Internal family systems
cultivate greater self LEADERSHIP and resilience
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapeutic model developed by Richard Schwartz in the 1980s. It is based on the premise that individuals have an inner system consisting of distinct parts, each with its own unique characteristics, emotions, and motivations. These parts are organized around a core Self, which represents the individual's innate wisdom, compassion, and authenticity.
Sunny is trained in Internal Family Systems. She co-leads clinician training with Dr. Richard Schwartz, who developed Internal Family Systems. Mrs Strasburg creates and hosts retreats with Dr. Schwartz activating leaders in becoming more Self led. IFS is greatly potentiated by the use of psychedelics and she teaches,consults and trains licensed clinicians on the use of combining psychedelic assisted therapy with Internal Family Systems.
Key concepts of Internal Family Systems
In the Internal Family Systems approach, the therapist helps the individual explore and understand their internal system of parts, facilitating communication and harmony among them. The goal is to promote self-awareness, healing, and integration, leading to greater balance and wholeness.
Key concepts of Internal Family Systems include:
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In Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, "parts" refer to distinct aspects of an individual's personality or psyche, each with its own unique thoughts, emotions, and motivations. These parts can represent different roles, beliefs, memories, or emotions within the individual's internal world. Through IFS therapy, individuals explore and interact with these parts to understand their underlying needs and conflicts, ultimately fostering self-awareness, healing, and integration
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The Self is the core, undamaged aspect of the individual's psyche that possesses qualities such as compassion, curiosity, and calmness. It serves as the center of wisdom and balance within the internal system.
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Exiles are parts of the psyche that carry unresolved trauma, pain, or vulnerability. They often hold memories of past experiences that have been difficult or overwhelming for the individual to process.
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Managers are parts that strive to maintain control, avoid pain, and protect the individual from harm. They may exhibit behaviors such as perfectionism, self-criticism, or avoidance in an attempt to manage internal and external stressors.
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Firefighters are parts that respond to crisis or intense emotional distress by engaging in impulsive or distracting behaviors, such as substance abuse, binge eating, or self-harm. Their primary function is to extinguish emotional pain and protect the individual from overwhelming feelings.
Sunny Strasburg is an Internal Family Systems with Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy Practitioner.
Sunny has presented at the Internal Family Systems Conference on IFS and Psychedelic Assisted Therapy with the creator of IFS, Dr. Richard Schwartz. She has authored the book The Theradelic Approach, with a foreword by Dr. Schwartz. Sunny co-leads trainings and retreats with Dr. Schwartz. This approach can adapt to a broad spectrum of issues.
Benefits of Internal family systems
The Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy model offers a range of benefits for individuals seeking personal growth, healing, and self-awareness. Some of the key benefits include:
Integration and Wholeness: IFS helps individuals integrate fragmented aspects of themselves, promoting a sense of wholeness and coherence. By acknowledging and embracing all parts of their psyche, individuals can experience greater inner harmony and authenticity.
Healing Trauma and Emotional Wounds: IFS provides a safe and structured approach to healing past traumas and emotional wounds. Through compassionate exploration and reconnection with exiled parts, individuals can promote healing and resolution of unresolved pain.
Improved Relationships: Understanding and working with internal dynamics through IFS therapy can enhance individuals' relationships with others. By recognizing and managing their own triggers and patterns, individuals can engage with others from a place of authenticity and empathy.
Enhanced Self-Awareness and Insight: IFS promotes self-awareness by helping individuals explore and understand their internal system of parts. Through this process, individuals gain insight into their emotions, behaviors, and thought patterns, leading to greater self-understanding and personal growth.
Internal Family Systems therapy offers a holistic and integrative approach to self-discovery, healing, and personal development. By engaging with their internal world with curiosity, compassion, and courage, individuals can experience profound transformation and empowerment in their lives.
Frequently asked questions
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IFS therapy works by helping individuals identify and differentiate their various parts, including protective parts, wounded parts, and core Self. Through compassionate exploration and dialogue, individuals learn to understand and integrate these parts, leading to greater inner harmony and healing.
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In IFS therapy, "parts" refer to different aspects or subpersonalities within the individual's psyche. These parts may represent various emotions, roles, memories, or protective mechanisms. Examples include the inner child, the inner critic, the caretaker, and the wounded self.
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While IFS therapy can be beneficial for many individuals, it may not be suitable for everyone. It is important to consult with a qualified IFS therapist to determine if IFS therapy is appropriate for your specific needs and circumstances.