Internal Family Systems (IFS)

The Internal Family Systems (IFS) approach is an innovative and powerfully transformative, evidence-based model of psychotherapy that facilitates understanding and harmonization of the mind. Further information regarding this service can be accessed on the following page. In the event of requiring consultation or desiring to schedule an appointment, kindly make use of the links below.

About IFS

Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is a powerful and innovative evidence-based psychotherapy model that seeks to understand and harmonize the mind. This approach offers a transformative path to healing, which ultimately contributes to creating a more compassionate world. At the core of IFS is the belief that the mind is inherently multiple and that each individual possesses an unknown number of functional parts, alongside a SELF that serves as the essential core of their being.

What makes IFS therapy unique is that all parts are welcomed and embraced, without judgment or categorization as “good” or “bad.” As a result, the model aims to differentiate between the SELF and the other parts, including Protectors (MANAGERS & FIREFIGHTERS) and vulnerable parts of EXILES, that comprise an individual’s inner world. By exploring and acknowledging each of these parts, IFS can help individuals access their SELF as an active leader and guide on their journey towards wholeness and healing.

Target of IFS

The ultimate target of IFS is to unburden or restore extreme and wounded parts and establish a trusted, healthy, harmonious internal system that the SELF coordinates!

How IFS Can Help Heal Past Traumas

When a traumatic experience occurred in the past, the internal system “Exiles” the wounded part, like locking a metaphorical crying child in a basement so that we continue to function rather than being overwhelmed or paralyzed by the pain and “burden” of that wounded part.
Through Internal Family Systems (IFS), we can bring Exiles out of the past and into the present and release their burdens to regain their essential qualities.

Managers in IFS: Behaviors to Keep Trauma at Bay

“Managers” are behaviors such as analyzing, criticizing, and controlling to keep that basement door shut tight and stay on top of everything.

IFS Firefighters: Numbing to Control Exiles

“Firefighters” use impulsive, compulsive, and addictive behaviors, from nail-biting to heroin use, to distract, comfort, and numb the system without considering the consequences. This way, they jump in to lock escapee exiles “back in the basement.”

Request IFS Service!

Join me in becoming aware of your inner family relationships of:

Your inner critical voice that criticizes your appearance or performance.
Freezing anxiety in high-performance situations.
Your urge to eat or drink too much!
Your jealous or possessive feelings about your partner/spouse.
Your worries that flash worst-case scenarios of future.
Grief and loss of who died or left you!
Your nagging sense of worthlessness.
The critical voice that tells you're not work hard and won’t let you relax.
Loneliness and your fears of connections and experience liveliness.
Your inner urge to take care of someone else and neglect yourself!
The sensitive feelings that tell you can be easily hurt.
Feeling competitive and terrible when learn others are doing better than you!
Your inner urge to be in control of everything and everyone.
Your underlying sense of incompetence and lack of self-esteem part.
Your “happy” mask you hide behind.
Your perfectionist inside that can’t allow any mistakes.
Your judgmental thoughts, sense of hopelessness, dissatisfaction, and the belief that you have been victimized in life…

“I’m not sure there’s a braver sentence in the human catalog of brave sentences than ‘my feelings are hurt. It’s simple, vulnerable, and honest. But we do not say it often. We get pissed off, or we hurt back, or we internalise the hurt until we believe we deserve it and that something is wrong with us. But rarely do we say, “This really hurt my feelings.”

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Registered Psychologist, Advanced EMDR, Clinical Hypnotherapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and IFIO Trained, Certified NeurOptimal® trainer!

Accepting New Clients
Fee: $235/hour

At Mind Revive Psychotherapy & Counselling Clinic, our services are eligible for coverage under all major insurance providers in Canada. While we have listed some of the most commonly used insurers on our website for your convenience, please note that our services are generally recognized across all extended health benefit (EHB) plans. If your insurance company does not appear on the list, you can still submit your receipts for reimbursement. To confirm your specific coverage, we encourage you to check directly with your insurance provider.