Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Welcome to my FAQ page! Below, I’ve answered some common questions about Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and what to expect when working with me. If you have additional questions, feel free to reach out.

What is Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy?

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a compassionate and evidence-based therapeutic approach that views the mind as made up of different "parts," each with its own feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. At the core of the IFS model is the belief that everyone has a Self—a calm, compassionate, and resourceful part of you that can help heal the wounded or protective parts. When we do this our parts begin to trust and we can be led by Self which shifts us out of reactive behaviour, and brings calm and balance to our system.

IFS helps you understand and work with the patterns and triggers that disrupt your balance, paving the way for greater self-awareness, emotional freedom, and healing.

You can learn more about it, and Richard Swartz who created it, here https://ifs-institute.com/

What types of issues can IFS help with?

IFS can help with a wide range of challenges, including:

Anxiety and depression.
Trauma and PTSD.
Relationship struggles.
Emotional regulation and self-criticism.
Ancestral burdens and inherited family trauma.
Personal growth and self-connection.
Parenting difficulties
Managing crisis and challenging times

Whether you're dealing with a specific issue or seeking to deepen your understanding of yourself, IFS provides a supportive framework for healing and transformation.

What happens in an IFS session?

In a session, we’ll work together to explore your inner world with curiosity and compassion. I’ll guide you in identifying and connecting with different parts of yourself—such as protective parts, vulnerable parts, or those carrying unresolved pain.

Through this process, we’ll:

Help you connect with your Self—your inner guide for healing.
Create space for your parts to share their stories and experiences.
Work to unburden the parts carrying pain, shame, or limiting beliefs.

This approach differs from traditional talk therapy because we’re not relying on your analytical parts to explain things. Instead of focusing on intellectual analysis or solutions, we engage with a deeper, energetic process. It’s not about reasoning or fixing problems but about connecting with your inner system in a way that fosters healing and awareness

The sessions are collaborative and paced according to your comfort and readiness.

How many sessions will I need?

The number of sessions needed varies from person to person. Some clients find meaningful insights and benefits in just one session, while others may start with a few sessions and then feel ready to continue exploring on their own.

For some, it may take more time to connect with their parts, especially if protective parts are hesitant or resistant to opening up. This is completely normal and part of the process. Together, we’ll work at a pace that feels safe and supportive, giving your parts the space and time they need to trust the healing process.

Do I need to know about my family history for ancestral healing?

Not at all! Even if you know little or nothing about your family history, your parts hold the emotional imprints of ancestral burdens. Through IFS, we can access and work with these patterns directly, without needing a detailed historical record.

Is IFS suitable for everyone?

IFS is a gentle and flexible approach that can benefit many people.

If you’re open to exploring your inner world and engaging with your emotions, IFS can be a wonderful tool for healing. That said, IFS might not be the best fit for someone looking for a highly structured, solution-focused approach. I encourage you to schedule a free Discovery Call to see if this modality feels right for you.

Do you offer online sessions?

Yes, I offer virtual sessions, allowing you to experience the benefits of IFS from the comfort of your own home. All you need is a quiet, private space and a stable internet connection.

How much does a session cost?

Discovery Call: Free. A brief chat to learn more about me, IFS therapy, and whether it’s a good fit for you.
First Session: £25. This introductory session gives you a sense of how the therapy works and what it’s like to work with me.
Ongoing Sessions: £50 each, lasting 1 hour.

How do I book a session?

You can book a session by contacting me directly through my contact form or through booking an appointment in my calendar.

I recommend starting with a free Discovery Call to see if IFS and my approach feel like the right fit for your needs.

Will I need to talk about difficult memories or emotions?

No, and this is one of the reasons IFS is such a gentle and compassionate approach. We only access memories or emotions that your parts feel ready to explore. Even then, you don’t need to share the details with me to experience the benefits of the work.

We’ll always proceed at a pace that feels safe and comfortable for you, guided by your Self and supported by me. The process respects your boundaries while fostering deep healing in a way that feels manageable and empowering.

Can I bring creativity into the process?

Absolutely! As someone with an artistic perspective, I often use creative visualizations and storytelling to help explain IFS concepts in a way that resonates. If you also feel drawn to creativity, we can incorporate art into the process during or after our sessions. For example, drawing your parts can be a powerful way to deepen your connection with them. We might explore visualizing how a part relates to your Self or another part, or even create a "mind map" of all your parts to better understand their dynamics.

You don’t need any artistic skill or experience to benefit from this approach—it’s simply a tool to enhance your journey, offered as an optional add-on for those who feel inspired by it.

Do IFS sessions involve hypnosis?

No, IFS is not hypnosis. While both approaches involve accessing a calm, focused state, IFS is a conscious and collaborative process. You remain fully aware and in control during the session, actively engaging with your parts.

Can I heal generational trauma with IFS?

Yes, IFS is a powerful tool for addressing generational or ancestral trauma. By working with parts of you that carry inherited burdens, we can help release patterns of pain and foster healing not only for you but also for future generations.

What should I expect after a session?

After an IFS session, many clients report feeling lighter, more grounded, and more compassionate toward themselves. However, since the process may bring up emotions, you might also feel reflective or tired. I encourage you to practice self-care and allow time for integration.

Occasionally, there may be a bit of work to do between sessions. Maintaining a connection with your parts—especially vulnerable ones—can deepen trust and safety, allowing them to continue sharing their stories. A brief, daily meditation (around 15 minutes) can help foster this connection.

Still have questions?

If you didn’t find the answer you were looking for, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d be happy to provide more information or help you decide if IFS therapy is the right path for you.