Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is highly effective and transformative, largely due to its emphasis on the unburdening process. According to IFS principles, we all possess the inner resources necessary to heal ourselves and live in a state of balanced inner peace (Sweezy & Ziskind, 2017). However, trauma and life experiences can block these natural healing abilities.
Trauma burdens arise not only from events that threaten our physical safety but also from those that harm us emotionally. Experiences of judgment, shame, humiliation, or devaluation—especially during childhood—can create lasting burdens. As children, our limited life experience and perspective make it difficult to fully understand these events. The mind tends to create meaning from these experiences, storing them in long-term memory. This can lead to negative self-beliefs, such as:
"I’m not good enough."
"I’m worthless."
"I’m too much."
"I’m not enough."
"I’m bad."
"I’m a failure."
"I’m unlovable."
These burdens also involve extreme emotions and can manifest as physical symptoms. When unresolved, they may even be passed down to future generations, becoming what are known as "legacy burdens." Secrecy and shame often play a significant role in the transmission of these burdens across generations (Sweezy & Ziskind, 2017). Ann L. Sinko describes legacy burdens as both "overt and covert" (Sweezy & Ziskind, 2017). We naturally absorb the feelings and beliefs of our parents or caregivers, with epigenetics providing scientific evidence that trauma can be biologically passed on.
IFS therapy addresses not just the mind, but also the body and spirit. By connecting with physical sensations, body memories, and somatic experiences, clients can unburden deeply held trauma. In my practice, I have encountered what Robert Falconer refers to as “unattached burdens” (Falconer, 2023). These are negative energies, beliefs, or emotions that do not originate from an individual’s internal parts but instead come from external sources. These unattached burdens can influence a person’s thoughts, behaviors, or emotions without belonging to any specific part of their internal system (Falconer, 2023). Through IFS, these burdens are identified, released, and returned to where they belong, allowing clients to restore their inner balance and clarity (Falconer, 2023).
IFS also integrates elements of ancient spiritual practices, such as shamanic journeying. Many of my clients encounter spirit guides, power animals, or ancestors during sessions, which provide valuable insights and assist in retrieving lost parts of their soul or removing energetic blocks.
Dream analysis is another powerful tool within IFS. Dreams often provide a pathway into unresolved trauma, highlighting archetypes and inner conflicts. By addressing these symbols, clients can resolve inner struggles, which can then positively influence their external relationships.
Ultimately, IFS offers the potential for deep transformation, both within the individual and across generations. Through repeated unburdenings, clients can experience true soul retrieval, reintegrating lost parts of themselves. This process fosters a sense of wholeness, renewed energy, and emotional balance.
References:
Falconer, R. (2023). The Others Within Us: Internal Family Systems, Porosity, and Spirit Possession. Aeon Books.
Johnson, S. (2023, July 5). Understanding epigenetics: How trauma is passed on through our family members. Arkansas Advocate.
Sweezy, M., & Ziskind, E. L. (Eds.). (2017). IFS Innovations and Elaborations in Internal Family Systems Therapy.Routledge.
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