🕯️ Understanding Therapist Parts in IFS

Even therapists have parts — the ones who want to help, fix, rescue, impress, or stay safe by staying professional. In IFS, these are called therapist parts. They show up in sessions, often with good intentions, but sometimes they block the therapist’s Self from leading.

• A caretaker part may rush to soothe instead of staying curious.

• A perfectionist part may fear mistakes.

• A detached part may hide behind technique to avoid feeling too much.

Each one is trying to protect the therapist’s own system — not harm the client’s.

IFS invites practitioners to meet these parts gently, not shame them.

When a therapist can pause, breathe, and say inwardly, “I see you, helper — thank you, but I’m here now,” Self returns to the room.

True IFS work happens Self to Self. Therapist parts don’t have to disappear; they just need to relax enough for presence to lead. From that place, even the therapist’s protectors can become allies in healing.