SOMATIC INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS
25min WORKSHOP
WHAT IS “INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS?”
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach that is highly effective for healing trauma, fostering peace, and freeing up space for spiritual exploration and playful creation. Official IFS website.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is based on the idea that the psyche has many parts. When one part gets hurt, other parts help by stepping into protective roles.
Parts can get extreme. Parts can take over and make the person do things they (or other parts) don’t want to do. All parts are deeply committed and well-intentioned. Every part of us can help us in our healing. Even extreme parts have good intentions. There are no bad parts.
Parts are inner beings, just like people, full of our gifts, talents, interests, passions, dreams, beliefs, values. Each part has their own belief system, values, ways of expressing, behaviors. Our parts operate in a system, much like a family.
IFS helps people get curious about these parts so they can discover who they are protecting and why.
IFS helps us get along with our parts rather than fight them so we have less conflict inside.
IFS helps people tune into their higher Self. Self is the state of open unconditional love and pure curiosity. When we are embodying “Self energy” we are tapped into an unlimited resource of healing energy.
As Self witnesses and embraces the parts, the parts learn to trust Self and love floods your system. Self leads the parts together on a journey from being a dysfunctional, fractured chaos of conflicting personalities to a functioning, united, harmonious inner family.
Somatic IFS focuses on healing the mind-body connection. Classic IFS emphasizes understanding and healing the various "parts" of our psyche. Somatic IFS adds a physical dimension, encouraging individuals to tune into their bodily sensations and use them to interact with their internal parts. The goal of Somatic IFS is to restore embodied Self.
Body Awareness: Where do different parts "live" in the body? Recognize tension, pain, or other sensations linked to emotional struggles.
Healing energy is embodied, meaning the individual doesn’t just mentally connect with the “Self” but feels it physically in the body.
Somatic techniques such as mindful movement, conscious breathing and attuned touch help release trauma and stored emotions by engaging the body in the healing process.
Why It Works:
Trauma, emotional pain, and stress are often stored in the body. By engaging the body directly, Somatic IFS allows for a deeper release and resolution of these emotions. It’s particularly effective for people with trauma histories, as it helps regulate the nervous system while promoting healing.
This approach brings together psychological insight and body-centered practices, creating a powerful, holistic healing experience.
JOURNAL PROMPTS
When life feels overwhelming, where do you feel it in your body?
Which part of you tends to take charge in stressful situations?
How does this part affect your body and energy?
What does this part need from you in order to trust more?
DIVE DEEPER
— LOVE & RAINBOWS —
On my Substack blog, I write about freedom and bring IFS to life through stories, real client sessions, and insights from my practice to help you embody spirituality and liberate yourself.
— BE WRITE HEAR —
Join my weekly women’s healing circles for somatic meditation, IFS journaling, and intimate group connection — a space to explore your inner world and find freedom through words.
— PARTS MAPPING —
60 min guided breakthrough IFS session ($333) customized to bring you clarity + 30 day text messaging support.
— MENTORSHIP & HEALING —
Work with me privately. Contact Me and schedule a free call.
BOOKS
No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems by Ph.D. Schwartz, Richard
PODCASTS
The One Inside Podcast on Spotify & YouTube
The One Inside: An Internal Family Systems podcast is for anyone looking to find balance and harmony.