Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a type of psychotherapy that identifies and addresses multiple sub-personalities or families within each person’s mental system. These sub-personalities consist of wounded parts and painful emotions such as anger and shame, and parts that try to control and protect the person from the pain of the wounded parts. The sub-personalities are often in conflict with each other and with one's core Self, a concept that describes the confident, compassionate, whole person that is at the core of every individual. IFS focuses on healing the wounded parts and restoring mental balance and harmony by changing the dynamics that create discord among the sub-personalities and the Self.

I personally love this style of therapy and find it helpful for myself and my clients. That is why I invited Laura Parry Laura on the podcast this month. Laura is a licensed clinical social worker practicing since 2009, and clinical director of Roots & Branches Wellness. Laura founded Roots & Branches because she wants to help people practice self-compassion and understand that there is no shame in whatever you are struggling with. She seeks to help others find their voice and feel empowered to make changes in their lives by understanding the past. Laura is passionate about helping expecting parents understand mental health during the pregnancy and postpartum phases of their lives and has made this a core pillar of our practice.

Today’s episode dives into the concepts of IFS as well as another type of treatment Laura uses with trauma called Lifespan Integration. We dive into the complexities of motherhood, parenting and birth and the importance of seeking help during this transitional time, especially if there is a birth trauma. And of course we include the importance of mind-body connection to our healing process.

It was an honor to learn from Laura and we hope that this knowledge aids you on your journey towards self-understanding and healing, no matter where you are on your path. .

Books mentioned in today’s episode:

No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz: https://a.co/d/9gED2Gr

Transformed by Birth by Britta Bushnell https://a.co/d/9uubT4k

Connect with Laura and follow her on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/_lauraparry/ and https://www.instagram.com/roots.branches.wellness/

Website: https://www.rootsbrancheswellness.com/

Connect with me to never miss an episode and Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/lesha__nelson/

Website: https://www.leshanelson.com/