Parenting is one of the most meaningful, rewarding, and deeply challenging roles we can take on. It's also one of the most emotionally activating—because parenting doesn’t just call on our skills, it calls on our hearts. It touches every layer of our lived experience, including the parts of us that are still healing.
That’s where Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy can help.
Whether you're navigating tantrums, bedtime battles, or the quiet ache of feeling overtouched and lonely at the same time, IFS offers parents a way to make sense of those complex internal experiences—with compassion, not shame.
The IFS Approach: Understanding Your Inner Family
At the heart of IFS therapy are two core truths:
We all have "parts." These are different aspects of ourselves—some protective, some wounded—that developed to help us survive life’s challenges. In parenting, a “perfectionist” part might feel pressure to do it all, while a “frustrated” part might lash out when you feel disrespected.
We also have a Self. This is our calm, wise, compassionate core. When we parent from this place—what IFS calls Self-energy—we respond instead of reacting. We guide, rather than control. We connect, rather than shut down.
Mixed Emotions? That’s Normal.
Have you ever felt deep love and deep frustration at the exact same time? Do you find yourself torn between the part of you that wants to be present and playful with your child, and the part that can’t stop scanning the endless to-do list? Maybe there's a critical inner voice keeping score of your parenting wins and losses– or a simmering resentment that the weight of parenting doesn’t feel equally shared.
IFS reminds us: all parts are welcome. Even the ones that feel contradictory. Even the ones we might wish weren’t there.
IFS helps us gently explore:
Why a defiant child might feel so threatening
Why a messy room can bring up shame
Why a toddler’s tantrum feels like a personal failure
Instead of shaming these parts or trying to shut them down, IFS invites us to listen. To understand what these parts are trying to protect. And to bring compassion to them so healing can begin—at the root.
Healthy Parenting Starts with a Healthy YOU
When your inner parts are in harmony, you will find it is easier to act from your Self-energy. This will make you a safe haven for your child and their needs– they have parts too!
IFS therapy empowers parents to:
Respond with greater clarity and empathy
Reduce reactivity and increase presence
Strengthen the parent-child bond through emotional understanding
You don’t have to be a perfect parent. You just have to be a present one! As your access to your own Self-energy grows, an increased ability to offer co-regulation and connection to your child naturally follows.
Why Choose Eckert Centre?
When navigating the emotional intensity of parenting, compassionate, professional support can make all the difference. At Eckert Centre, we understand that parenting touches every layer of your being—including the parts of you still healing. Our team offers individualized, attachment-based support grounded in evidence-based approaches like Internal Family Systems therapy.
Wrap-around family care– from pregnancy & postpartum to teens & beyond
Specialized perinatal mental health care
Expert grief and loss support
Safe, non-judgmental space
Streamlined payment and insurance reimbursement options
Flexible Therapy Options
Calgary counselling in-person
Online counselling Alberta-wide
Schedule a Consultation Today
Let us support you in your parenting journey—every part of you is welcome here.
Call us: 403-230-2959
Visit: www.eckertcentre.com
Book online: Online Booking
Email us: info@eckert-psychology.com
Caring for Families, One Step at a Time.
