IFS & Parts Work: Healing From the Inside Out

Have you ever said something like:

“A part of me wants to move on… but another part just can’t let go.”

“There’s a part of me that’s strong, and a part that still feels broken.”

That language isn’t just metaphor — it’s actually a powerful way of understanding the inner landscape of your mind and heart. In therapy, we call this approach Internal Family Systems, or IFS — and it’s one of the most compassionate, transformative models I use in my work.

What is IFS / Parts Work?

IFS is based on the idea that we all have many “parts” within us — different inner voices, feelings, and beliefs that form in response to our life experiences.

Some parts are:

  • Protective — trying to keep us safe by controlling, avoiding, or over-performing

  • Wounded — holding pain from past trauma, grief, or rejection

  • Everyday roles — like the helper, the achiever, the caretaker, the critic

At the core of it all is your true Self — a calm, compassionate, grounded presence within you that can lead your inner system with clarity and care.

Why Parts Work Is So Helpful for Trauma and Grief

When we’ve experienced trauma, loss, or overwhelming life events, our inner system often becomes fragmented or stuck.

  • One part may feel numb and disconnected

  • Another may carry deep sadness or anger

  • And yet another may criticize you for not “moving on”

IFS allows us to slow down and gently listen to these parts — not to silence or fix them, but to understand and care for them.

In doing so, we create space for healing.
We learn that every part of us has a purpose — even the ones we don’t always like. And with support, those parts can soften, relax, and trust your Self to lead.

What This Looks Like in Therapy

In IFS-informed sessions, you won’t be pushed or forced.
Instead, we’ll explore:

  • How your parts show up in your thoughts, emotions, and body

  • What roles they’ve taken on to help you survive

  • What they need to feel heard, safe, and supported

This work is especially powerful for women navigating:

  • Trauma (past or recent)

  • Grief and loss

  • People-pleasing, perfectionism, or inner criticism

  • Feeling “stuck” despite wanting change

What Clients Often Say:

“I used to hate that anxious part of me — now I understand why it shows up.”

“Parts Work helped me feel whole again.”

“I finally stopped fighting myself.”

You Are Not Broken — You Are Perfectly Whole

IFS reminds us that you don’t need to get rid of parts of yourself to heal.
You simply need space, support, and compassion to help those parts feel seen and understood.

If this resonates with you, I’d love to walk alongside you as you reconnect to your Self — the calm, wise, grounded center within you.

Curious about Parts Work or want to learn more? Reach out. Let’s explore your inner world together.