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.
Explore our training, consultation, and therapy services
Nancy's Book
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Health Therapy: Treating Trauma-Related Physical Illness & Toxic Stress by Nancy Sowell with Martha Sweezy and Richard Schwartz.
Many chronic health conditions—from inflammation, pain and digestive disorders to metabolic syndrome and autoimmune disease—are increasingly linked to the lasting effects of chronic stress and trauma. But how do these experiences become embedded in the body, and how can we help?
In IFS Health Therapy, Nancy Sowell, in collaboration with Martha Sweezy and IFS founder Richard Schwartz, draws upon thirty years of clinical practice and behavioral medicine experience to present a groundbreaking mind-body approach that identifies protective and vulnerable “parts” involved in physical health problems. From this perspective, relief emerges as clients come to know and care for the related parts of the personality by releasing the toxic stress, trauma, and other burdens carried in the mind-body.
Through vivid case examples, experiential exercises, and practical tools, readers will learn how this clear three-phase framework can be used to:
- Identify the shame, fear and unmet needs contributing to the illness
- Conduct an IFS-informed health therapy assessment
- Find and help protective parts who affect, or are affected by the illness
- Help vulnerable parts release trauma-related burdens
- Collaborate with other health professionals to support whole-person care
Adversity and trauma reverberate throughout the mind and body, but they do not extinguish the Self’s capacity to heal.
"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
IFS Training & Professional Education
For clinicians, healthcare professionals, and educators
Comprehensive Internal Family Systems training for mental health clinicians, healthcare professionals, and educators who wish to integrate IFS into their work.
Workshops, Retreats & Presentations
Experiential learning for professionals and organizations
Workshops, retreats, and invited presentations that bring IFS principles to life through experiential learning, reflection, and connection.
Individual Therapy
IFS-informed psychotherapy
While Nancy’s primary focus is on teaching and training, she maintains a limited private practice offering Internal Family Systems–informed psychotherapy.
Workshops, Training, Speaking Engagements
Upcoming Events
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.