by Susan Smith | Oct 7, 2025 | All Posts, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Susan Smith
What Is IFS Therapy? Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is a powerful approach that views the mind as an inner community made up of many different “parts.” These parts often carry distinct feelings, needs, and roles. For example, one part of me may want to go out...
by Susan Smith | Sep 24, 2025 | All Posts, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Susan Smith
Why Trauma Leaves Parts Stuck When trauma or chronic stress happens, and we’re not able to find a sense of safety and wellbeing, parts of us often stay activated or ‘on the ready’ in survival roles. Some parts take on protective jobs—controlling, avoiding, or shutting...
by Susan Smith | Sep 9, 2025 | All Posts, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Susan Smith
What Is Internal Family Systems (IFS)? Internal Family Systems therapy—often shortened to IFS—is a powerful, evidence-based model that views people through the lens of multiplicity. Instead of seeing ourselves as one fixed identity, IFS recognizes that we are made up...
by Susan Smith | May 5, 2025 | Internal Family Systems (IFS), Personal Growth, Susan Smith
Editor’s Note: Susan wrote this reflection on a snowy spring day. As we move deeper into the season of growth and light, her words about tending to dark emotions feel even more relevant. On this chilly, snowy day, I find myself revisiting a favorite post on dark...
by Susan Smith | Apr 14, 2025 | Demystifying Therapy, Family Dynamics, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Susan Smith, Trauma Recovery
Mother Hunger is a term coined by Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor Claire Bidwell Smith to describe the deep, insatiable longing for love that arises from a lack of nurturing maternal care. This unmet need can manifest as emotional distress, relational...
by Susan Smith | Mar 14, 2025 | Demystifying Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Susan Smith
Peace is this moment without judgment. That is all. This moment in the Heart-space where everything is welcome.— Dorothy Hunt In 2020, as a seasoned psychotherapist, I completed my Level 1 training with the Internal Family Systems (IFS) Institute. Despite my...
