Integrating EMDR and Internal Family Systems (IFS): A Powerful Approach to Healing Trauma, Anxiety, and Depression
- Dennis Guyvan
- 52 minutes ago
- 10 min read
Have you ever wondered why certain memories still feel so raw, even after years have passed? Or why anxiety and depression sometimes seem immune to logic or willpower? If so, you're not alone—and more importantly, there are effective ways to heal that go beyond traditional talk therapy.
Trauma, anxiety, and depression are among the most common challenges people face today. Did you know that about 70% of adults have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime? These aren't just statistics—they represent real stories, real struggles, and often, hidden wounds carried silently for years.
While conventional therapies and medications have helped many, there’s a growing call for approaches that go deeper—ones that connect the mind and body, honor the wisdom of our internal experiences, and support true integration and healing. That’s where Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy come in. Each of these modalities is powerful on its own—but when integrated thoughtfully, they offer a holistic and transformative path forward. If you're looking for IFS therapy in Denver or EMDR therapy in Denver, you're tapping into two of the most effective and innovative healing methods available today.
1. Understanding the Modalities
A. Internal Family Systems (IFS)
What is IFS therapy, and why do so many therapists find it life-changing—for both clients and themselves?
Developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, IFS therapy views the mind not as a singular entity, but as a collection of distinct subpersonalities or "parts." Have you ever felt like one part of you wants to take a risk, while another part is terrified? Or maybe one part of you longs for connection, but another pushes people away? IFS therapy helps make sense of these inner conflicts.
Schwartz identified three key types of parts:
Managers try to control our environment to prevent pain.
Firefighters react impulsively to numb or distract us from discomfort.
Exiles carry the burdens of trauma, shame, or grief.
At the center of it all is the Core Self—an innately calm, compassionate, and wise presence that can lead our internal system with clarity.
IFS therapy invites clients to meet these parts with curiosity, not judgment. The goal is not to get rid of any part, but to listen, understand, and help these parts unburden what they’ve been carrying—sometimes for decades. As a result, clients often feel more internally aligned, emotionally resilient, and self-connected.
B. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Have you ever felt like your mind knows a memory is in the past, but your body still feels like it's happening right now?
EMDR therapy, developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro, is a research-backed modality designed specifically for trauma healing. It works by using bilateral stimulation—like eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones—to help the brain reprocess distressing memories.
When trauma occurs, the brain’s natural processing system can become overwhelmed. Memories may get stuck in a "raw" state, triggering intense emotional and physical responses when recalled. EMDR therapy helps move these memories from short-term emotional reactivity into long-term adaptive resolution.
The process is structured yet deeply experiential. Clients briefly recall a distressing memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation, allowing the nervous system to reprocess the memory in a safer, more integrated way. The result? Reduced emotional intensity, more grounded perspective, and often, profound relief.
Together, IFS therapy and EMDR therapy bring both structure and flexibility, both depth and containment. As we continue exploring their integration, consider: what would it be like to meet the parts of you carrying pain—and help them finally let it go?
The Pros, Cons, and Scientific Evidence for IFS and EMDR in Trauma Healing
When considering trauma therapy, it’s crucial to understand the strengths and limitations of different approaches. Both Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy are widely used for trauma, anxiety, and depression, but they offer unique pathways to healing. If you’re searching for IFS therapy in Denver or EMDR therapy in Denver, this guide will help you navigate their benefits, challenges, and scientific backing.
2. Pros and Cons for Trauma Healing
A. Pros of IFS Therapy
Highly client-centered and empowering – IFS therapy puts the client in control of their healing journey by fostering self-awareness and self-compassion.
Excellent for clients uncomfortable with direct trauma exposure – Unlike exposure-based therapies, IFS gently engages with past wounds through internal dialogue rather than forcing clients to relive distressing memories.
Supports deep self-understanding and internal harmony – Clients learn to listen to and integrate different parts of themselves, leading to a profound sense of inner peace.
Effective in resolving internal conflicts contributing to anxiety and depression – IFS helps address self-sabotaging patterns, guilt, shame, and deep-seated fears that traditional talk therapy may struggle to reach.
Can lead to rapid transformation – Many clients experience noticeable emotional shifts within just a few sessions as they unburden parts carrying trauma.
B. Cons of IFS Therapy
Less somatic than EMDR – While IFS involves emotional processing, it is not as body-centered as EMDR and may not fully engage physical sensations tied to trauma.
Less emphasis on direct sensory experiences – IFS primarily works with inner dialogue rather than focusing on physiological responses, which can be essential for trauma work.
C. Pros of EMDR Therapy
Rapidly effective in decreasing trauma-related symptoms – Many clients experience relief from PTSD, anxiety, and depression after just a few EMDR sessions.
Strong emphasis on body-centered processing – Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR directly engages the nervous system, helping release trauma stored in the body.
Clear structure and protocol – The structured nature of EMDR therapy can be reassuring for clients who struggle with overwhelming emotions and need a guided approach.
Bilateral stimulation provides concrete sensory grounding – Eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones create a physiological shift, aiding emotional regulation and memory integration.
