IFS Therapy in Madison, WI

Available Internationally & in WI, MN

What Is Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy?

Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy is a powerful, evidence-based approach to psychotherapy that helps individuals understand and heal their inner emotional world. Developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz in the 1980s, IFS is built on the idea that the mind is naturally made up of multiple "parts"—distinct sub-personalities, each with its own unique perspective, emotions, and roles.

Rather than viewing these internal parts as problematic, IFS therapy embraces them as valuable and purposeful. At the center of this internal system is the Self—a core, compassionate, wise presence that, when accessed, can lead the healing process with clarity and confidence.

How Does Internal Family Systems Therapy Work?

IFS therapy guides clients in identifying and working with different parts of themselves—such as a critical inner voice, a perfectionist drive, or a wounded inner child. These parts are often divided into:

• Protectors: Parts that try to shield us from emotional pain (e.g., anxiety, control, avoidance).

• Exiles: Parts that carry deep emotional wounds from past experiences (e.g., shame, sadness, trauma).

• Firefighters: Parts that react impulsively to protect us from feeling emotional pain (e.g., substance use, overeating, rage).

With the support of a trained IFS therapist, clients learn to understand these parts with compassion, rather than judgment. Over time, this allows for profound healing, greater self-acceptance, and the ability to lead life more authentically.