Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Internal Family Systems is an evidence-based model of psychotherapy based on the belief that the mind is naturally multiple. Our inner parts contain valuable qualities, but when forced into extreme roles by life circumstances they may create the opposite impact of their original intent. For example, a boundary setting part could be forced by a very threatening life experience into the extreme role of rageful confrontation in order to protect the person. By continuing in that extreme role, it could actually end up causing the person damage, such as rupture of a valued relationship, job loss, or even legal consequences.

IFS is also based on the belief that each person has a core Self, which embodies kindness and compassion, that knows how to heal. When connected to Self we can heal our injured parts so we can live with confidence, all parts of us can team up harmoniously and we have CHOICES about how to behave towards others and ourselves.

In IFS all parts of the client are welcome. The client is invited to listen to their parts rather than try to eliminate aspects of themselves. Even clients who have lived through childhoods of abuse and neglect can experience self-acceptance, stability and personal growth when they connect with their “Self”.
In IFS there are no “bad” parts, and the goal of therapy is not to eliminate parts but to help them find their non-extreme roles. Extreme parts carry “burdens” that are not inherent in the function of the part, such as extreme beliefs and emotions. Parts can be helped to “unburden” and return to their natural balanced and harmonious role in the system When the goals of therapy are achieved, all parts will exist and lend talents that reflect their non-extreme intentions.

IFS is effective with clients experiencing a wide array of symptoms including but not limited to: anxiety; depression; addiction; PTSD; dissociation (including Dissociative Identity Disorder); self-harm; suicidal thoughts; behavioral challenges; attention problems; compulsions; the hearing of internal voices. It is also helpful in family and couples’ therapy.

This description of IFS is informed by and paraphrases information that can be found in the following website, which clients are invited to review to obtain more detailed information about the model at IFS-institute.com.

Clients might also find it helpful to consult the book Introduction to the Internal Family Systems Model, by Richard C Schwartz, PHD, Trailheads Publications, Oak Part, Illinois, 2001. It can be purchased from the IFS Institute Website.