Healing Grief and Loss with Internal Family Systems Therapy

Understanding Grief Through IFS

Loss activates exiled parts that hold sadness, longing, or guilt. In response, protectors may suppress feelings to keep life moving forward or distract through work or other behaviors. While protective, these strategies can prolong unresolved grief.

The Role of Self-Energy in Healing

Self-energy provides a safe, compassionate presence for grieving parts. When you connect with Self, you can listen to protectors with patience and support exiles carrying sorrow, without becoming overwhelmed.

Practical IFS Approaches to Grief

Therapy often involves guided visualizations and inner dialogues where clients acknowledge and comfort parts that carry grief. This allows the grieving process to unfold naturally, reducing feelings of isolation and fostering resilience.

Benefits of IFS in Grief Work

Clients experience a deeper acceptance of loss, reduced emotional numbing, and an ability to carry memories with less pain and more peace. Healing grief through IFS allows people to move forward without losing connection to what they loved.

Call to Action
IFS therapy can help you navigate grief with compassion and care. Book a session today.

References

• Shear, M. K., et al. (2011). Complicated grief and related bereavement issues for DSM-5. Depression and Anxiety, 28(2), 103–117.

• Schwartz, R. C., & Sweezy, M. (2019). Internal Family Systems Therapy (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.