Internal FamilySystems Therapy
Discover harmony within yourself by understanding and befriending all your inner parts, guided by the wisdom and compassion of your true Self.
Curiosity
The 8 Cs of Self
When you're in Self-leadership, these qualities naturally emerge, guiding your inner system toward healing.
Curiosity
Open interest in understanding all parts
Compassion
Warm, caring presence for wounded parts
Clarity
Clear perception unclouded by parts
Calmness
Centered, peaceful state of being
Confidence
Trust in one's ability to heal
Courage
Willingness to face difficult emotions
Creativity
Finding new solutions and perspectives
Connectedness
Feeling linked to self and others
Understanding Your Parts
IFS recognizes three main types of protective parts that work to keep you safe
Managers
Protective parts that try to keep us safe by controlling our environment and relationships
Work proactively to prevent pain
Firefighters
Parts that react when we're triggered, working to extinguish emotional pain quickly
React to emotional emergencies
Exiles
Vulnerable parts that hold our pain, often from childhood experiences and trauma
Carry our deepest wounds
How IFS Works
A step-by-step process for connecting with and healing your parts
Find the Part
Notice and locate where you feel the part in your body. Get curious about it.
Focus on the Part
Turn your attention toward the part with openness and interest.
Flesh it Out
Learn more about the part - its age, appearance, and what it wants you to know.
Feel Toward the Part
Notice how you feel toward this part. Can you feel compassion for it?
Befriend the Part
Develop a relationship with the part, letting it know you're here to help.
Unburden
Help the part release the burdens it carries, freeing it from its extreme role.
Is IFS Right for You?
IFS is particularly effective for those who feel like they're at war with themselves, experience internal conflict, or want to understand their emotional patterns more deeply.
Rather than fighting your symptoms, IFS helps you understand the protective purpose behind them and gently guides wounded parts toward healing.
IFS is Effective For:
- Depression & Anxiety
- Trauma and PTSD
- Addiction & Compulsive Behaviors
- Eating Disorders
- Self-Esteem Challenges
- Relationship Issues
- Grief & Loss
"There are no bad parts - only parts that have taken on extreme roles to protect us."
Dr. Richard Schwartz
Founder of Internal Family Systems
Our IFS Therapists
Our trained IFS therapists bring expertise and compassion to help you discover harmony within.
Ready to Meet Your Parts?
Begin your journey toward inner harmony and self-leadership with IFS therapy.
Our Practice
Located in Calgary, Clearview Counselling offers a warm, welcoming environment for your healing journey. We also provide secure online therapy for clients throughout Alberta, Yukon, and Nunavut.