D. Cons of EMDR Therapy
Some clients find rapid processing overwhelming – EMDR moves quickly, and for highly sensitive individuals or those with complex trauma, it may bring up intense emotions before they feel fully prepared to process them.
Can initially intensify emotional discomfort – While EMDR ultimately aims to reduce distress, the reprocessing phase can temporarily heighten anxiety or emotional upheaval.
Less flexible and client-driven compared to IFS – EMDR follows a structured protocol that some clients may find rigid compared to the fluid, exploratory nature of IFS.
3. Efficacy of Each Modality (Studies & Evidence)
A. IFS Therapy: Scientific Backing
IFS therapy has shown promising results in trauma, anxiety, and depression treatment:
Anderson et al. (2017) – A study found that IFS significantly reduced PTSD and depressive symptoms in trauma survivors, demonstrating its effectiveness in deep emotional healing.
Shadick et al. (2013) – Research on IFS therapy indicated notable improvements in anxiety, depression, and self-compassion, highlighting its ability to foster emotional resilience and self-acceptance.
B. EMDR Therapy: Empirical Support
EMDR therapy has been extensively studied and endorsed by major psychological organizations:
Van der Kolk et al. (2007) – A landmark study showed that EMDR effectively reduces PTSD symptoms, with improvements lasting at least six months post-treatment.
Chen et al. (2014) – A meta-analysis confirmed that EMDR therapy is one of the most effective treatments for PTSD, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders, reinforcing its widespread use in clinical settings.
Endorsed by WHO, APA, and VA – The World Health Organization, American Psychological Association, and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs all recommend EMDR as a first-line treatment for PTSD.
Both IFS therapy in Denver and EMDR therapy in Denver offer effective trauma-healing pathways. While IFS provides a deep, self-led exploration of internal conflicts, EMDR accelerates trauma processing through neurological reprogramming. For many, integrating both modalities offers the most comprehensive approach to healing.
Why Integrating IFS and EMDR Is a Game-Changer for Trauma Healing
If you’ve ever felt like therapy helped your mind but left your body behind—or vice versa—you’re not alone. That’s why more therapists and clients are turning to an integrative approach combining Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. For those seeking IFS therapy in Denver or EMDR therapy in Denver, integration offers a holistic path that honors the full complexity of trauma healing.
4. Why Integration is a Good Idea
A. Complementary Strengths
IFS and EMDR aren’t competing modalities—they're complementary. Each brings something unique to the healing process:
EMDR therapy excels at reprocessing traumatic memories that are stored in the nervous system. With bilateral stimulation and a focus on somatic cues, EMDR can quickly reduce the emotional charge of distressing experiences.
IFS therapy, on the other hand, creates lasting change by addressing the internal conflicts and protective mechanisms that often linger beneath the surface. It helps clients cultivate compassion, build trust with themselves, and heal wounded inner parts.
Together, they combine body-centered trauma release (EMDR) with emotional and cognitive integration (IFS). This dual focus addresses both the physical and psychological imprints of trauma.
B. Greater Client Flexibility and Personalization
Trauma affects everyone differently. That’s why flexibility in treatment is essential.
EMDR provides clear structure and pacing, which is helpful for clients who feel overwhelmed by emotional chaos and need a step-by-step process.
IFS offers an open, exploratory space to understand the root of emotional pain and access the innate wisdom of the Self.
When used in tandem, clients can experience both the safety of structured reprocessing and the freedom of inner exploration. Whether someone is drawn to the somatic focus of EMDR therapy in Denver or the relational depth of IFS therapy in Denver, integration allows therapy to adapt to their needs rather than forcing them into a one-size-fits-all model.
C. Improved Client Outcomes
The true magic of integration lies in its impact:
EMDR can efficiently target and process traumatic memories, reducing reactivity and emotional flooding.
IFS can then help make sense of the experience, soothe protector parts, and integrate insights gained during EMDR into a coherent and empowered inner system.
This sequencing can enhance emotional regulation, deepen self-understanding, and foster lasting transformation. Many clients report feeling more grounded, less fragmented, and more confident navigating life post-treatment.
5. My Integrative Approach Using EMDR Therapy and IFS Therapy in Denver
Trauma isn't merely a story your mind remembers—it’s held deeply in your body, influencing how you think, feel, and interact with the world. As a somatic therapist trained in EMDR therapy and after years of experience practicing Internal Family Systems inspired parts work decided to integrate these powerful modalities to facilitate deep and lasting healing.
Phase 1. Preparation Phase: Establishing Safety and Connection
The cornerstone of my work is creating safety and establishing self-leadership. Initially, sessions begin with grounding exercises, such as mindful body awareness, to help clients feel safe and centered.
Using IFS therapy, I gently guide clients to identify parts of themselves—especially protective parts—that may be activated. I ask, "Can you find a part of you that feels calm, curious, or compassionate?" This establishes a sense of internal leadership and safety, essential before exploring deeper trauma.
