At the heart of society is the family. When we think of family, we often picture couples, parents, children, and extended relatives. However, each family is made up of individuals, each with their own thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy helps us understand that, just like a family, each person has different “parts” within them that interact and influence how they feel and behave (Schwartz, 2020, pp. 24-26). This means that our inner world plays a big role in shaping our relationships with others.
Just as families have patterns of interaction, so do our internal parts. Some parts may be protective, while others carry deep emotions or memories. IFS helps individuals recognize and balance these parts, leading to greater self-awareness and healing. At the same time, Structural Family Therapy (SFT) focuses on how family systems function and adapt over time (Minuchin & Fishman, 1981). This approach highlights that when problems arise, they are often due to the way the family system is structured rather than any one person being the cause.
Understanding Change in Relationships
When it comes to making changes in your life or relationships, there are two types of shifts that can happen. First-order change happens when small adjustments are made, but things eventually return to the way they were before (Watzlawick et al., 1974). Second-order change, on the other hand, involves a deeper transformation—where the way you relate to yourself and others is truly restructured (Watzlawick et al., 1974).
For example, if you’re hoping to build stronger connections with loved ones, first-order change might look like thinking about it or having short conversations about wanting to spend more time together. Second-order change, however, would mean taking real action—such as planning outings, having deeper discussions, or setting new habits that strengthen your relationships.
How Therapy Can Help You Thrive
Whether you’re facing personal challenges or struggling within your family, understanding how change happens can be a powerful tool for growth. Therapy provides a safe space to explore both your internal world and the way you relate to others. Through IFS, you can learn how to nurture and balance your inner parts, leading to greater self-acceptance and emotional well-being. At the same time, SFT can help restructure family dynamics to create healthier communication patterns and stronger bonds.
Change takes time, but with the right support, you can create meaningful and lasting improvements in your life and relationships. If you’re ready to take the next step toward personal and family healing, therapy can be an empowering resource to guide you along the way.
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