All Parts Are Welcome: Christian Inner Healing & IFS Therapy
There are still days when parts of me pull in opposite directions—when anxiety tightens my chest, or my inner critic tries to take the lead.
But now, I meet those moments with more compassion, understanding, and spiritual grounding than ever before.
A Life of Inner Conflict—and Unexpected Grace
In different seasons of my life—moving away for college, launching a private practice, starting new ministries—I’ve felt the tug-of-war within me.
There was the day I boarded a plane to Santiago, Chile, to study abroad. There was the moment I stood outside the audition hall for the Ballet Conservatory of Strasbourg, heart pounding in my chest. And later, the first time I sat face-to-face with a real client after finishing my Master’s program—feeling the weight of that sacred responsibility.
In each of those moments, I felt the internal tension so clearly.
One part was brave and driven: "Let’s go! Trust God! This will be exciting!"
Another part wanted to shrink back: "What if it’s too much? What if I fail? What if I’m not enough?"
And beneath both of those, a softer part of me simply longed to be safe, seen, and accepted—no matter the outcome.
These internal conflicts used to leave me exhausted, anxious, and overwhelmed. I judged myself harshly, thinking:
"Why can’t I just get it together?"
"I’m such a mess."
"I should be stronger by now."
The Set Free Method™ and Learning to Pause
Through the Set Free Method™, I began to experience a new kind of healing—one rooted in emotional honesty, identity transformation, and aligning with God’s truth.
The Set Free Method is a process in which you partner with God to:
Heal and minister to the parts of you carrying wounds
Process deep subconscious beliefs and realign them with God’s truth
Abide in Christ and find peace and freedom by resting in His presence
I learned to slow down and stop trying to “fix” my feelings. Instead, I began checking in with what my emotions were trying to say.
Now, when those internal battles arise, I pause.
I ask my parts with compassion:
“What are you trying to do for me?” “What are you afraid might happen if you stop?” “What do you need from me right now?”
And I invite Jesus into that moment.
I imagine Him gently approaching the fearful or protective part of me. I let Him speak truth, comfort, and peace. I ask:
“Jesus, what do You want this part to know?”
And I listen.
Often, what comes is simple and powerful:
“You’re not alone.”
“You don’t have to carry this anymore.”
“I’m with you.”
Then I thank the part for its care and give it permission to rest in God’s love.
“You’ve been working hard. You can breathe now. God’s got this.”
IFS: A Model That Mirrors This Inner Work
As I walked through my own healing, I came across a therapeutic model that mirrored so much of what I was already experiencing—Internal Family Systems (IFS).
IFS is a powerful approach developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz that helps us understand and lead our inner world with compassion. It’s based on this core truth:
We are made up of many parts—and all of them have a purpose.
Rather than silencing the parts of us that feel scared, angry, reactive, or overwhelmed, IFS teaches us to get curious. To listen. To ask:
“What are you trying to protect me from?”
We all have parts—protectors, critics, dreamers, avoiders, exiles. And none of them are bad. In fact, they were created to help us survive. But when they go unmanaged, they can become extreme—overfunctioning in their effort to keep us safe.
At the core of IFS is what we call the Self—the calm, compassionate center of who we are.
In my work with Christian clients, I connect this with the Spirit-led Self (Romans 8:14). This is the part of us that reflects the Holy Spirit’s presence and leads with what IFS calls the 8 C’s:
Calm, Clarity, Compassion, Curiosity, Confidence, Courage, Creativity, and Connectedness.
IFS & Imago Dei: God’s Design for Wholeness
Scripture tells us we are made in the image of God—Imago Dei. That means our complexity isn’t a flaw—it’s a reflection of our Creator.
Our emotions, our inner parts, even our fears and protective instincts—they were all formed for a reason. And when we lead those parts with compassion rather than criticism, we begin to experience true healing and freedom.
IFS for Children and Teens
One of the most beautiful things about IFS is how accessible it is for children and teens—especially when combined with play therapy.
Thanks to the movie Inside Out, many young clients already understand the idea of different “parts” or emotions inside them. IFS gives them the language and safety to say things like:
“A part of me is scared.”
“A part of me is really angry.”
“A part of me wants to hide.”
When we help kids and teens lead their parts with curiosity and kindness, instead of shame, we see real transformation.
Their anxiety softens. They feel more understood. Confidence begins to grow.
And when we bring in faith—reminding them that God sees and loves every part of them—something powerful happens.
They begin to trust that they’re not alone. That they don’t have to fight their emotions or hide them. That every part of them belongs.
You Are Not Too Much
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your own emotions… If you’ve battled inner tension or a loud inner critic… If you’ve ever wondered, “Why am I like this?”
Please hear this:
You are not too much.
You are not broken.
You are beautifully complex.
And all your parts are welcome.
There is a Spirit-led place inside you—a place God created—where peace, clarity, and compassion live.
From that place, you can lead your soul with gentleness and grace.
You don’t have to fight your emotions or shut them down. You can listen. You can lead. And you can let Jesus meet you right there.
That’s where healing begins.