with Jenna Williams, MA, PCC, SEP
Internal
Family Systems (IFS) Coaching
OVERVIEW
WHAT IS
Internal Family Systems ?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an evidence-based psychotherapy model and a theory of the human mind. It views us as naturally made up of different “parts,” each with its own strengths, feelings, beliefs, struggles, and ways of helping us navigate life and meet our needs — what IFS refers to as their “roles.” IFS also describes a core Self that can provide the steadiness and leadership needed to guide this inner family of parts. Rather than viewing the mind as a single, unified whole, IFS sees this kind of inner multiplicity as a natural part of being human.
When life difficulties arise, IFS can help us understand which parts are involved, what each may be trying to protect or accomplish, and what support they may need. As we strengthen access to our core Self, we can relate to these parts with greater understanding and compassion, reduce inner tension, increase harmony, and make more intentional choices that align with how we want to live.
Although IFS was developed primarily as a psychotherapy model, it is also integrated into coaching and other professional fields. In coaching, “parts work” can add depth to the coaching process, help clients make greater progress toward their goals, and support trauma recovery..
Benefits of IFS Coaching & "Parts Work"
Overview: IFS-informed coaching helps you better understand and relate to the different parts of yourself that influence how you think, feel, make decisions, respond to challenges, and navigate relationships. Rather than fighting against reactions or patterns you wish you could change, IFS helps you approach them with greater curiosity, compassion, and understanding. This can help you better understand what those parts are trying to accomplish or protect, develop new ways of relating to and treating parts of yourself, responding to challenges, and living more in alignment with what truly matters to you.
How IFS Coaching Can Help You
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Better understand conflicting thoughts, feelings, needs, and reactions
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Recognize the patterns, beliefs, and protective responses that may be keeping you stuck
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Respond to your inner critic and other difficult parts with greater self-understanding and compassion
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Better understand what triggers certain reactions and what those parts may need
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Feel more grounded and emotionally balanced during difficult situations, as well as more at home in yourself
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Make more intentional decisions that reflect your values, needs, relationships, and goals
My Integrative Approach: Depending on your interests, we can either explore IFS concepts or work more deeply with the formal IFS process. I can also integrate Somatic Experiencing to help you notice the emotions, sensations, and nervous-system responses connected to different parts, while the Enneagram can offer additional insight into patterns and motivations.
These are the most tender, vulnerable parts that carry highly painful emotions, memories, fears, unmet needs, and identities — often kept out of awareness due to their overwhelming feelings.
These protectors aim to prevent problems, pain, and loss of agency by preemptive action, such as planning, organizing, monitoring, pleasing, perfecting, etc.
These protectors aim to quickly react after highly painful feelings surfaced from the Exiles, trying to squash, bury, distract from, numb, or escape their pain.
SELF
PARTS
1) Managers
2) Fire Fighters
A) Protectors
B) Exiles
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What are our different "parts" ?
WHAT CLIENTS Say!
Real Transformation
"Jenna has provided me with a framework for life successes using my Enneagram type, Somatic Exercises and Internal Family Systems. Her approach...has led me to make positive changes in my life and in turn affected others around me. As a visual learner her use of worksheets to self-guide and identify issues/conversation set ups has provided me with additional processes to work through difficult situations. I highly recommend anyone in search of professional/personal development to use Jenna."
JAN T.
★★★★★
(Google review)
"Jenna has been my coach for the past two years, and...she has demonstrated patience and support in the areas I find hard to accept about myself. She has also been present to my needs and has tailored her approach based on what works for me. She has helped me strengthen my communication skills and deepen my understanding of my relational and emotional patterns through somatic work and IFS, creating meaningful growth in my life. I'm grateful to have found Jenna, and her support has brought a noticeable shift in me."
SHALAKA K.
★★★★★
(Google review)
