When the Self leads, healing follows.
Grounded in Internal Family Systems therapy, Nancy Sowell’s work supports deep, sustainable healing through compassion, curiosity, and connection.
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IFS Health Therapy Book
IFS Health Therapy is written accessibly for both professionals and laypeople. The book weaves together compassionate clinical stories, contemporary mind-body science, and the framework of Internal Family Systems health therapy.
The book explores how chronic stress, trauma, and unmet emotional needs, especially during childhood, can impact the mind-body and increase the risk of developing chronic physical illness across the lifespan.
At the heart of the book is the understanding that many symptoms of physical health problems are related to chronic stress of “parts” of the personality carrying unresolved burdens from the past that continue to disrupt sleep, drain energy, intensify pain, and strain the body’s interdependent organ systems.
Through a deeply relational and compassionate process, this book guides readers toward greater internal connection, emotional resilience, and nervous system regulation. People interested in trauma recovery, integrative health, chronic pain, and whole-person care are guided through this hopeful process that takes place at the intersection of mental and physical health.
"Scientific research increasingly demonstrates that early life trauma and stress contribute to the onset and perpetuation of chronic illness...Those of us who treat and research how to support people living with chronic illness have eagerly awaited this book's publication. Learning how to calmly be with symptoms of chronic illness, how to have compassion for parts reacting to living with the illness, and how to alleviate the toxic stress affecting the mind and body, are at the core of not just surviving but thriving. The IFS model in this book lays out a compelling relationally driven approach to help readers learn how to do that themselves."
Zev Schuman-Olivier, MD
Founding Director, Center for Mindfulness and Compassion,
Director of Addiction Research, Cambridge Health Alliance, Associate Professor in Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School
“As the first book describing the intersection of IFS therapy, health and illness, this is a must read for clinicians but also serves as a compassionate and hopeful companion for those suffering with pain and chronic illnesses. Nancy Sowell picks up the thread from her collaboration in the groundbreaking IFS research study demonstrating improved outcomes for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Readers are walked thoroughly through the compassionate process of IFS health therapy to show us how well-being is possible for those with chronic illness.”
Cece Sykes, LCSW
Author of IFS Therapy for Addictions; Senior IFS Trainer
Now available for pre-order. Will be available September 1st 2026.
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Services
Teaching, Training & Healing
Self-Led Health offers a range of experiences for groups of professionals interested in exploring the complex relationship between parts of the personality, lifelong experience, social relationships, and health.
Retreats
Self-Led Health Retreats are for those affected by chronic illness or who work with clients affected by chronic illness.
Workshops
Self-Led Health Workshops are designed for healthcare providers and other health professionals who support individuals living with chronic illness and pain.
Treatment
Self-Led Health treatment provides therapeutic support for people who want to explore psychological, emotional, behavioral, and relational factors that may be affecting their health.
Trainings
Self-Led Health Training is designed for licensed mental health professionals with a Level 1 understanding of IFS to learn and apply IFS Health Therapy principles in their work.
Group Consultation
Self-Led Health Group Consultation provides a setting for IFS-trained professionals who want to apply these ideas in their clinical work and lives.
Book Events, Workshops, Training, Speaking Engagements
Upcoming Events
The virtual and in-person events are at 6:30 pm Central Time/7:30 pm Eastern Time.. Join us on September 18th.
The virtual and in-person events are at 6:30 pm Central Time/7:30 pm Eastern Time.. Join us on September 18th.
Understanding Internal Family Systems
What Is IFS Therapy?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is a transformative approach that helps individuals heal from trauma, shame, and stress by fostering a harmonious relationship with their inner selves. By understanding and integrating the different parts of our psyche, IFS therapy empowers individuals to achieve emotional balance and self-compassion, leading to profound personal growth and healing.