A parts journey: Exploring Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy

Recently I completed the Internal Family Systems (IFS) Training Level 1, it was a personal and professional journey. The bus analogy is often used in IFS, so I intend to lean in to that in this article. I waited 3.5 years to board this bus, I thought I knew where it was going, but like most internal work, it was actually destined for uncharted territories of my psyche. As I stepped off the bus, I found myself equipped with a new set of tools and a deeper understanding of the transformative power of this therapeutic approach. 

Picture this: Your mind is a packed bus, full of passengers representing various parts of your psyche—some vocal and assertive, others withdrawn and timid. At the front of the bus sits the driver, this is the seat of consciousness, where the Self sits. Behind the driver sits the various manager parts, diligently organising, planning ahead and guiding the direction of the journey. The managers work so hard, acting as the first line of defence behind the driver. Behind them, the Firefighters stand ready to spring into action, extinguishing any flare-ups of distress or discomfort. Meanwhile, tucked away in the farthest back row, the Exiles silently carry the weight of past wounds and traumas.

When our parts are concerned, in an act of protection, they often take over and drive the bus. Our job is to be the best bus driver we can- we acknowledge and notice who is on the bus, we take note of who sits together, we notice who sits alone, we greet all passengers, etc. Self's responsibility is to drive the bus and pull the bus over as needed to see what parts are standing up, who needs attention, or for Self to stop driving long enough to sit down beside them. In IFS we acknowledge that parts all have good intentions and want to get to the destination safely…but they may be screaming at the driver because they think they see potholes from their window.

What does IFS do?

So, what does IFS do? At its core, IFS empowers us to become skilled bus drivers, guiding our internal passengers with compassion and curiosity. Rather than viewing certain parts as troublesome or disruptive, IFS invites us to approach them with understanding and empathy. Just as a skilled bus driver listens to the concerns of their passengers, we learn to listen to the needs of our internal parts, recognising their efforts to protect and preserve our well-being. 

In my practice, I've witnessed the impact of integrating IFS principles with somatic techniques. Like tuning the engine of a bus, somatic work allows us to address the stored trauma and tension within the body, creating space for healing and integration. Meanwhile, IFS provides the roadmap for navigating the intricate network of our internal system, fostering harmony and alignment among our internal parts.

As we journey through the winding roads of the psyche, IFS offers a beacon of hope and healing. By fostering a relationship of trust and collaboration with our internal parts, we are building our internal attachment to these parts. Like passengers on a bus, each part plays a vital role in our journey towards wholeness, guiding us towards a destination of profound healing and integration.

In conclusion, Internal Family Systems therapy invites us to embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing, navigating the complexities of the psyche with compassion and curiosity. In these healing sessions, I am honoured to serve as a guide and companion on this journey, empowering my clients to reclaim their inner wisdom and resilience. Together, we embark on a path towards healing and self-discovery, one bus ride at a time.