How Family Therapy in Tampa Can Heal Through the Internal Family Systems (IFS) Approach
A free resource provided by: Psychology House - Tampa, FL
Family life isn’t always easy. Whether it’s ongoing arguments, emotional disconnection, or past wounds resurfacing, many families in Tampa find themselves searching for new ways to reconnect and heal. That’s where family therapy comes in—and more specifically, a powerful approach called Internal Family Systems (IFS).
In this article, we’ll explore what family therapy is, how IFS works, and how it can be a transformative experience for improving family relationships. If you’re wondering whether IFS could help your family find peace and clarity, keep reading.
What Is Family Therapy?
Family therapy is a form of counseling that focuses on improving communication and resolving conflicts within a family unit. It’s not just about fixing what’s “broken”—it’s about helping each person feel heard, understood, and supported.
In Tampa, licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches like IFS to help families navigate issues ranging from parenting stress and sibling rivalry to deeper challenges like trauma and major life transitions. Family therapy creates a safe environment where everyone can express themselves and work toward common goals.
Think of it as a reset button for your family dynamics. Rather than just managing surface-level conflicts, therapy helps uncover the emotional patterns and roles that keep families stuck—and offers tools to shift them.
What Is Internal Family Systems (IFS)?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a modern, evidence-based approach to therapy developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz. The central idea behind IFS is that each person is made up of different "parts," or sub-personalities, that take on specific roles to protect and guide us. Some of these parts may be innate, while others develop as a result of our life experiences, relationships, and environment. For example, a protective part might emerge in childhood to help manage a stressful home life, while another part might develop later in response to social rejection or trauma.
Because of this focus, IFS is often referred to as "Parts Work Therapy." While other therapeutic models may also work with inner parts, IFS is one of the most structured and well-researched methods within this approach.
For example, one part might get angry to defend you, while another part tries to keep you from getting hurt by shutting down emotionally. These parts aren't bad—they're just trying to help, even if their methods aren’t always productive.
IFS also teaches that every person has a core Self—an inner leader that is calm, compassionate, and capable of healing. In therapy, the goal is to help the Self lead, while getting to know and heal the parts that may be carrying pain, fear, or burdens from the past.
This approach is especially helpful for families. By understanding and speaking from their parts, family members can break out of rigid roles and begin seeing each other with greater empathy and understanding.
What Happens in a Family Therapy Session Using IFS?
A typical IFS-informed family therapy session is calm, collaborative, and deeply respectful of each person’s experience. Here’s what you can expect:
The therapist as a guide – Your therapist won’t take sides or give quick-fix advice. Instead, they’ll help each family member connect with their inner parts and communicate from a more grounded, Self-led place.
Checking in with parts – You might be invited to close your eyes and notice what feelings or “parts” show up when you talk about family issues. For example, if you're discussing a recent argument with a sibling, you might notice a tightness in your chest or an inner voice saying, "They never listen to me." That could be a protective part that feels unheard or dismissed. Instead of pushing it away, your therapist might encourage you to get curious about that part—asking it what it's trying to do for you and what it needs. It’s less about analyzing, and more about building a compassionate relationship with your inner world.
Non-blaming conversation – Instead of pointing fingers, each person learns to speak for their parts rather than from them. This reduces conflict and increases mutual understanding.
In-person or virtual options – Many Tampa therapists, including those at Psychology House, offer both in-person and secure telehealth sessions, making it easier to access IFS family therapy.
It may feel unfamiliar at first, but many families are surprised by how quickly this approach fosters real, heartfelt connection.
Benefits of Family Therapy Through IFS
Family therapy using the IFS model offers a range of benefits that go far beyond traditional talk therapy. Here’s how it can help:
Improved Communication
IFS teaches family members to listen to their own parts and speak from their Self. This creates more honest, respectful conversations. Instead of reacting from anger or defensiveness, people can respond with curiosity and compassion.
Healing Old Wounds
Many family problems stem from unresolved emotional pain. IFS allows each person to safely revisit and heal past experiences, which in turn softens rigid roles and reduces reactivity within the family.
Better Conflict Resolution
When families understand the "why" behind each other’s behaviors, they become less defensive and more open to compromise. IFS helps identify what protective parts are doing—and what they need to feel safe enough to step back.
Increased Emotional Regulation
Rather than being hijacked by strong emotions, individuals learn to pause and check in with the parts that are activated. This helps everyone manage stress and respond more calmly, even in high-stakes situations.
Evidence-Based Results
IFS isn’t just a feel-good theory. Studies have shown that it can significantly reduce symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety—all of which can play a role in family dysfunction.
One 2021 randomized clinical trial found that IFS led to a 41% reduction in PTSD symptoms, along with improvements in emotional regulation and self-compassion.
Families who engage in IFS-based therapy often report increased closeness, fewer arguments, and a better understanding of each other’s emotional worlds.
Real Stories from Tampa
"I've seen families who couldn't be in the same room without yelling begin to reconnect and even laugh together again," says a local therapist at Psychology House. "IFS gives them the language and tools to do the work—but it’s their love for each other that drives the change."
Is IFS the Right Fit for Your Family?
IFS might be a great fit if your family:
Has recurring conflicts that don’t seem to resolve
Feels emotionally distant or disconnected
Has experienced trauma, loss, or a major transition
Struggles with communication or understanding each other
Wants a therapy approach that feels respectful, empowering, and non-pathologizing
Because IFS is gentle and trauma-informed, it’s especially helpful for families where one or more members have experienced emotional pain or carry unspoken burdens. Even families who’ve tried other types of therapy often find something different and healing in IFS.
If you're in the Tampa area and curious whether IFS is right for your family, the best next step is to schedule a consultation with a trained family therapist.
Final Thoughts + How to Get Started
Family life is full of joys and challenges. When things get tough, turning inward—and toward each other—can make all the difference. The Internal Family Systems model provides a compassionate, structured way to do just that.
If your family is ready to reconnect, heal old wounds, and create more understanding at home, IFS-based family therapy might be the path forward.
At Psychology House in Tampa, our licensed psychologists are trained in IFS and committed to helping families like yours grow closer, one step at a time.
Reach out today to learn more or schedule a consultation.
About Psychology House - Tampa
We know therapy can be challenging. The most important things always are. But we also know it can be transformative. We see it in our clients, their family lives, relationships, and in their careers. Located in South Tampa, Psychology House is home to highly trained psychologists who specialize in today’s most prominent mental health issues and evidence-based treatments. Prioritizing comfort, safety, and connection, we’ve cultivated a psychology practice built on the idea of home.
Psychology House provides both in-person therapy (Tampa, FL residents) and virtual sessions (Florida Residents/PsyPact States). Our growing team of psychologists specialize in depression, trauma/PTSD, anxiety, relationship issues, addiction, and more.
