Understanding IFS for Healing Childhood Trauma

From Audrey Malone, MSW, LCSW at Be Well Collective

Healing childhood trauma isn’t just about talking—it’s about mending the relationship with parts of ourselves that took the brunt as kids. One of my go‑to approaches with clients is Internal Family Systems (IFS) here at Be Well Collective. Here’s why I love it—and why it works.

What Is IFS?

IFS, or Internal Family Systems, was developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz in the 1980s. It views the mind as a system of “parts”: protectors, exiles (the wounded inner child's feelings), and a core Self that is calm, curious, and compassionate verywellmind.com.

Unlike approaches that push against these inner parts, IFS helps you connect with your SELF and, from that empowered place, heal the parts that are carrying childhood wounds.

Why IFS Is Ideal for Childhood Trauma

There’s growing evidence that IFS is especially effective for those of us who’ve experienced childhood trauma:

• A 2021 pilot study of adults with multiple childhood traumas (including PTSD) found significant reductions in trauma symptoms after completing IFS therapy https://foundationifs.org/

• That same study reported over 90% of participants no longer met PTSD criteria one‑month post‑treatment https://arxiv.org/

• Broader research confirms IFS also helps reduce anxiety and depression—and builds self‑compassion and emotional regulationhttps://seachangepsychotherapy.com/

  
  

Those stats don’t just look good on paper—they tell me something that aligns with what I see in the therapy room: people finding inner freedom in ways nothing else touches.

How It Feels, From the Inside

Part of what makes IFS so powerful is how relational it is. Instead of trying to silence or push away parts of yourself, we get to meet them.

• One client described working with an anxious protectors as “meeting them like a worried sibling—not the enemy.”

• Another said it felt like “meeting my 8‑year‑old self and letting her say her story—with me listening and holding space.”

  
  

It’s not esoteric—it’s experiential. We literally guide your “core Self” into relationship with parts that need healing.

A Note on BE WELL COLLECTIVE, ORANGE COUNTY

At Be Well COLLECTIVE, we prioritize the importance of providing high-quality services. This ensures that our clients receive the best possible care and support.

Credentials We Hold

• Licensed in both California and Idaho.

• Training in therapies such as EMDR, ART, EFT, Polyvagal Theory and IFS

  
  

We believe that continuous learning and adherence to professional standards are crucial in fostering a supportive and effective environment for our clients. Your well-being is our top priority.

At Be Well Collective, we believe it’s important that you know who’s guiding your healing. Audrey Malone, LCSW, has over 25 years of experience working with teens, families, and individuals in different roles. She has led trauma training sessions and mental health awareness programs in fire and police departments throughout California and international mindfulness retreats.

You can learn more about the IFS Institute here:🔗 IFS Institute – Training & Certification

As a therapist, I use the model with compassion, curiosity, and care for your pace. I use IFS as an integrated approach to trauma therapy and pursue continuing education to deepen my skills in trauma-informed care and parts work.

If you ever want to know more about how I integrate IFS into therapy reach out to connect@bewellcollective.com.