Internal Family Systems
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapeutic model that understands the human psyche as a system of inner parts, each carrying its own emotions, beliefs, and roles. Rather than seeing these parts as problems, IFS views them as protective and adaptive, shaped by lived experience. At the center of this system is the Self — a calm, compassionate presence that can lead with clarity and wisdom.
Protectors are parts that work to keep us safe. Managers try to prevent pain by staying in control, planning, pleasing, or perfecting. Firefighters react when pain breaks through, using distraction, numbing, or intensity to put out emotional fires. Though their strategies can be exhausting, protectors are ultimately trying to help.
Exiles are younger, vulnerable parts that carry old wounds, unmet needs, or painful emotions such as shame, fear, grief, or longing. Because their feelings can be overwhelming, protectors push them out of awareness. IFS helps these exiled parts return not as burdens, but as sources of sensitivity, creativity, and depth.
Self is the core of who we are — calm, curious, compassionate, and connected. When Self leads, we can meet our inner world with steadiness and care. Healing in IFS happens through relationship: protectors learn to trust Self, exiles are gently unburdened, and the whole system becomes more balanced and resilient.
Dr. Felder has attended many workshops, has read several books and training manuals on IFS and finds the concepts line up perfectly with her doctoral dissertation from the 1990’s Healing Trauma Using Jungian Psychology, Liberation Theology and Guided Imagery Meditations. She also participates in the iFS institute’s Online Circle.
Protectors are parts that work to keep us safe. Managers try to prevent pain by staying in control, planning, pleasing, or perfecting. Firefighters react when pain breaks through, using distraction, numbing, or intensity to put out emotional fires. Though their strategies can be exhausting, protectors are ultimately trying to help.
Exiles are younger, vulnerable parts that carry old wounds, unmet needs, or painful emotions such as shame, fear, grief, or longing. Because their feelings can be overwhelming, protectors push them out of awareness. IFS helps these exiled parts return not as burdens, but as sources of sensitivity, creativity, and depth.
Self is the core of who we are — calm, curious, compassionate, and connected. When Self leads, we can meet our inner world with steadiness and care. Healing in IFS happens through relationship: protectors learn to trust Self, exiles are gently unburdened, and the whole system becomes more balanced and resilient.
Dr. Felder has attended many workshops, has read several books and training manuals on IFS and finds the concepts line up perfectly with her doctoral dissertation from the 1990’s Healing Trauma Using Jungian Psychology, Liberation Theology and Guided Imagery Meditations. She also participates in the iFS institute’s Online Circle.