Integrating Internal Family Systems (IFS) with EMDR for Deeper Healing

What is IFS and EMDR?

Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) are two powerful approaches to trauma therapy. Each is effective in its own right, but when integrated, they can create a deeper and more compassionate pathway to healing.

• IFS works on the understanding that we all have different "parts" within us. Some parts may carry pain or trauma, while others try to protect us. The goal of IFS is to help you connect with your core Self, the calm, compassionate, and centred part of you, so that you can heal these inner parts.

• EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tapping, or sounds) to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer feel overwhelming or stuck in the present.

When combined, these approaches allow for safe, gentle, and deeply effective trauma work.

Why Combine IFS with EMDR?

While EMDR can effectively reprocess traumatic memories, some people find that strong emotions or protective responses get in the way. This is where IFS becomes incredibly valuable.

Using IFS before or during EMDR helps you:

• Create safety by getting to know the protective parts that may feel hesitant about reprocessing.

• Reduce overwhelm by gently checking in with parts of you that might hold intense emotions.

• Enhance self-compassion so the healing process feels supported, not forced.

• Access deeper layers of memory that may otherwise remain hidden or blocked.

How the Integration Works

An IFS-informed EMDR session may look different to traditional EMDR. Here’s how the process often unfolds:

1. Connecting with Parts The therapist invites you to notice any parts of yourself that are showing up, such as a scared child part, a protective part, or a critical part.

2. Establishing Permission Before reprocessing a memory, you check in with these parts to see if they feel ready and safe to proceed.

3. Supporting During EMDR If strong emotions arise, the therapist can pause the bilateral stimulation and return to IFS dialogue, helping you comfort and understand the parts involved.

4. Integrating the Healing After EMDR, IFS can be used to help all parts of you absorb the new insights, calm, and relief.

   
   

Benefits of Using IFS with EMDR

Clients often find that this integrated approach:

• Builds trust with themselves and their therapist

• Reduces the risk of emotional flooding

• Makes EMDR feel safer and more collaborative

• Creates lasting change that feels accepted by all parts of themselves

Who Can Benefit from IFS and EMDR?

This approach is particularly helpful if you:

• Have complex trauma or PTSD

• Experience high emotional sensitivity or anxiety

• Struggle with inner conflict or self-criticism

• Have tried EMDR before, but found it too overwhelming

• Want a more compassionate, self-led healing process

Finding the Right Therapist

Not all therapists are trained in both EMDR and IFS, so it’s important to seek someone with experience in integrating the two. At Hope Prevails on the Gold Coast, I offer both EMDR and IFS-informed therapy to help clients heal at a pace that feels safe and supported.

Final Thoughts

IFS and EMDR are powerful on their own, but together they create a healing process that honours every part of you. By combining the structure of EMDR with the compassion of IFS, you can work through trauma in a way that feels grounded, safe, and lasting.

If you’d like to explore whether IFS-informed EMDR could be right for you, get in touch today. I offer a safe, supportive space for trauma recovery, either in person at my Gold Coast practice or online.