IFS is the common abbreviation for “Internal Family Systems,” a therapeutic model that views the mind as made up of various subpersonalities or “Parts.” Increasing Self Leadership through the 8 Cs and supporting these parts is a fundamental aspect of IFS.
I was drawn to and trained in Internal Family Systems in 2010 & 2011. Since then, interest in this model has skyrocketed, making it nearly impossible for many providers to secure training spots. I’m so grateful I was able to invest when I did!
In addition to completing Level 1 & Level 2 via the IFS Institute, I have also been coaching with Tanner Wallace in her close proximity coaching containers since 2022. In October 2024, I will continue my mentorship with Tanner in the Diamond Circle cohort of the CPTSD Medicine Protocol.
My work with Tanner has deepened and refined my understanding of using the IFS model to guide fellow survivors, decreasing frustration and calibrating to the specific needs of those with CPTSD.
The goal of IFS Parts Work is to help you find, connect with, & assist parts of yourself that carry beliefs, burdens, strategies, emotions, and energies that detract from your connection to Self and Source:
Interestingly, the frequency of wounded and protective parts corresponds to the 5 Fs of the Autonomic Nervous System: fight, flight, freeze, fawn, and friend. Noticing a nervous system activation is an excellent opportunity for a “parts” check: “Who is here, and what do they need?”
If you’re curious to know more about the healing of the Autonomic Nervous System, you can learn more here.
I encourage you to be curious about how & when your parts relate to each other. What parts work together to protect or soothe? Which parts are in conflict?
The truth of CPTSD is that your internal world will be more complex & this can be overwhelming to understand and work through, especially at first. You may struggle with conflicted and/or complex Parts interactions which contribute to doubt, uncertainty, & decision-making challenges.
While every person & their inner system is unique, common patterns exist among parts. Parts work and increasing Self Leadership can benefit anyone on a recovery journey. For CPTSD recovery, parts work is foundational. For many survivors and cycle breakers, combining Parts Work with lineage journeys can elevate your recovery experience (see blog on lineage journey).
Having an IFS guide is critical at every stage of CPTSD recovery, and I would be honored to be yours. Contact me to schedule your first session and RESET!
To learn more about my professional training and personal development using IFS for CPTSD, visit: