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Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a transformative approach to understanding and connecting with the many parts of ourselves that shape our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
At its core, IFS operates on the belief that we all have an inner system made up of various "parts," each with unique roles and intentions. These parts often develop as protective mechanisms, working to shield us from pain, fear, or discomfort. By engaging with these parts compassionately, we can uncover their true purpose, release burdens they may carry, and create space for healing and growth.
What makes IFS truly unique is the concept of "Self Energy"—a calm, confident, and compassionate inner state that serves as our natural leader. When we lead our lives from this place of Self, we are better equipped to make decisions, navigate challenges, and build authentic connections with others. Unlike traditional therapeutic approaches, IFS doesn't aim to eliminate or suppress parts of ourselves; instead, it encourages curiosity, understanding, and harmony within our internal system. This process fosters a sense of wholeness and resilience that can profoundly impact both our personal and professional lives.
As an IFS-informed life and business coach, I integrate these principles into my coaching sessions to help clients connect with their Self Energy and align their goals with their authentic values. Whether you're navigating life transitions, seeking clarity in your business, or striving to lead with greater confidence, IFS offers a compassionate framework for transformation. Together, we’ll explore the parts of you that may feel stuck or overwhelmed and work toward building a life and business that feels joyful, sustainable, and true to who you are.
IFS Resources
Stuff I'm Learning
What I’m Listening To….
Books
Past Tense: Facing Family Secrets and Finding Myself in Therapy by Sacha Mardou.
No Bad Parts. Healing Trauma & Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model by Richard C. Schwartz, PhD.
You are the One You’ve Been Waiting For. Applying Internal Family Systems to Intimate Relationships by Richard C. Schwartz, PhD.
The Wonder of Small Things. Poems of Peace & Renewal. Edited by James Crews
How to Love the World. Poems of Gratitude and Hope. Edited by James Crews
The Path to Kindness. Poems of Connection and Joy. Edited by James Crews
The Fifth Agreement. A Toltec Wisdom Book by Don Muguel Ruiz and Done Jose Ruiz
Instructions for Traveling West. Poems by Joy Sullivan
The Book of Delights by Ross Gay
The Friendship Bench. How Fourteen Grandmothers Inspired a Mental Health Revolution by Dixon Chibanda, MD
Living the Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
What I’m Reading…
Podcasts
The One Inside: An Internal Family Systems Podcast with Tammy Sollenberger
IFS Talks Podcast
The Unburdened Leader
We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle (This is where I first learned about IFS!)
Courses I’ve taken
Currently Enrolled in:
Winter 2025 | Appreciating Extreme Parts in Context: IFS, Food, and the Body
IFS Institute Online Circle, completed February 2025
2024 IFS Institute Fall Conference
Legacy Burdens: Inviting Ancestors into the Healing
Reparenting Wounded Parts: Using IFS to Heal Attachment Wounds
Working with Grieving Parts
Integrating an IFS Lens with Trauma-Informed Leadership Practices
Bringing IFS to Life with Sacha Mardou, Dick Schwarts and Jeanne Catanzaro
Redefining Restorative Justice for the Exiles: IFS in Prisons
ADHDventure: Exploring the Inner World with IFS
Freeing our Financial Firefighters
Parts Journaling: Develop the Habit of Checking in with Your Parts