Internal Family Systems and Gut Health

Apr 16, 2024

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapeutic approach that explores and works with the different parts or sub-personalities within an individual’s mind. This model suggests that people have various inner parts, each with its own unique qualities, emotions, and perspectives. These parts can sometimes be in conflict with one another, leading to internal tension and challenges in various aspects of life, including physical health.

While IFS is primarily known as a psychotherapeutic model, some individuals and practitioners have explored its application in addressing physical health issues, including digestive problems. Here’s how Internal Family Systems might be applied to help with digestive issues:

  1. Identifying Parts Related to Digestive Issues:
    • Practitioners using IFS may help individuals identify and connect with different parts of themselves that might be related to digestive problems. These parts could include the “worried part,” the “stressed part,” or the “judgmental part,” which may contribute to tension and stress affecting the digestive system.
  2. Establishing Internal Dialogue:
    • Once specific parts related to digestive issues are identified, IFS involves establishing an internal dialogue with these parts. This involves understanding the concerns, fears, or intentions of these parts. For example, a stressed part might be contributing to digestive discomfort due to heightened tension.
  3. Promoting Internal Harmony:
    • The goal of IFS is to help individuals bring harmony and balance to their internal system. By understanding the concerns of different parts, individuals can work towards addressing the underlying issues that may contribute to digestive problems. This could involve finding ways to manage stress, addressing emotional triggers, or developing a more compassionate relationship with oneself.
  4. Mind-Body Connection:
    • IFS acknowledges the mind-body connection, recognizing that emotional and psychological factors can influence physical health. By addressing emotional stressors and promoting self-compassion, individuals may experience improvements in their digestive well-being.
  5. Integration and Healing:
    • IFS emphasizes the process of integrating different parts rather than suppressing or eliminating them. By acknowledging and understanding the role of various parts, individuals can work towards healing and achieving a more balanced internal system.

It’s important to note that while some individuals and practitioners have found IFS helpful in addressing physical health issues, including digestive problems, the scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of IFS for physical health conditions is limited. Additionally, it’s crucial to consult with healthcare professionals for a comprehensive assessment and appropriate treatment of digestive issues.

If you’re interested in exploring IFS for digestive concerns, consider working with a therapist or practitioner trained in Internal Family Systems who can guide you through the process. Always prioritize collaboration with healthcare providers to address both the psychological and physical aspects of your health.

Recent Posts

Archives

well humans logo

Fix Your Gut and Feel Your Best

carla alpert functional medicine practitioner

Hello and Welcome! My name is Carla Alpert, and I’m a Board Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach and Diagnostic Practitioner, focusing on the gut and how it affects your overall health. Think of me as a health detective and wellness coach working in partnership with you to restore your health. We work together to uncover the contributing factors to your chronic symptoms, to eat well, sleep well, move more and stress less.

I love the GI MAP test because it helps my clients and I discover gut dysfunction that may be contributing to daily digestive issues as well as other chronic symptoms like anxiety, fatigue and brain fog. I created this GI MAP Coaching Package to help you stop struggling with your health and get back to living your best life.

functional medicine health coaching logos

What Clients Are Saying

Carla really helped me to figure out my gut pain and issues after so many years. I finally feel like I have energy and clarity around my health! She was so easy to talk to and helped me discover problem areas that were causing me so much distress, when no other doctors could help.
VICTORIA

Well Humans changed my life. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis accompanied by chronic hives. It sprang up out of nowhere and caused bizarre “food allergies” that I’d never had before. Because of Carla’s coaching and dietary recommendations as well as GI Map testing, I can happily say that I am now symptom-free, and I have been in remission for over a year now. All of the doctors I saw told me I would have to deal with my symptoms because there was no cure, but here I am, back to living a mostly normal life. I highly recommend Carla and Well Humans for anyone looking for real answers and treatments that work.
KALYN

When working with Carla, you are in capable, compassionate, knowledgeable and caring hands. Carla truly cares about your well being and wants to help you be the healthiest that you can be. My health was truly suffering and with her guidance and suggested testing, we uncovered some issues that nobody else had uncovered, despite my going to some of the top rated medical institutions. My health and pain improved greatly due to Carla’s sleuthing…she knew where to look. Through many health challenges, I was quite emotional and Carla showed me what compassion looks like. If you want to truly improve your health, start with Well Humans.
BETH

Over years, I’ve tried various “alternative” medicine as well as conventional “western” medicine approaches. Skin ailments are hard to treat – so many aspects of a life can produce skin symptoms. I enthusiastically recommend Well Humans and Carla for a simple reason – I’ve experienced sustained, substantial improvement! I have hardly ever posted a review of anything, but writing this was an easy choice to make. I wish you all the best in your journey towards better health!
JON

I searched the U.S. to find someone who does what Carla does. Carla has used her knowledge, support and expertise to optimize my health and well-being with a blend of scientific medical tests, supplements and diet changes. I wasted a lot of time on my hunches, the internet and experiments with supplements and food and NOW i have an actual plan. Superb supportive knowledge and guidance. I highly recommend Carla. Grateful.
LISA

I never knew that I had a gluten allergy and intolerance until Carla discovered it in my blood work! I’m so grateful that she made this discovery and I have been gluten free ever since. I sleep better, don’t feel bloated and have much more energy. It was a life-changing insight.
ROB

Carla is very knowledgeable and kind. She helped me navigate a health issue with grace and the utmost care. Carla goes above and beyond with her clients and I highly recommend her. She genuinely cares!
ALLISON

I have been working with Carla for quite some time and she has helped me turn my life and health around. She is non-judgmental, and always wants the best for her clients. She is extremely knowledgeable and has a fantastic bedside manner. She has truly changed my life for the better and I will always be grateful for everything she has done.
ROB

Pin It on Pinterest