Unfortunately, I am entirely booked out for individual therapy and supervision. My waiting list is also closed until November 2025. If you would like to work with me, please check my training page, as I facilitate training online and in-person yearly. I'm very sorry for any inconvenience caused. Kati Simpson

Welcome to Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy: A Path to Inner Harmony

I’m delighted to introduce you to Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, a powerful approach to self-understanding and healing. With my background in adolescent psychotherapy, mindfulness studies, and extensive experience in counselling and psychotherapy, I have witnessed how IFS can transform lives by fostering a compassionate, integrated relationship with one’s inner world. As a Level 2 certified IFS therapist and an accredited member of both the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and the British Association for Mindfulness-Based Approaches, I guide clients on this profound journey to self-discovery and well-being.

What is Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy?

Developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, IFS therapy is a unique, evidence-based approach that views the mind as a complex system of “parts,” each with its own distinct roles, emotions, and perspectives. At the core of IFS is the belief that every individual has a central Self—a grounded, compassionate presence capable of leading the internal system with wisdom and balance. This Self-energy is often described as a state of calm, clarity, and courage, and it is the source of resilience and healing in IFS therapy.

In IFS, parts are seen as having roles in protecting or helping us, although they may sometimes act in ways that create internal conflict or emotional distress. Rather than focusing on changing behaviors or addressing symptoms directly, IFS aims to build a deeper understanding and compassionate relationship with these parts. This approach encourages inner harmony and greater self-compassion, leading to lasting change.

The Therapeutic Process in IFS

The process of IFS therapy involves understanding, befriending, and transforming our parts under the guidance of Self-energy. Here’s how the journey unfolds:

1. Identifying Parts: Every person has a range of parts that fall into two main categories: protectors and exiles. Protectors work hard to keep us safe and prevent us from feeling pain or discomfort. These can include parts that act as inner critics, perfectionists, or people-pleasers. On the other hand, exiles are parts that carry unresolved pain, shame, fear, or other vulnerable emotions from past experiences. While protectors work tirelessly to keep these feelings hidden, they can often lead to overwhelming emotions or conflict.

   In therapy, I help clients gently identify and separate these parts so they can be recognized without judgment. This step alone often provides immense relief, as clients start to see their inner world with greater clarity and compassion.

2. Cultivating Self-Leadership: A central goal of IFS is to help clients access their Self-energy, the compassionate and wise core within each person. When connected to Self, clients can view their parts with understanding and without fear or reactivity. Self-leadership empowers individuals to approach their parts with curiosity and compassion, rather than pushing them away or becoming overwhelmed by them.

   As an IFS therapist, I guide clients to access this Self-energy and work with their parts from this compassionate and balanced place. For many, this process is empowering and liberating, as they discover they have the internal resources to face even the most challenging emotions.

3. Working with Protectors: Protectors are typically the first parts we engage with in therapy. These parts have taken on significant responsibilities, often with the belief that their protective actions are essential for survival. As a therapist, I work with clients to understand the intentions and fears of their protective parts, acknowledging their efforts to keep us safe, even if their methods may no longer serve us in healthy ways.

   When protectors feel heard and understood, they are often willing to step back, making room for deeper healing work with exiled parts. This step is critical, as it builds trust within the internal system and allows clients to safely access the vulnerable parts that hold painful memories or emotions.

4. Healing Exiles: Once protectors feel assured that Self-energy is leading, clients can safely approach their exiles—parts that carry the pain, shame, or trauma from past experiences. In IFS therapy, we don’t push these exiles away or try to “fix” them; rather, we create a compassionate space where they can be heard and healed.

   This process is profoundly transformative. By allowing exiles to express their pain and be comforted by Self-energy, clients often experience a release of long-held burdens, leading to a sense of wholeness and peace. Healing these exiled parts reduces the need for extreme protective behaviors, creating a harmonious internal system.

5. Integration and Ongoing Self-Leadership: As clients progress in therapy, they learn to lead their lives with greater Self-energy, bringing compassion, curiosity, and confidence to their daily interactions and challenges. The relationships they build with their parts create an inner harmony that allows for greater emotional resilience and self-awareness. Through integration, clients are empowered to continue this work independently, leading to lasting changes that extend beyond the therapy room.

How IFS Can Benefit You

The benefits of IFS therapy are diverse and profound. Many clients find that it helps them:

• Develop greater self-compassion and reduce self-criticism.

• Heal past trauma and release burdens associated with painful memories.

• Enhance emotional regulation and reduce reactivity.

• Build inner harmony and reduce internal conflict.

• Improve relationships with others by fostering empathy and understanding.

IFS is particularly beneficial for individuals who experience internal struggles, self-doubt, or have difficulty accessing self-compassion. It is also effective for those who wish to resolve long-standing emotional challenges, as it provides a gentle and non-judgmental approach to self-discovery.

About Me

With a Master’s degree in Adolescent Psychotherapy from Northampton University, a postgraduate qualification in Mindfulness Studies from Aberdeen University, and a BA in Counselling and Psychotherapy, I bring a well-rounded academic and practical foundation to my work. I am an accredited member of the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and the British Association for Mindfulness-Based Approaches, and I hold Level 2 certification in IFS therapy. My training and professional experience equip me to work with a range of issues, including trauma, anxiety, relationship difficulties, and self-esteem challenges.

You can see my full academic background here

In addition to my work as a therapist, I offer training and lectures in psychotherapy, sharing insights and best practices with aspiring therapists. I also serve as a clinical supervisor, supporting other therapists in their practice. These roles enrich my work as an IFS therapist, as they allow me to engage in ongoing learning and reflection, ensuring that I bring the highest standard of care to each client I work with.

How to Get Started with IFS Therapy

If you’re interested in exploring IFS therapy with me, I offer a supportive, compassionate space where you can begin this journey toward inner harmony and self-leadership. The process is flexible and tailored to your unique needs, allowing us to work at a pace that feels comfortable and safe.

Whether you are new to therapy or have previous experience, IFS can provide a fresh and deeply rewarding approach to self-discovery and healing.

In our sessions, you’ll gain insight into the inner workings of your mind, build a more compassionate relationship with yourself, and cultivate the resilience needed to navigate life’s challenges with grace and confidence. I look forward to walking with you on this path to self-empowerment and lasting well-being.