OUR SERVICES

Internal Family System (IFS) Therapy

Short Hills • New Jersey • Online

IFS, or Internal Family Systems Therapy, is a unique approach to psychotherapy developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz.

IFS therapy is used for a range of issues, including trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties. It's a holistic approach that honors the complexity of the human psyche, aiming to bring about lasting internal harmony.

At its core, IFS recognizes that our minds are not a single entity but a dynamic system made up of various sub-personalities, often referred to as "parts."

Erika Hurtado, LCSW and IFS Therapy

APPROACH

Each part of the internal system has a specific function or role:

Exiles: These are parts that often carry the emotional pain or traumatic memories. Their function is to keep these painful experiences out of conscious awareness to protect the individual from overwhelming emotions.

Managers: Managers take charge to prevent potential pain or re-traumatization. They may be perfectionistic, controlling, or proactive in managing external situations to avoid the recurrence of past hurts.

Firefighters: When the emotional distress becomes too intense, Firefighters step in. They might engage in impulsive behaviors or coping mechanisms (such as substance use) to distract from or numb the pain.

Key Principles and Techniques:

Self-Leadership: The therapist guides individuals in cultivating self-leadership, allowing the Self to lead the internal system with qualities like curiosity, compassion, and calmness.

Inner Dialogue: Individuals engage in an internal dialogue with their various parts. Understanding and addressing the concerns of each part is crucial for promoting harmony within the internal system.

Unburdening: The therapeutic process involves unburdening the Exiles by connecting them with the healing qualities of the Self. This process acknowledges and releases emotions associated with past traumas.

Integration: As healing progresses, the goal is to integrate the various parts so that they can work together more harmoniously under the guidance of the Self.

We can help with:

  • C-PTSD

    Complex trauma often stems from prolonged exposure to trauma, particularly during critical developmental periods such as childhood. The impact can often times affect how you think, feel, and relate to yourself and others. You may experience emotional dysregulation, identity disturbances, difficulties forming trusting relationships, and increased levels of dissociation.

  • CHILDHOOD TRAUMA

    A distressing or harmful event that occurred during childhood that can have rippling effects in all areas of your life. The impacts can influence your emotional, cognitive, and social development. It can leave lasting imprints, affecting relationships, self-esteem, and mental wellbeing into adulthood.

  • GRIEF AND LOSS

    Grieving is a profound emotional response to any significant loss, be it the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or other life-altering changes. It’s not a linear process but a unique and personal journey that unfolds differently for everyone. Loss can trigger a range of emotions (sadness, anger, confusion).

  • DEPRESSION

    Depression is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, changes in sleep and appetite, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. It affects how you think, feel, and handle daily activities. Depression is more than a passing mood, and can significantly impact overall well-being.

  • PTSD

    PTSD can result from experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, series of events or set of circumstances. Examples include serious accidents, medical trauma, rape/sexual assault, intimate partner violence and bullying. PTSD can result in experiencing disturbing thoughts and feelings related to event long after the traumatic even ended, including reliving the even through flashbacks.