We then collaboratively identify a specific traumatic memory or issue to target with EMDR therapy. If a protective part resists, we explore its concerns compassionately, creating trust and readiness. If needed, EMDR techniques help clients establish internal resources, such as a safe place or nurturing part of Self.
Phase 2. Addressing Protective Parts Before Trauma Processing
Protective parts often emerge strongly before trauma processing, aiming to shield the system from overwhelm. By dialoguing directly with these parts using IFS therapy, we gently negotiate safety and readiness. Questions like, "What do you need to feel safer in this session?" or "Would you be willing to observe rather than intervene?" help foster internal collaboration.
If multiple protectors appear, we map these parts to clearly understand their roles and needs. This ensures every part feels respected and prepared, fostering a smoother trauma processing experience.
Phase 3. Trauma Reprocessing Phase
With safety established, we move to trauma reprocessing using EMDR therapy. Clients activate the targeted memory, identifying key elements such as negative and positive cognitions and assessing distress levels.
Throughout this phase, I continuously use IFS therapy techniques to ensure consent from all parts. If protectors intervene, we pause, address their concerns, and provide reassurance. EMDR bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones) facilitates the reprocessing of trauma, allowing clients to experience noticeable shifts internally.
Integration deepens when traumatized, exiled parts emerge during EMDR. Clients offer compassionate witnessing from their Self to these younger, wounded parts, supporting them in releasing their burdens symbolically. The integration of EMDR therapy and IFS therapy allows profound emotional and somatic healing.
Once the trauma burden is released, EMDR installs positive beliefs deeply into the client's nervous system, solidifying new, empowering narratives. A final body scan ensures no residual distress remains, reinforcing the transformation.
Phase 4. Closing and Integration
To conclude, I check in with the client's internal system, ensuring all parts feel acknowledged and comfortable with the new internal landscape. If residual unease emerges, additional grounding and calming bilateral stimulation facilitate complete integration. We end each session grounded and present, solidifying progress made.
Key Takeaways of My Integrative Approach:
Respect for Protective Parts: Ensuring readiness before diving into trauma.
IFS Interweaves in EMDR Therapy: Compassionate dialogue supports unsticking processing blocks.
Deep Emotional Unburdening: Combining EMDR's efficiency with the depth of IFS therapy.
System-Wide Integration: Every part feels safe, included, and empowered.
If you're seeking deep, integrated trauma healing through EMDR therapy and IFS therapy in Denver, my approach offers a path that truly honors the complexity and depth of your internal world.
Conclusion
The integration of IFS therapy and EMDR therapy offers a powerful and sustainable path for healing trauma, anxiety, and depression. By honoring both the body's wisdom and the mind's complexity, this combined approach can transform lives from the inside out.
Whether you're a clinician seeking new tools or a client ready for real change, consider exploring how these two modalities can work together. If you’re looking for IFS therapy in Denver or EMDR therapy in Denver, schedule your free 30 min consultation today!
References
Anderson, F. S., Sweezy, M., & Schwartz, R. C. (2017). Internal Family Systems Skills Training Manual: Trauma-Informed Treatment for Anxiety, Depression, PTSD & Substance Abuse. PESI Publishing & Media.
Chen, Y. R., Hung, K. W., Tsai, J. C., Chu, H., Chung, M. H., Chen, S. R., & Chou, K. R. (2014). Efficacy of eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing for patients with posttraumatic-stress disorder: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PLoS ONE, 9(8), e103676. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0103676
Forgash, C., & Copeley, M. (2007). Healing the Heart of Trauma and Dissociation with EMDR and Ego State Therapy. Springer Publishing.
Gonzalez, A., & Mosquera, D. (2012). EMDR and Dissociation: The Progressive Approach. EMDR Europe.
Knipe, J. (2018). EMDR Toolbox: Theory and Treatment of Complex PTSD and Dissociation (2nd ed.). Springer Publishing.
Parnell, L. (2007). A Therapist’s Guide to EMDR: Tools and Techniques for Successful Treatment. W. W. Norton & Company.
Schwartz, R. C. (2021). No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model. Sounds True.
Shadick, N. A., Sowell, N. F., Frits, M. L., Hoffman, S. M., LaValley, M. P., & Bingham, C. O. (2013). A randomized controlled trial of an Internal Family Systems-based intervention on outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis: A pilot study. Journal of Rheumatology, 40(12), 2031–2040. https://doi.org/10.3899/jrheum.130210
Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures (3rd ed.). The Guilford Press.
van der Kolk, B. A., Spinazzola, J., Blaustein, M. E., Hopper, J. W., Hopper, E. K., Korn, D. L., & Simpson, W. B. (2007). A randomized clinical trial of EMDR, fluoxetine, and pill placebo in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 68(1), 37–46.
World Health Organization. (2013). Guidelines for the management of conditions specifically related to stress. WHO Press. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241505406
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Dennis Guyvan, a therapist in Denver, CO. He provides individual in-person/online therapy and life coaching in Denver, CO and online coaching worldwide . Schedule your free 30-minute therapy consultation with Dennis Guyvan.
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