Anxiety
A Protective Signal, Not a Personal Flaw
Anxiety is one of the most common challenges people seek therapy for — yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood. From the perspective of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, anxiety is not something to “get rid of.” It’s something to understand. In fact, anxiety often arises when parts of us are working overtime to protect us from pain, risk, or uncertainty.
The Internal System at Work
We all have multiple parts within us — distinct inner voices, thoughts, and feelings that shape our experience. Some parts of you may try to plan everything perfectly, while others brace for the worst. These are anxious parts — often proactive protectors trying to prevent something bad from happening.
​
Sometimes, their worry is about avoiding failure, rejection, or emotional overwhelm. These parts may be managing old trauma or painful memories carried by deeper “exiled” parts of the system.
In IFS, we help you meet these anxious parts from your core Self — a calm, compassionate, and grounded place inside you. We don’t suppress or push past these parts. Instead, we get curious: What is this anxiety protecting you from? What is it afraid might happen?
As we listen to and validate these protective roles, anxious parts begin to relax. They learn they’re not alone anymore — and that there is a wiser Self who can lead with confidence.
How IFS Approaches Anxiety
Long-Term Change, Not Just Coping
Traditional approaches often teach tools to manage anxiety, and while those can help in the short term, IFS aims to create deep internal shifts. When parts are unburdened from their extreme roles, anxiety often lessens naturally. You don’t just feel better — you feel more integrated and self-led.
You may still feel anxious from time to time — that’s normal — but your relationship with anxiety changes. It no longer runs the show.