Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy in Colorado
When you’re struggling with addiction, trauma, or co-occurring mental health disorders, traditional talk therapy may only scratch the surface of healing. At Acqua Recovery, we offer Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy in Colorado—a revolutionary approach that recognizes the complexity of the human psyche and provides a pathway to genuine, lasting recovery.
Unlike conventional therapy models that treat symptoms in isolation, IFS therapy acknowledges that we all contain multiple “parts” within ourselves. These parts develop over time to help us navigate life’s challenges, but they can become stuck in old patterns that no longer serve us. Through compassionate exploration of these internal parts, IFS therapy helps you develop Self-leadership and create harmony within yourself.
What Is Internal Family Systems Therapy?
Internal Family Systems therapy is an evidence-based therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz that views the mind as naturally multiple. Rather than seeing this multiplicity as pathological, IFS recognizes it as a normal aspect of human psychology. We all have different parts of ourselves—the part that wants to please others, the part that protects us from harm, the part that holds our pain, and many others.
In IFS therapy, these parts are categorized into three main types:
- Exiles are the vulnerable parts that carry our pain, trauma, and unmet needs. These parts often hold childhood wounds and emotional experiences that we’ve pushed away or buried.
- Managers work tirelessly to keep us safe from further harm. They may manifest as perfectionism, people-pleasing, workaholism, or other strategies designed to prevent vulnerability.
- Firefighters emerge when Exiles break through despite our Managers’ efforts. These parts often engage in impulsive behaviors like substance use, compulsive behaviors, or other ways of numbing or avoiding pain.
At the core of IFS therapy is the belief that everyone possesses a Self—a calm, compassionate, curious, and connected essence that can lead and heal our internal system. Through IFS therapy at Acqua Colorado, you’ll learn to access this Self-leadership and begin to create healthy relationships with all parts of yourself.
How IFS Therapy Transforms Addiction Recovery
Addiction rarely develops in a vacuum. Often, substance use begins as a firefighter attempts to manage overwhelming emotions, trauma, or mental health symptoms. Traditional addiction therapy may focus on stopping the behavior, but IFS therapy goes deeper to understand and heal the underlying wounds that drive addictive patterns.
In our Colorado addiction programs, we’ve seen how IFS therapy creates lasting change by:
- Addressing Root Causes: Instead of simply managing symptoms, IFS therapy helps identify and heal the exiled parts that drive addictive behaviors. When these wounded parts receive the attention and care they need, the urgency for substances often naturally diminishes.
- Reducing Internal Conflict: Many people in recovery experience intense internal battles between the part that wants to stay sober and parts that still crave substances. IFS therapy helps negotiate these internal conflicts with compassion rather than force.
- Building Self-Compassion: Addiction often comes with intense shame and self-criticism. IFS therapy helps you develop a loving, curious relationship with all parts of yourself—even the parts that have made choices you regret.
- Strengthening Self-Leadership: As you learn to lead from your authentic Self, you develop the internal resources needed to navigate challenges without relying on substances or other destructive coping mechanisms.
IFS Therapy for Co-Occurring Disorders and Dual Diagnosis
Many individuals seeking addiction treatment also struggle with co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder. According to SAMHSA’s 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 21.5 million adults in the United States have a co-occurring disorder, and more than one in four adults living with serious mental health problems also has a substance use problem. This dual diagnosis requires specialized care that addresses both conditions simultaneously.
IFS therapy is particularly effective for dual diagnosis treatment because it recognizes how different parts of ourselves may be carrying various symptoms and experiences. For example, a part carrying trauma may manifest as PTSD symptoms, while another protector part responds to those symptoms through substance use. Another part might carry depression, while a firefighter part acts out through impulsive behaviors. IFS therapy for co-occurring disorders helps you understand these complex internal dynamics and develop healthier ways of caring for all aspects of your experience.
Our Colorado addiction therapy approach integrates IFS with other evidence-based treatments to provide comprehensive dual diagnosis care. This integration ensures that both your addiction and mental health symptoms receive the attention they need for complete healing.
What Makes Acqua Recovery's IFS Therapy Approach Unique
At Acqua Recovery, IFS therapy isn’t just another treatment modality we offer—it’s woven into the fabric of everything we do. While many treatment centers might offer IFS as a single weekly group session, we’ve created a treatment environment where Self-leadership and parts work are integrated throughout your entire recovery experience – the language of “parts” quickly becomes second-nature.
We understand that healing happens in a relationship, not just in individual therapy sessions. That’s why our IFS-informed approach extends to group therapy, experiential activities, and even informal interactions throughout our programs. You’ll learn to practice Self-leadership in real-time, building the skills you need for lasting recovery.
