IFS Therapy UK: Stroud and Online Drop-In Healing Circles
Join us in person in Stroud, Gloucestershire, or online (if you’re based in UK/Ireland) for our IFS Drop-In Community Healing Circles. These sessions offer a supportive space to explore your Internal Family System, connect with others, share experiences, and embark on a journey of personal growth and emotional well-being.
What Are IFS Drop-Ins?
IFS Drop-Ins are open healing circles based on Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, enhanced by the power of community. They provide a gathering where we come together to explore our inner parts and facilitate inner harmony.
Why Participate in IFS Healing Circles?
Engaging in IFS Healing Circles is a wonderful way to experience the collective energy of shared Self-energy. It serves as a powerful tool for self-discovery, inner system harmony, and connection with others on a similar journey. These circles combine the insights of IFS with the collective wisdom and support of the group, complementing individual therapy.
Session Format
We begin the year with an intention-setting welcome in January. This initial session involves identifying and clarifying personal goals within the context of our internal system of parts, fostering inner alignment to guide conscious choices that reflect our authentic Self. For example, setting an intention like, "I am living with self-compassion and embracing my vulnerabilities."
For the remainder of the year, excluding August, sessions follow this format, following the IFS therapy model:
Check-In: A brief sharing of where each participant is.
1
Guided Meditation: A meditation related to the monthly topic, focusing on accessing and embodying the core qualities of Self—calmness, curiosity, clarity, compassion, confidence, creativity, courage, and connectedness. In 2025, we are focusing mainly on these qualities, as well as the unofficial 9th C—choice.
2
IFS Parts Mapping Exercise: Using paper, workbooks, and art supplies, participants identify, understand, and organize the various "parts" or subpersonalities within themselves, paying attention to the relationship between their Self and their parts.
3
Sculpting: A courageous volunteer gets to know one or more parts, and others represent these parts physically, in terms of body posture, facial expression, and words/tone. This process allows individuals to gain insights into their own and others' internal dynamics, fostering understanding and harmony.
4
Sharing/Listening: Participants share and listen in small groups or remain in the main group to process, discuss, and ask questions.
5
Closing: A word or two to conclude the session.
6
In-Person Sessions in Stroud
We meet in the large meeting room at The Exchange on Brick Row in Stroud, close to Church Street car park. The venue is accessible, with a ramp and disabled facilities. Please park in the Church car park a few minutes' walk away. Feel free to bring your own drinks or tea bags/milk; there's a kettle and mugs in the kitchen along the way.
Saturday Sessions: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Wednesday Sessions: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
These sessions are donation-based, with a suggested contribution of £10–£25. After room hire (£36), proceeds go to The Long Table, a local initiative.
IFS Therapy Online (group):
Wednesday Evenings: 6:15 PM – 8:00 PM (Online via Zoom)
Tickets are released at the beginning of each month, priced at £10–£25, to receive the Zoom link. If you are able to afford it, please contribute as generously as you can to enable those who can't to have the opportunity to join. Please don't let price be a barrier; contact us if you can't afford these prices, and we can work something out. Sessions are limited to a maximum of 16 attendees. Proceeds above £180 are donated to The Long Table Stroud, supporting their mission of paying meals forward.
Further Reading
Introduction to Internal Family Systems
Morning Check-In (adaptable for evening too!)
2024
2023
Natasha’s Bio
I am a UKCP psychotherapist and a Certified IFS Therapist. I work with individuals, couples and run a number of closed therapy groups/healing circles and facilitate the Drop In open healing circles. Before my psychotherapy training, I used to be a university lecturer and researcher (amongst other things!). I’m a Mum to 3 fabulous young men, I always have a monotropic creative project on the go, and am a regular swimmer.
I love community. I strongly believe we all need to be seen, heard and be valued, sheltering with others, belonging. One of the IFS Institute L3 suggestions is about creating “a small Self Led community”. So here we are.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Group therapy benefits include…
1. A Sense of Belonging
We can connect with others who may have similar experiences, struggles, or goals. Adler emphasised the importance of social connectedness and community. He believed that individuals thrive when they feel they belong and contribute to the greater good.
2. Mutual Support
Healing circles, rooted in mutual support, allow us to find purpose and meaning by supporting each other.
3. Increased Self-Awareness
We can gain a clearer understanding of how we interact with others and work through any self-limiting beliefs.
4. Modelling and Learning
Together we can notice how others cope with difficulties, gaining insight into our own lives.
5. Reduction of Isolation
By fostering a sense of connection, community, and shared understanding.
6. Empowerment and Strengths-Based Focus
IFS and these groups help us notice our strengths and capacities, helping to build confidence and resilience.
IFS healing circles offer numerous benefits by creating a supportive, encouraging, and harmonising environment
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IFS Therapy, UK / Ireland, is conducted via Zoom. They work in the same way as the in person ones. It is surprisingly intimate, being on screen with a small group of others. For some people being at home, in a safe environment brings added comfort.
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IFS criticism usually stems from criticisms regarding its empirical foundation and conceptual complexity, many therapists and clients report significant benefits from the model. It is my experience and that of many of my colleagues, clients and the Institute emphasise that IFS promotes integration, healing, and self-compassion, and that its flexible, experiential nature can be adapted to a wide range of therapeutic contexts.
As research continues to explore its efficacy, the best way of exploring if IFS is for you is to experience it… please do come along to a drop in, notice how it feels, get a taste of multiplicity … you’ll be so welcome.