Throughout our lives we experience changes that involve loss – of loved ones, familiar places, health, jobs or important roles. Such experiences can trigger deep grief that needs time and space. Grief counselling with IFS (Internal Family Systems) is a gentle and effective way of supporting these processes and integrating the loss.

IFS assumes that every person has a self – an inner core full of calmness, curiosity and compassion. Surrounding this Self are inner parts that protect us or react to painful feelings. During grief, internal parts become particularly active: some suppress the pain, while others are overwhelmed by feelings of loss, anger or helplessness.

In IFS, the Self serves as a stabilising core that helps us to recognise and connect with these parts. This allows us to approach our – often conflicting – feelings without being overwhelmed by them. Over time, the different parts feel seen and understood and can relax.

Connecting with the Self strengthens the mourner's self-compassion. They learn to be increasingly kind to themselves, to accept their inner world and to give space to painful feelings.

It is about integrating grief and accepting loss. Which leads to a new balance in which both grief and love have their place,
... without losing sight of life.