Category: Internal Family Systems

How often have you experienced feeling pulled in two directions – a part of you that really wants or feels something and another that wants or feels the exact opposite? This completely normal experience of two parts of ourselves operating at cross-purposes is a concept known as polarization.

In our efforts to achieve optimal functioning and happiness, we are quick to shut down and avoid the negative thoughts and emotions of our inner critic. Accessing our compassionate Self permits appreciation toward our inner critic and its efforts to keep us safe from the shame of being seen by others as a failure, allowing our critic to react in less aggressive ways.

Trauma can impact us deeply, causing severe emotional pain. However, the impact doesn’t have to result in long term suffering. It is possible to heal from trauma and the resulting distress and psychological hurt. When combined, art therapy and IFS have proven effective in processing trauma resulting in transformative healing.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) asserts that it is the nature of the mind to be subdivided into multiple parts. Much like a mosaic composed of multiple pieces that come together to create a singular work of art, the goal is to achieve balance and harmony with parts, appreciating the creative role each plays and helping each find its place in the system.

You may have experienced feelings of conflicting emotions, “a part of me wants to…and then there’s a part of me that doesn’t…". With Internal Family Systems (IFS), you can learn to understand and work with these parts in a powerful and productive way.