What Is IFS Therapy?
If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “a part of me feels this, but another part feels that,” you’re already describing the essence of IFS therapy — short for Internal Family Systems.
IFS therapy is a gentle, evidence-based approach that helps you understand and heal the different “parts” within yourself. Developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz in the 1980s, it’s now widely practised around the world — including here in the UK — as a powerful method for self-awareness, emotional healing, and personal growth.
Understanding the “Parts” in IFS Therapy
IFS therapy views the mind as a system of subpersonalities, or “parts,” each with its own feelings, beliefs, and roles. Some parts protect us from emotional pain, while others carry our deeper wounds. You might have a critical part, a caring part, a perfectionist part, or a part that just wants to rest — and they often pull in different directions.
The goal of IFS therapy isn’t to get rid of these parts, but to get to know them with curiosity and compassion. Every part has a positive intention, even if its actions sometimes cause difficulty.
The Role of the Self
At the centre of IFS therapy is the idea of the Self — a calm, compassionate, confident presence that exists in everyone. When you connect with your Self, you can listen to your parts without judgment, understand what they need, and help them find relief.
An IFS therapist supports you to:
Identify your protective and wounded parts
Build trust with them through self-awareness
Gently heal the emotions and beliefs those parts carry
Strengthen your connection to your calm, centred Self
What Can IFS Therapy Help With?
IFS therapy can be effective for a wide range of issues, including:
Anxiety, depression, and emotional overwhelm
Childhood or relational trauma
Low self-esteem and self-criticism
Relationship difficulties
Burnout and stress
It’s also a deeply empowering approach for anyone who wants to understand themselves better and live with greater inner harmony.
Finding IFS Therapy in the UK
If you’re looking for IFS therapy in the UK, you can find trained practitioners through professional directories or private practice websites. Many therapists offer both in-person and online sessions, allowing you to explore this work in a way that feels safe and accessible.
Whether you’re new to therapy or experienced in other approaches, IFS offers a refreshing, compassionate way to meet yourself — not by trying to change who you are, but by understanding and welcoming all parts of you.
At its heart, Internal Family Systems therapy is about coming home to yourself — with clarity, connection, and compassion.
