IFS-informed EMDR
Working compassionately with the different parts of you.
One part may know you are safe while another remains afraid, ashamed, angry, alone, or responsible for what happened.
What is Internal Family Systems (IFS)?
Sometimes different parts of you want different things. You may want closeness while another part keeps its distance to protect you from being hurt.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a way of understanding these inner experiences with curiosity and compassion. A part that criticizes, avoids, or stays on alert may be trying to keep you safe, even when its response no longer helps. Rather than fighting that part, we explore what it fears and what it needs.
The goal is to build a more trusting relationship with your inner experience so that you can make choices with greater clarity and care.
How I integrate IFS-informed work with EMDR
Before processing a difficult memory, we can notice whether a protective part is worried about what might happen. We make space for that concern, strengthen resources, and adjust the pace together. This can be especially helpful when shame, avoidance, or conflicting feelings make trauma work feel overwhelming.
Dr. Rhina Lovo has completed the three-step IFS-Informed EMDR training with Syzygy Institute, including Step 3: Discovery & Beyond.
A parts-informed approach may help:
- Identify internal conflicts and blocks
- Understand avoidance with compassion
- Prepare protective parts before processing
- Reduce fear of emotional overwhelm
- Address shame and internal criticism
- Support attachment repair and self-compassion
- Strengthen connection between adult and younger parts
A respectful, collaborative process
You will not be pressured to access traumatic material before adequate preparation and internal permission are present.
This practice offers IFS-informed and parts-informed psychotherapy integrated with EMDR. It is not represented as a complete stand-alone Internal Family Systems treatment program.
Experience & credentials
Nearly 30 years of clinical experience.
More than 25 years integrating EMDR into psychotherapy.
EMDRIA Certified Therapist™
EMDRIA Approved Consultant™
Certified Telemental Health Provider
Institute for Creative Mindfulness