ALL-ENCOMPASSING SELF-COMPASSION: MY JOURNEY WITH INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS
ALL PARTS WELCOME
As a therapist and coach, I have always believed in the transformative power of self-compassion. It is this belief that led me to delve deep into Internal Family Systems (IFS), a therapeutic approach that places self-compassion at its core. .
In this blog post, I would like to share my journey and explain why I have taken extensive training in IFS and why it is now at the heart of the work that I do with individuals and organisations.
I will also discuss how I aim to create a safe and nurturing space for my clients, encouraging self-love, self-leadership, and healing through this gentle and profound approach to wellbeing.
Discovering the Heart of Self-Compassion in IFS:
When I first encountered Internal Family Systems Therapy, I fell in love. I was immediately drawn to its emphasis on self-compassion; the work of Kristen Neff and others has long been a part of my positive psychology practice. My own coaching programmes’ Self-Identity ShiftTM has “Radical Self Kindness” as one of its three central components, and I’ve long argued it is the most important.
With IFS I found a modality that takes that self-compassion as a healing and transformative concept in an even deeper and more transformative direction. IFS sees self-compassion as always within us, at our very core, something which can be accessed at any time and which cannot be damaged.
In addition to its focus on self-compassion, I also appreciated the simplicity of the model itself, making it intuitive to clients who are used to hearing and referring to themselves in “parts language” long before they have their first IFS session.
At the heart of IFS is the understanding that every individual possesses an internal system composed of different parts, each with unique thoughts, feelings, and motivations. These parts, even those that may seem challenging or conflicting, carry valuable messages and serve protective roles and in the word’s of Richard Schwartz, the creator of IFS, ‘all parts are welcome’ and we have no bad parts, just parts which have taken on extreme roles and burdens.
IFS invites individuals to cultivate self-compassion by developing a deep understanding and connection with these internal parts. By approaching these parts with curiosity, openness, and from a non-judgmental standpoint, individuals can create a safe and nurturing space within themselves. This process allows for healing, transformation, and the emergence of self-leadership. In future blog posts I will describe other elements of the model in more detail.
My Aim as an IFS Therapist:
Having recognised the profound impact of self-compassion in IFS, I dedicated myself to extensive training, supervision and personal therapy in this modality (I am on the IFS Certification track currently).
I believe that providing a safe space for my clients to explore their internal world, increase self-love, and cultivate self-leadership is essential for their growth and healing.
As an IFS-informed coach, my primary aim is to create an environment that fosters self-compassion and encourages clients to engage with their internal parts with kindness and curiosity. By establishing trust and building a strong therapeutic partnership, I strive to help clients embrace their diverse parts, honour their experiences, and navigate their journey of self-discovery and transformation.
The Importance of Training and Continued Professional Development in IFS:
IFS is a nuanced and powerful therapeutic approach, and I am committed to ongoing training and development in this modality. By staying informed about the latest research, techniques, and best practices in IFS, I ensure that I am equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide the highest quality support to my clients.
Finding an IFS practitioner who is dedicated to their own training and development is essential. It demonstrates their commitment to offering the most effective and comprehensive support possible. I firmly believe in the importance of continually expanding my expertise in IFS to better serve my clients and facilitate their healing and growth.
Through extensive training in IFS, I have discovered the profound impact that self-compassion can have on personal healing and transformation. My aim is to provide a compassionate and nurturing space for clients, encouraging self-love, self-leadership, and healing using this gentle and empowering approach to wellbeing.
If you are seeking support on your own journey of self-discovery and healing, I invite you to explore the transformative possibilities of Internal Family Systems Therapy and to get in touch.
Together, we can embark on a compassionate exploration of your internal world, honour your diverse parts, and unlock your true potential for growth and wellbeing.
I work with clients around the world and most often with those in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, the US, Canada, Singapore and the UAE.
For more information, to enquire about current waiting lists for your timezone or to book a no-obligation call, please email me at lucy@lucyorton.com.