IFS and Grief Therapy

IFS and Grief

Is IFS Good for Grief?

When we experience loss, it’s common for different internal “parts” of ourselves to respond in various ways. You might have a part that feels immense sadness, another that’s angry, and maybe even one that tries to push the pain away. IFS provides a gentle, structured way to connect with and understand these parts, helping you honor each emotion without becoming overwhelmed by them.

Through IFS, you can learn to hold space for your grief while cultivating a sense of self-compassion. This process can help you feel more grounded and resilient, allowing you to move forward without feeling like you’re leaving your loved one or loss behind.

What Not to Do While Grieving

Grief is a deeply personal process, and there’s no right or wrong way to experience it. However, certain behaviors can make healing more difficult. Here are a few things to avoid:

Suppress your emotions

Rush the grieving process

Judge Your Feelings

Gaining social support and asking for help

Remember, it’s okay to not be okay. Grieving is not about “getting over” a loss but about learning how to carry it in a way that feels manageable and meaningful for you.

IFS and Grief

What is the Family Systems Theory of Grief?

Family Systems Theory offers a unique perspective on grief, recognizing that it’s not just an individual experience but one that ripples through the entire family. When one member of a family experiences a loss, it can affect the roles, dynamics, and communication patterns within the whole group. For example, one person might step into a caretaker role, while another might withdraw to process their emotions alone.

Unresolved grief can sometimes create tension or misunderstandings within the family system. Therapy based on Family Systems Theory helps families navigate these shifts and address grief collectively. By fostering open communication and understanding, families can support one another, restore balance, and even strengthen their connections in the face of loss.

Our Approach

At Sarah Cline & Associates, we understand that grief is a deeply personal and often overwhelming journey. Losing someone or something dear to us can shake the foundation of our lives, leaving us feeling untethered. But you don’t have to face this alone.

Our team is here to support you with warmth, empathy, and evidence-based approaches, including Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, to help you process and navigate your loss in a way that feels authentic to you.

Feel Heard, Feel Safe, Feel Better - Contact Us

Sarah Cline and Associates | Therapy in Illinois
In-Person Sessions

2100 Manchester Rd. Suite 501-1

Wheaton, IL. 60187

Virtual Sessions

Throughout Illinois

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