The experience of being stuck or absorbed by intense emotion is often the result of internal “parts” that have become polarized pulling us in two different directions. Internal Family Systems is a process of getting in touch with these limited “inner selves” that protect us from perceived harm and those parts that have unmet human needs carried over from the past. The process of IFS works to gently transform the parts self defeating behavior into something life supporting by becoming familiar with what it means to move from a centered, clear and compassionate Self and let go of burdens from the past.
IFS relies on active imagination in which mindfulness is engaged to cultivate a centered Self, an observing position that is calm, creative, connected, clear, courageous, congruent, and compassionate. From a centered Self, we reflect on triggered situations and observe a part of ourselves separately so we can understand its function. Our subpersonalities have their own beliefs, memories, feelings and motivations. The healing process involves getting to know their sense of danger and perception of the situation, using the senses to notice how the parts feel in the body. By befriending parts, we allow them to put down their exaggerated sense of danger and distorted perception, and instead work in concert to access formative events and transform their meaning by relieving their burden.