IFS Therapy for Anxiety and Depression: An Empowering Pathway to Healing

Anxiety and depression can feel overwhelming, like you’re carrying a heavy weight you can’t seem to put down. As a Denver therapist who works with individuals experiencing these challenges, I understand how deeply rooted they are. It’s not always about the stress of daily life or a particular event—it’s often about the parts of us we’ve had to suppress or protect for years. (And let’s be honest, that’s exhausting.)

This is where Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy can make a difference. IFS offers a compassionate, nonjudgmental way to understand and heal the internal dynamics that drive anxiety and depression. If you’re seeking IFS therapy for anxiety and depression, let’s explore how this approach works and why it’s so empowering!

Hi, I’m Gigi, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Denver. I specialize in trauma, disordered eating, and helping clients reconnect with their inner selves through IFS Informed therapy. If you’re searching for a therapist in Denver, I’d love to support your healing journey—book a consultation with me today!

Understanding Anxiety and Depression Through the IFS Lens

From an IFS perspective, anxiety and depression are often the result of inner parts that are trying to protect us. Anxiety can manifest as a part that’s hypervigilant—constantly scanning for danger to keep us safe. Depression may come from a part that’s overwhelmed and exhausted, shutting us down to shield us from emotional pain.

The key here is that these parts aren’t our enemies. They’ve developed in response to painful experiences or unmet needs, often tied to attachment wounds or trauma. (Think of them as younger versions of yourself trying their best, even if their methods aren’t helping anymore.)

These protective parts can often be linked to adult childhood trauma—those lingering patterns from growing up in environments where emotional needs weren’t met. When we view anxiety and depression through the IFS lens, we see an opportunity not just to manage symptoms but to transform the relationship we have with ourselves.

For an in depth look into how IFS therapy can help to heal adult childhood trauma, read on here.

How IFS Therapy Works with These Parts

IFS therapy starts by creating a safe, supportive environment where we can get to know these parts. As an IFS Informed therapist in Denver, I guide individuals to identify and connect with their anxious or depressed parts without judgment. This process often feels like meeting an old friend you didn’t know you had.

One of the most powerful aspects of IFS is the concept of the Self. The Self is the compassionate, wise core of who we are, and it’s always there—even when we feel lost in the chaos of anxiety or depression. Through IFS, we help the Self take the lead, allowing it to bring curiosity and calm to those protective parts.

For example, let’s say a client comes in feeling consumed by anxiety. Through IFS, we might discover that a part of them feels responsible for keeping everything in their life under control to avoid failure or rejection. By listening to this part (instead of trying to silence it), we uncover its fears and begin the process of unburdening it. (It’s pretty amazing to watch these parts soften when they feel heard.)

Real-Life Benefits of IFS Therapy for Anxiety and Depression

As an IFS Informed therapist in Denver, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative IFS therapy can be for anxiety and depression. And, the research supports these experiences! 

Here’s a few studies:

• A pilot study found that IFS therapy significantly reduced depression symptoms among female college students. Participants reported feeling more empowered and better able to manage their emotions.

• Another study showed that IFS therapy not only reduced depression and pain but also improved physical functioning for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

• Research published in the Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy found that IFS therapy helped reduce anxiety symptoms by addressing the fears and inner conflicts driving the anxiety.

These findings align with what I see in my practice—individuals experiencing less overwhelm, more clarity, and a renewed sense of hope.

Why IFS Therapy is Different

Unlike traditional approaches that focus solely on coping mechanisms, IFS therapy invites us to heal at a deeper level. It’s not about fighting against anxiety and depression, but rather understanding and caring for the parts of us that are suffering.

In Denver, where the pressures of work, relationships, and life can feel overwhelming, IFS therapy offers a refreshing alternative. It helps us build a more compassionate relationship with ourselves, which often ripples out into every other aspect of life.

IFS Therapy for Anxiety and Depression: Your Next Steps

If you’re curious about IFS therapy for anxiety and depression (and I hope you are!), finding the right therapist is key. If you’re navigating anxiety, depression, or adult childhood trauma in Denver, you don’t have to do it alone. As an IFS Informed therapist in Denver, I understand transformative this work can be. Whether you’re new to therapy or looking for a fresh approach, IFS offers a pathway to reconnect with your true self—the version of you that feels calm, confident, and whole.

I’m here to help you explore these parts of yourself and discover what’s possible when you approach them with curiosity and care. Whether you’re seeking relief from overwhelming emotions or looking to heal from past wounds, IFS therapy can be a powerful step toward a more balanced, fulfilling life. (And yes, you’re absolutely worth it.) Contact me today to get started!