Internal Family Systems (IFS) & Ego State Therapy

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Internal Family Systems is an evidence-based model of psychotherapy. This method gives clients the opportunity to understand and transform any old wounds that have kept them from realizing their highest potential.

IFS believes the mind is naturally multiple. IFS sees inner parts of self as containing valuable resources and qualities that helped one survive. This method believes that our core Self knows how to heal us naturally, and that our system can become integrated, and whole transforming old injuries into beauty.

What is Ego State Therapy?

The personality is composed of separate parts called “ego states.” This therapy finds ego states harboring pain, trauma, anger or frustration and supports the client to find these parts within themselves to facilitate release, comfort, and empowerment.

Ego state therapy is a psychodynamic approach that was founded by John and Helen Watkins. Although it has a clear psychoanalytical foundation, results seem to be much more efficient than psychoanalysis. It is an effective and very useful approach when working with internal conflicts within ourselves. We all have parts of self.

Ego states are the parts of our personality that make up our entire self. These parts give us the ability to adapt, think, act, and respond differently in different situations. Sometimes conflict occurs internally among different ego states and an individual may not even be conscious of why the conflict is there. Exploring and working with the different parts of ourselves can produce efficient results and relief.