FAQ

IFS sessions involve a unique, parts-focused exploration that aims to build the client’s self-awareness, self-compassion, and greater wholeness. This process includes engaging with the client’s internal parts or subpersonalities.
The sessions will likely delve into the client’s core Self – their compassionate essence – as well as any “exiled” parts that have been pushed away. If the client experiences emotional intensity as they explore their inner world, the practitioner will help pace the work to ensure the client feels safe and supported.
The practitioner will only go as deep as the client is willing and ready to, facilitating this parts-focused exploration in a collaborative and client-centered manner. The process will always be tailored to the individual’s specific needs and comfort level.

Scientifically speaking, psychiatrists and psychotherapists like, Dr. Norman Dodige have discovered that the imagination is a very powerful neuroplastic agent. “Therefore, the work that is done in IFS, which is very much imaginary, absolutely has neurophysiological effects on neural networks on the brain and on the body. For me, it’s a beautiful intersection between psychotherapy and neuroscience .” says, Dr. Frank Anderson who is also a psychiatrist and psychotherapist. He agrees with Dr. Dodge who talks about the steps of neuroscience that describes neuroplasticity through rewiring neuro networks at the neuro network level. “I say, that all these parts use the neuro network to express themselves. And there’s another piece of science called memory reconsolidation, which rewires the neuro networks at the synaptic level  in implicit memory, which is where wounds are often held. So there’s science to back the healing process here….and when you do that kind of healing work, you don’t get triggered anymore. You are different in the world.”

Here is a link to full interview with Dr. Frank Anderson.

The process for beginning an IFS session involves a few key steps for all new clients:
First, clients will need to complete an intake form. This helps the practitioner gather important background information.
Next, the initial sessions focus on building rapport and getting to know each other. This foundational relationship is crucial before deeper IFS work begins.
For clients new to IFS, the practitioner will also ensure they understand the model and terminology. This preparation helps orient the client before diving into the parts exploration.
Importantly, the pace of these early sessions is tailored to the individual client’s comfort level. There is no strict timeline, as the practitioner guides the client through this initial phase at a supportive pace. The key is that the practitioner creates a collaborative, client-centered process to prepare the client for the unique IFS approach, regardless of their prior experience.

The length of an IFS course can vary significantly, as there is no strict or predetermined timeline. IFS is a flexible, client-centered approach that is tailored to the individual’s needs and pace. The duration is not bound by a fixed number of sessions, but rather driven by the client’s progress and readiness to explore their internal system. IFS practitioners work collaboratively with clients, moving at a pace that feels safe and supportive for the individual. The length of treatment can vary depending on the complexity of the client’s internal parts and therapeutic goals. The flexible nature of IFS means there is no single answer for a “typical” course of treatment. The duration is highly individualized based on the client’s unique circumstances.

IFS can provide a range of benefits that can improve a client’s overall well-being. By helping clients understand and work with their different internal parts, IFS can lead to improved emotional regulation and management of difficult feelings.

IFS helps clients access and process traumatic experiences in a supported way, leading to reduced trauma symptoms. As clients develop greater self-awareness and self-compassion through IFS, they are often better able to have healthier, more fulfilling relationships with others. The internal work can translate to improved interpersonal dynamics. IFS can promote greater resilience, self-acceptance, and a stronger sense of self.

Clients often report improvements in general functioning and an enhanced sense of well-being. The flexibility and client-centered nature of IFS means the specific results can vary, but the available evidence suggests it is an effective approach for helping clients make meaningful, lasting changes in their lives. The focus on self-awareness and internal harmony is key to the wide-ranging benefits.

The IFS practitioner will guide you through identifying, understanding, and working with the different parts or subpersonalities in your internal system. This is core to the IFS approach.

The practitioner will help you become aware of the various parts present in your experience. They will then work with you to explore the roles, beliefs, and behaviors of each part, with the goal of developing a compassionate understanding of how they function. A key step is helping the parts “unblend” from your core Self, so you can relate to them with compassion. As trust is built, the practitioner will guide you to engage more directly with the parts, especially any “exiled” ones carrying pain or trauma.

Throughout, the practitioner facilitates this process, helping you develop skills to communicate with and work constructively with your subpersonalities. The aim is to foster harmony, self-leadership, and wholeness within your internal system.

The specific techniques may vary, but the overall approach is collaborative and parts-focused, cultivating self-awareness and self-compassion. The practitioner supports you in this journey of self-discovery and integration