What to Expect From Internal Family Systems Therapy to Treat Anxiety | Anxiety Therapy San Francisco
You went through the laborious task of searching for an anxiety therapist in San Francisco. You locked in the first appointment with a therapist who uses Internal Family Systems (IFS) to treat anxiety. And now, you probably have some questions. Below are the basics on what to expect from the therapy process.
The beginning of anxiety therapy is all about clarifying your goals.
Anxiety therapy often begins with you talking about what you’ve been dealing with and the differences you’d like to see in your life. If you’re experiencing anxiety, perhaps your goal is to feel less on edge in your relationships, to dwell less on negative experiences, or decrease your tendency to fixate on what could go wrong. Setting clear therapy goals helps you track your progress along the way.
What is the gist of Internal Family Systems therapy for anxiety?
IFS-informed therapists believe that emotions, physical sensations, thoughts, beliefs, and urges are all different aspects--or "parts"--of our personality. These parts often have competing interests inside of us, which can create inner tension and fuel anxiety. When we’re stressed, parts will often react on autopilot to protect other vulnerable and scared parts. Our reactive parts have good intentions to protect us, but if left unexamined, these knee jerk reactions can have consequences on our bodies, mental health, and relationships.
If we slow down and get to know our various internal parts, they tend to respond to stress rather than react to it.
This includes anxiety—it’s a part. Through talk therapy and guided meditations, an IFS therapist will help you develop a compassionate relationship with your anxiety so you can understand it better. When you know how it operates in your system, you are more empowered to choose how to respond, rather than your anxious part reacting all the time.
Additionally, an IFS therapist will encourage you to check in with your anxious part throughout the week. This mindful practice beyond the therapy sessions helps a client to develop new and lasting patterns for dealing with anxiety.
Are we meeting your anxiety therapy goals?
I believe good anxiety therapy involves periodically checking in on therapy goals. If your goal was for overthinking to dominate less of your life, then a therapy check-in will review your progress and make sure you’re still moving along towards that goal. If you're not, you and your therapist will need to make changes that work for you.
A free therapy consultation in San Francisco
I hope this helps answer some of your questions about what to expect in IFS therapy for anxiety in San Francisco. If you are still feeling uncertain about the therapy process, feel welcome to call me at (415) 851-5125 for a free 15-minute phone consultation. I’d be happy to hear about what is happening and help direct you to the right person. If you are looking for help with anxiety, you can read more about how I can help here. My specialties include anxiety, self-esteem, and relationship issues.