Internal Family Systems Therapy

Are you struggling with conflicting emotions, feeling like different parts of you are at odds? Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy might be the right approach for you. At Eckert Psychology & Education Centre, we offer IFS therapy for children, teens, and adults in Calgary and Alberta, helping clients find inner harmony, self-compassion, and a clearer path forward.

What Is IFS Therapy?

IFS Therapy is based on the idea that we all have different "parts" or "settings" within our personality, which are shaped by past experiences. Rather than viewing ourselves as a single, unified self, IFS sees us as a system of parts, each with its own emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.

These parts form in response to our life experiences, especially during childhood. Some parts protect us, others manage our feelings, and some hold on to our vulnerabilities. For example, one part might seek comfort in food during times of stress, while another part harshly criticizes this behavior. IFS Therapy helps you understand these internal parts, build compassion for them, and find ways to integrate them harmoniously.

How IFS Therapy Can Help Children, Teens, and Adults

IFS Therapy is a powerful approach for individuals who feel conflicted, overwhelmed, or "stuck" in certain behaviors. Here’s how it can benefit different age groups:

For Children:

Children often struggle with emotions and behaviors they can't fully understand or express. IFS Therapy helps them identify their feelings as different "parts" and teaches them to relate to these parts with kindness and curiosity. By understanding their inner world, children can better manage emotions like anger, fear, and sadness. For example, a child who feels anxious in social situations can learn to acknowledge the part of them that feels scared while developing a stronger, more confident self.

For Teens:

Teenagers often face a whirlwind of emotions and conflicting identities. In IFS Therapy, teens explore their internal conflicts in a safe and non-judgmental space. By recognizing and accepting their parts, teens can learn to navigate stressors such as peer pressure, social media, academic demands, and family changes. IFS Therapy helps them build resilience, self-awareness, and healthier coping strategies for the challenges they face.

For Adults:

As adults, we often feel pulled in different directions by our internal parts. One part may urge us to work harder, while another seeks rest and relaxation, creating internal tension and burnout. IFS Therapy helps adults identify these conflicting parts, understand their origins, and foster a sense of self-compassion. This approach can assist with managing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, and more. By integrating these parts, adults can find greater emotional balance and move toward a life that aligns with their true values.

What to Expect During IFS Therapy Sessions

In IFS Therapy sessions at Eckert Centre, our therapists guide you through a process of:

1. Identifying Your Parts: We help you explore the different "parts" within you that may be contributing to emotional struggles. For example, you might have a part that seeks comfort through overeating and another that feels shame afterward.
2. Creating Compassion: We teach you to approach each part with curiosity and compassion. This understanding reduces internal conflict and opens the door for healing.
3. Integration: The goal of IFS Therapy is to integrate these parts, allowing you to feel more unified and in control. By fostering self-acceptance, you can work toward becoming your most authentic self.
4. Healing the Past: Through this process, you can heal past wounds and move forward with a clearer, more compassionate sense of self.

IFS Therapy doesn’t see any part of you as “bad” or “wrong.” Instead, it encourages you to appreciate how each part is trying to help you, even if its methods seem counterproductive. With time, each part will have the opprotunity to move out of their extreme role into a preferred role that supports you in living with confidence, compassion, curosity, and clear thinking.

Examples of IFS in Real Life

• Struggling with Self-Criticism: Imagine a person who often feels they are "not good enough." In IFS Therapy, we explore the part that holds this belief, which may stem from childhood experiences of harsh criticism. Another part might try to cope by overachieving or avoiding challenges. By understanding these parts and their motivations, the person can begin to foster self-compassion and change the patterns that have kept them stuck.
• Managing Compulsive Behaviors: A person dealing with binge-eating might identify a part that seeks comfort in food during stress. Another part might react with shame and self-blame afterward. In IFS Therapy, we help the individual understand both parts and work toward healthier coping strategies, ultimately reducing the urge to binge and building a more compassionate relationship with food.

Why Choose Eckert Centre for IFS Therapy?

• Experienced Therapists: Our team is trained in IFS Therapy and other evidence-based approaches to support you through life’s challenges.
• Customized Therapy: We tailor IFS Therapy to meet the needs of children, teens, and adults, ensuring a personalized approach for each client.
• Safe and Supportive Environment: Our therapists provide a non-judgmental space where you can explore your internal world with curiosity and compassion.
• In-Person and Virtual Sessions: We offer IFS Therapy in Calgary and virtual sessions across Alberta, making it convenient to access the support you need.

Find Inner Harmony with IFS Therapy

IFS Therapy can help you move from confusion and inner conflict to a place of understanding, compassion, and integration. If you’re feeling stuck in patterns of behavior or overwhelmed by conflicting emotions, let our therapists guide you toward a clearer, more unified sense of self.