Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Understanding Internal Family Systems Therapy

Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is an innovative, evidence-based approach that helps individuals understand and harmonize the different parts of their inner self. Developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, IFS posits that the mind is made up of multiple sub-personalities or “parts,” each with its own perspective and qualities. IFS aims to heal these internal parts and restore mental balance by fostering self-compassion and understanding.

How IFS Works

IFS therapy begins with an initial consultation to discuss your background, challenges, and goals for therapy. This session helps establish a trusting therapeutic relationship and provides an opportunity for you to share your experiences in a safe and confidential environment. Throughout the IFS therapy process, sessions are tailored to your specific needs and involve exploring and healing the different parts of your inner self.

During IFS therapy, the therapist employs various techniques to support your journey:

Assessment and Goal Setting:
- Initial Consultation: Discuss your background, current challenges, and goals for therapy.
- Identify Parts: Recognize and identify the different parts of your inner self, including the protective and wounded parts.
- Set Goals: Establish clear, achievable goals for your therapy journey.
Exploration and Healing:
- Exploring Parts: Delve into the different parts of your inner self, understanding their roles and functions.
- Building Self-Compassion: Foster a compassionate relationship with your internal parts, helping them feel understood and valued.
- Healing Wounded Parts: Address and heal the wounded parts of your self, reducing internal conflict and promoting emotional balance.
Integration and Balance:
- Integrating Parts: Work towards harmonizing and integrating the different parts of your inner self, creating a balanced internal system.
- Empowering the Self: Empower your core Self to lead and guide the internal parts, fostering a sense of inner leadership and harmony.
- Developing Coping Strategies: Learn and practice effective coping strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.
Maintenance and Growth:
- Ongoing Support: Receive continuous support and guidance from your therapist as you work towards your goals.
- Evaluate Progress: Regularly assess your progress and make necessary adjustments to your therapy plan.
- Sustaining Positive Changes: Develop strategies to maintain the positive changes achieved during therapy.

Benefits of IFS

IFS therapy offers numerous benefits that can significantly enhance your mental health and overall quality of life. Some key benefits include:

Enhanced Self-Awareness:
- Gain a deeper understanding of your inner self and the different parts that influence your thoughts and behaviors.
Improved Emotional Balance:
- Heal wounded parts and reduce internal conflicts, leading to greater emotional stability and balance.
Increased Self-Compassion:
- Develop a compassionate and accepting relationship with yourself, fostering self-love and self-care.
Effective Coping Skills:
- Learn practical coping strategies to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
Greater Personal Growth:
- Achieve personal growth and development by integrating and harmonizing the different parts of your inner self.

Who Can Benefit from IFS Therapy?

IFS therapy is beneficial for anyone seeking to improve their mental health and well-being. It can help individuals dealing with a wide range of issues, including:

Anxiety and Depression:
- Those experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression can benefit from the internal healing and balance provided by IFS therapy.
Trauma and PTSD:
- Individuals dealing with trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can find support and healing through the compassionate exploration of their inner parts.
Stress Management:
- People facing high levels of stress can learn effective ways to manage and reduce stress through IFS techniques.
Self-Esteem Issues:
- Therapy can help individuals struggling with low self-esteem or self-worth to build confidence and a positive self-image.
Personal Growth and Development:
- Anyone seeking personal growth and a deeper understanding of themselves can benefit from the integrative and holistic approach of IFS therapy.

About the Psychotherapist

Carlos De La Parra Huerta

MA, MFT, OSRP, RP— Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor, Psychotherapist

Carlos De La Parra Huerta, MA, MFT, OSRP, RP, is a dedicated and compassionate therapist based in Ottawa. With extensive experience in Emotionally Focused Therapy, Couple Counseling, and Individual Therapy

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Why Choose Carlos Therapy for EFT?

Carlos brings extensive experience and a compassionate approach to IFS. Dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment where you can your inner self, heal wounded parts, and achieve emotional balance. The goal is to help you develop self-compassion, improve your mental health, and achieve personal growth.

Personal Consultations

Confidentiality

Solution-Oriented

Other Programs

Personalized support to help you navigate through life’s challenges.

Emotionally Focused Therapy

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) helps individuals and couples strengthen their emotional bonds and improve communication. Through a compassionate approach, I guide you in understanding and reshaping emotional responses, fostering deeper connections and healthier relationships.

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Couples Counselling

Couple Counseling offers a supportive environment for partners to address relationship challenges and build a stronger, more fulfilling partnership. I help you navigate conflicts, improve communication, and enhance emotional intimacy, creating a solid foundation for a lasting relationship

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Individual Therapy

Individual Therapy provides a safe and confidential space for you to explore personal challenges, gain insights, and develop coping strategies. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, or life transitions, I offer personalized support to help you achieve mental well-being and personal growth.

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Your Personalized Therapy Journey

01

Initial Consultation

It's an opportunity for you to share your story and for me to understand your needs. This session sets the foundation for our work together.

02

Assessment and Goal Setting

We will explore your background, experiences, and any underlying issues that may be affecting your well-being. Together, we will set clear and achievable goals for your therapy journey.

03

Therapeutic Intervention

This stage involves regular therapy sessions where we work on the issues identified during the assessment.

04

Review and Progress Evaluation

Periodically, we will review your progress and evaluate the effectiveness of our sessions. This stage ensures that we are on track to meet your goals and allows for any necessary adjustments to your therapy plan.