Internal Family Systems Therapy

IFS sees the mind as made up of multiple “parts” or subpersonalities, each with its own feelings, beliefs, and roles. For people who have experienced trauma or who engage in high masking to navigate social expectations, these parts often take on protective roles—such as managing vulnerability, suppressing emotions, or maintaining safety through masking.

IFS leads you to understand these internal parts rather than fighting or ignoring them. Research indicates that this approach reduces internal conflict and promotes emotional regulation by accessing the “Self” — the calm, compassionate core of a person that can lead healing and integration. This is particularly beneficial for high-masking adults, whose authentic selves may be hidden beneath layers of protective behaviors developed over years.

IFS can mitigate trauma symptoms, decrease anxiety and depression, and enhance overall wellbeing by fostering self-leadership and internal harmony. It is a respectful, non-pathologizing model that honors the complexity of neurodivergence and the impact of trauma on identity and self-expression.