The IFS Therapy Process: What to Expect
Beginning IFS therapy can feel both exciting and intimidating. Many people worry about what they might discover within themselves or whether they have the strength to face their inner world. Our compassionate therapists guide you through this process with patience and expertise.
- Initial Exploration: Your IFS therapy journey begins with getting to know your internal system. You’ll learn to notice different parts, understand their roles, and begin developing curiosity rather than judgment about them.
- Building Self-Leadership: As you practice accessing your Self, you’ll discover your natural capacity for calm, compassion, courage, and clarity. These qualities become your foundation for healing and growth.
- Working with Protectors: We’ll carefully explore your protective parts, understanding how they’ve tried to keep you safe and what they need to feel secure enough to step back when appropriate.
- Healing Exiles: With adequate protection in place, you’ll have opportunities to connect with and heal your wounded parts. This process often brings profound relief and integration.
- Integration and Growth: As your internal system becomes more harmonious, you’ll experience greater emotional regulation, improved relationships, and increased resilience in recovery.
IFS Therapy and Trauma Recovery
Trauma and addiction frequently co-occur, with research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse showing that about 8% of people who have experienced trauma go on to develop PTSD, and there is significant overlap between those with PTSD and substance use disorders. Studies have found that in highly traumatized populations, there are strong correlations between childhood physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and current PTSD symptoms, with substance use often serving as an attempt to self-medicate these symptoms.
IFS therapy provides a gentle yet effective approach to trauma healing that doesn’t require you to relive painful experiences in detail. Instead of focusing solely on trauma symptoms, IFS therapy helps you develop a loving relationship with the parts of yourself that carry trauma. These exiled parts often feel frozen in time, still experiencing the fear, helplessness, or pain from traumatic events. Through Self-leadership, you can offer these parts the safety, comfort, and validation they need to heal.
This trauma-informed approach recognizes that healing happens at your own pace and never forces you to access material you’re not ready to handle. Your protector parts maintain ultimate veto power over the therapeutic process, ensuring you always feel safe and in control.
Evidence-Based Results and Long-Term Benefits
IFS therapy is recognized as an evidence-based treatment for trauma, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. In 2015, IFS was designated as an evidence-based practice on the National Registry for Evidence-based Programs and Practices, a database created by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Research demonstrates its effectiveness in reducing symptoms while improving overall quality of life and emotional well-being.
Recent studies show promising results for IFS therapy effectiveness. In a pilot study of online group-based IFS intervention for individuals with comorbid PTSD and substance use disorder, participants showed significant improvements in both PTSD symptoms and substance cravings over the 12-week treatment period. Additionally, a study published in the Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment and Trauma found that following IFS therapy sessions, PTSD and depressive symptoms were significantly reduced, with 92% of participants no longer meeting criteria for PTSD at the one-month follow-up assessment.
Clients who engage in IFS therapy often report:
- Reduced internal criticism and increased self-compassion
- Improved emotional regulation and stress management
- Better relationships with family, friends, and colleagues
- Increased sense of authenticity and personal agency
- Greater resilience in facing life’s challenges
- Sustained recovery from addiction and mental health symptoms
The skills you develop through IFS therapy extend far beyond your time in treatment. Self-leadership becomes a lifelong practice that supports continued growth, healing, and fulfillment.
Integrating IFS with Other Therapeutic Approaches
While IFS therapy is powerful on its own, it becomes even more effective when integrated with other evidence-based treatments. At Acqua Recovery, we combine IFS with approaches such as:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify and change unhelpful thought patterns, while IFS explores which parts carry these thoughts and what they need.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) provides practical skills for emotional regulation that support Self-leadership development.
- EMDR therapy can help process traumatic memories while IFS ensures your parts feel safe throughout the healing process.
- Group therapy provides opportunities to practice Self-leadership in relationships and receive support from others on similar journeys.
This integrated approach ensures you receive comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of your recovery needs.
Starting Your IFS Therapy Journey in Colorado
If you’re ready to move beyond surface-level symptom management and discover the profound healing possible through Internal Family Systems therapy, Acqua Recovery is here to support you. Our Colorado addiction programs provide a safe, nurturing environment where you can explore your internal world with expert guidance and compassionate care.
Recovery is not about eliminating parts of yourself—it’s about learning to lead from your authentic Self while honoring all aspects of who you are. Through IFS therapy, you’ll develop the internal resources needed for lasting sobriety, improved mental health, and a more fulfilling life.
Your journey toward healing and wholeness can begin today. Contact us to learn more about our IFS therapy programs and take the first step toward transforming your relationship with yourself and your recovery.
Call Our Colorado Drug Rehab Now: (866) 830-4628
Acqua Recovery’s Colorado drug rehab center is in-network with Medicaid and UnitedHealthcare, and accepts many other insurance plans. Contact our admissions team today to verify your coverage.
