air
Website: www.freshairand.com

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