If you’ve ever said “part of me wants to, but another part just can’t” you’re already speaking IFS. Internal Family Systems is an evidence-based model built on the idea that we are all multiple. We have a whole inner family of parts, each trying to keep us safe and a core Self

closing out March with two more protector pairs — the Anxious Pleaser and the Responsible Controller, and the Anxious Planner and the Freedom-Protecting Avoider. Different strategies, different armour, but underneath each one: feelings being managed rather than felt. An IFS-informed look at what these parts are protecting, and what they might be longing for.

The more one rushes, the more the other slows and the more the other slows, the more the first one rushes.

What if the most destructive patterns in your relationship aren’t character flaws — but frightened parts, doing their best to keep you safe?

Have you ever felt like you're always the one reaching out — starting the conversation, pushing for closeness, trying to get something resolved — while your partner seems to pull back, go quiet, or simply disappear into themselves? Or maybe you're on the other side: someone who loves their partner deeply but finds themselves retreating when things get emotionally charged, not quite knowing why?

The second part of the Dance of the Protects., completing ‘the More the More’… Completing the Dance of the Protectors — the second part of this exploration of how our protective parts shape the patterns we find ourselves in within relationships.

The Drama Triangle - victim, rescuer and persecutor -through an IFS Lens: Protectors at Work Inside and Between Us . How our protective parts play these roles..

Neurodifference isn’t the problem in relationships: misunderstanding, misattunement and unrecognised protective parts are. Exploring ND relationships through an IFS lens

A gentle, didactic starting point for February, exploring how our protective parts and nervous systems shape the familiar dances we find ourselves in within relationships, and how even a little Self-presence can maybe change the tempo

January 2026 in the IFS Community Circles was about arriving rather than rushing ahead. Mid winter invited us to slow down, orient to ourselves and each other, and begin the year as we actually were. Instead of setting goals, we focused on noticing our parts, allowing nervous systems to settle, and letting Self led intentions emerge gently from presence rather than pressure.

What if instead of setting goals from pressure and willpower, we let intentions emerge from Self? An IFS approach to the new year that starts from the inside out.

This blog post introduces the IFS Round Table, a core Internal Family Systems practice that helps people understand and connect with their inner parts in a gentle, compassionate way. Including a meditation and some of Natasha’s Monday Round Table Skits!

Introducing the itinerary and dates for the IFS Community Drop-In Circles in 2026. We’ll be focusing on “Navigating Relationships” 🥳

We run these collaborative IFS Community Circles because small, steady community matters. Dick Schwartz reminds us that Self spreads through connection. Also, co-regulation is vital for all of us. neurodivergent folk can benefit too, the invitation is to turn up as you are. This is our quiet activism: practising relational skills, staying in community, and meeting each other at the healthy centre, neither above nor below, walled off nor boundaryless.

Join our November IFS Drop-In Healing Circles 🌿 as we explore the unofficial 9th C of Self — Choice 🧡. Inspired by Cece Sykes’ reminder that “choice is the moment we remember that we have a Self,” we’ll pause between impulse and intention — discovering freedom, compassion, and self-leadership together.

Discover the IFS Parts Mapping Starter Pack — a creative, compassionate workbook for exploring your inner world through art, journalling and reflection. Rooted in Internal Family Systems (IFS), it helps you meet your inner parts with curiosity and care, build Self-leadership, and find calm, clarity and connection. Download or order your copy at www.stroudtherapy.com.