What Is IFS Therapy? Understanding Your Parts.

What does IFS therapy mean by “parts”?

Have you ever felt an internal conflict? For example, maybe you are making an important decision around staying at your job. Maybe one part of you is hopeful that your job could become satisfying with time, or that if you wait a little longer you might get that raise you have been hoping for. But then, there is another part of you that is screaming "get out of this NOW". You might notice these 2 parts go at it, pushing and pulling you in your internal world. This is one example of what we mean by exploring different "parts" of yourself.

Many of us have several different kinds of "parts" that show up around sexuality and relationships. We may experience distress, confusion, or "stuckness" around some of these parts of ourselves.

How does IFS therapy work?

In IFS therapy, we explore all of the different parts of you that show up surrounding the issues you are experiencing. We use different tools and techniques to explore, understand, connect, and empathize with the various parts of yourself. The therapist serves as a witness and guide to your relationship with the different parts of you.

How can IFS therapy help with sex, intimacy, and relationships?

Sex is a loaded topic for many of us. Sex, intimacy, and relationships can bring up narratives we have about ourselves and relationships, old wounds, and trauma. We can incorporate IFS into sex therapy as a tool to help explore the different parts of you that show up around sex and relationships.

Some common parts that may show up around sex and intimacy:

"Thinking" or "Observing" Parts: Parts of us that may feel stuck in our mind, rather than present in our bodies during a sexual experience.

"People-pleasing" Parts: Parts that are focused on the other person's experience rather than our own.

Parts that feel fearful of closeness: Many folks have parts that feel fearful of closeness, in therapy, we may explore the origin of these parts and create connection to them.

Is this a good fit for you?

Do you resonate with noticing different "parts" of yourself show up? Do you notice internal conflict that you do not know how to sort through? If this post is resonating with you, IFS might be a good fit for you!

How do you find IFS therapy near me in Denver, Colorado?

At Colorado Center For Sexual Wellness, we provide IFS therapy in Denver, Colorado and virtually to Colorado residents. We also provide IFS therapy virtually to Utah residents.

Curious about IFS therapy? Let's talk.

If you are wondering whether IFS could help you better understand yourself, your relationships, or your experience of intimacy, you do not have to figure that out before reaching out.

I offer a free 15-minute video consultation here so we can talk about what brings you to therapy and whether working together might be a good fit. If you are in Denver or elsewhere in Colorado or Utah, I invite you to learn more about my approach at Colorado Center for Sexual Wellness.

If you're in crisis, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 in the United States, or call 911 if there is immediate danger.