Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an evidence-based therapeutic model founded in the early 1980s by Dr. Richard C. Schwartz, a family systems therapist.

IFS sessions usually take place at the practitioner's office or on a video conference call and last for about 60 minutes. 

Internal Family Systems recognizes that everyone has multiple (sometimes contradictory) parts to their personality AND that this is natural. When someone says, "Part of me wants this, but another part doesn't," IFS states this isn't just a figure of speech— people do have many distinct aspects to their personality, emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, each with their own perspectives. We call these "Parts".

Types of Parts include:

• A harsh Inner Critic

• A driven worker

• A tired procrastinator

• A playful youth

…and there's many more. These Parts interact in a system, like a family or a team, with some working together harmoniously while others conflict. Having multiple Parts is normal; problems arise only when they're out of balance and stuck. Even challenging Parts (like excessive worry or harsh self-criticism) developed for a good reason during childhood or teenage years, usually trying to protect or help in some way.

The IFS process is all about updating the system of relationships inside of us.

It begins by helping clients identify and understand their Parts with curiosity and compassion, rather than with frustration and judgement and trying to just eliminate them. That shift alone can create massive positive ripple out effects in the client's life. Because shifting any of the relationships in the system causes the whole system to change. It's all interconnected.

But that's not even the best part. Clients are then guided in a process to address the root cause of their Part's challenging behaviors. Because the root cause is handled (finally) the Part is able to "update its Operating System" and shift into actually helpful behaviors and good relationships with other Parts, enabling the whole system to work more harmoniously.

Coaching is a method of training, counselling or instructing an individual or a group how to develop skills to enhance their productivity or overcome a performance problem.

A good life coach will not tell clients what to do or prescribe specific courses of action based on the coaches wishes. Instead, the coach-client relationship is about empowering the client to create GOALS that light them up, with the coach acting as a guide, motivator and facilitator to reaching those goals.

1. We'll begin the session with a relaxing "Getting Present" exercise that I will guide you through. This will help to get you out of the management of your daily life and into the present moment. Just this step can be quite powerful!

 2. Next, you'll check-in on your day or week for 5 - 10 minutes. You’ll learn the skill of "Bottom-lining It", which will help your focus and mindset. We’ll acknowledge life’s ups and downs (not bypassing them) AND stay on track with your goals.

 3. Then we'll smoothly transition into your customized coaching. I’ll lead you through a gentle but powerful process on what your unique system most needs now, based on your check-in and your goals. You’ll learn to relate to yourself in a more effective way immediately.

While 3 - 6 months of weekly coaching is recommended, you will benefit from just one session.

Note: It's recommended that you schedule at least 20 minutes of rest after each session to help you digest and integrate the new information that comes up.

1. Feeling Stuck: If you feel like you're not making progress in your personal or professional life, despite your efforts.

2. Unclear Goals: If you have difficulty setting or achieving goals and lack a clear vision for your future.

3. Lack of Motivation: If you struggle with staying motivated or often procrastinate.

4. Seeking Improvement: If you want to develop new skills, improve performance, or make a significant change in your life.

5. Stress and Overwhelm: If you frequently feel stressed, overwhelmed, or unable to manage your time effectively.

6. Desire for Accountability: If you need someone to hold you accountable and keep you on track.

7. Needing Feedback and Perspective: If you want constructive feedback, a new perspective, or someone to challenge your thinking.

• Raise self-awareness

• Build up resilience

• Develop a clear vision

• Build motivation and productivity

• Get unstuck and grow

• Break through creative blocks

• Measurable personal growth

• Ease stress and anxiety

• Regain energy

• Enhance enthusiasm for life

• Calms inner criticism

• Go from self-doubt to confidence

• Boosts skill levels

• Increase creativity

Yes, Internal Family Systems is a legitimate therapeutic modality. It was created over 40 years ago by Family Systems Therapist, Dr. Dick Schwartz.

It is an Evidence-Based Practice, as designated by SAMHSA's NREPP.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), was established by Congress of the USA in 1992. It is the agency within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation.

No, this is IFS Coaching. Any coaching or consultation from Jessica R. Van Hulle, or JVH COACHING, is not therapy and should not be used as a substitute for therapy or other mental health services.

Coaches are not healthcare professionals and do not diagnose or treat disorders. Instead, they help clients create goals and act as a guide and motivator to help them reach those goals.

Sometimes coaching can resemble talk therapy at first glance, because the focus of sessions tends to be about you and what's happening in your personal and professional life. But unlike talk therapy, coaching is directive, action-oriented and often includes creating an action plan that helps you reach a goal or goals.

Read more about it here: “Should You Get Therapy or Life Coaching?” - by PsychCentral.com.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapeutic model that can also be used safely and effectively in coaching, teaching, mentoring, management and other group leadership, and more. However, the two have different focuses.

Therapy is usually for people who need support in discovering, healing or managing mental and emotional health issues such as diagnosed disorders like clinical depression, trauma, intimate relationship problems and so on.

Coaching is usually for people who are seeking help in attaining specific goals in their personal and professional lives, such as gaining clarity on their next best steps, creating action plans, and resolving the blocks that come up along the way.

Read more here: “IFS Therapy or IFS Coaching, Which Is Best For Me?” by Bill Tienery, Coach