INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS
The Internal Family Systems (IFS) Model is an innovative form of therapy designed to promote psychological well-being through emphasizing self-awareness, self-compassion, and
creating a greater sense of wholeness and integration.
IFS is founded on the principle that we all have an innate capacity for self-healing and offers a powerful tool for personal growth and emotional well-being.
IFS stands out for its compassionate approach and emphasis on the healing power of the self. Its focus on internal healing and self-compassion makes it particularly relevant and effective in today's fast-paced and often stressful world.
​
The IFS model was developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz in the 1980's and is based on the idea that we all have many different "parts" or sub-personalities that make up our whole self. Each part is seen as having its own unique feelings, beliefs, behaviors and roles and often emerges as a way to cope with life's challenges. The goal of IFS is to foster harmony and cooperation among our differing parts, facilitating increased inner balance and an more integrated sense of self.​
IFS recognizes that the differing parts of ourselves can create inner turmoil when they are at odds with one another. For example, when we experience conflict about a situation we may feel that one part of us wants to do one thing and another part of us wants to do something different or that one part of us feels one way and another part feels a countering emotion. Struggling with this type of internal turmoil, can leave us feeling overwhelmed, confused, and even a sense of disconnection from ourselves.
IFS offers a unique and effective approach to healing for those seeking a deeper understanding of their inner struggles and why they feel the way they do, ​
Basic Assumptions of IFS
​
-
The human psyche is seen as an internal system comprised of an unknown number of sub-personalities or parts.
​
-
IFS suggests that we all possess a centralizing, core Self characterized by compassion and curiosity, which has the innate ability to heal and lead our internal system.
​
-
There is no such thing as a “bad part.” The basic intention of each part plays a valuable role in our overall internal system, even if its effects are counterproductive. Parts are not seen as diseased or disordered, but rather motivated by inherently protective instincts. However, parts can become extreme or out of balance and cause distress for us. The goal of therapy is not to eliminate parts but to help them find balanced.
​​
-
As we develop, our parts develop and form a complex system of interactions among themselves. When the system is reorganized, parts can change rapidly.
​​
-
Changes in our internal system (psyche) will affect changes in our external system (family) and vice versa. ​​​
​
Goals of IFS
​
-
To achieve balance and harmony within our internal system.
​​
-
To differentiate and elevate our core Self so it can be an effective leader in our internal system.​ When the Self is in the lead, our parts will provide input to the Self but will respect the leadership and ultimate decision making of the Self.
​​
-
All parts will exist and lend talents that reflect their intentions in balance with our whole internal system.​
Benefits of IFS
IFS is used to treat a wide variety of mental health conditions and psychological wounds. It may be applied in family, couple, and individual situations.
​
Issues include:
​
IFS guides individuals in learning to release old messages and experiences that have kept them from self-acceptance and self-compassion. IFS clients learn to accept and trust themselves while seeing the world through a more compassionate lens.
​​​
IFS has several benefits:
-
Improved self-awareness and understanding of one’s internal system.
-
Better control over emotions and reactions.
-
Improved relationships with others through understanding one’s own parts.
-
Increased self-compassion and self-esteem.
Overall, IFS therapy can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life by helping individuals develop increased integration and balance, which fosters:
-
Inner peace and calm
-
Problem solving
-
Emotional awareness and regulation
-
Improved relationships
The IFS Process
IFS offers a unique approach to understanding and healing the complexities of the our inner world. The IFS therapeutic process​ delves into the internal landscape of our mind and facilitates deep self-exploration and healing. It involves several distinct steps, each designed to help individuals understand and harmonize their internal system.
Identifying Parts:
The first step in IFS therapy is identifying the different parts within the individual's psyche. Clients are encouraged to notice thoughts, feelings, impulses, and sensations that arise and to recognize these as emanating from different parts.
Gaining Access to the Self:
Once parts are identified, the therapist guides the client to access the Self. This involves helping the client to step back from the parts and connect with the qualities of the Self – compassion, curiosity, and calmness. Techniques such as mindfulness and guided imagery may be used to facilitate this connection.
Building Relationships with Parts:
Clients are supported and guided in building a relationship between their core Self and their parts. This involves the Self getting to know each part – understanding its role, its positive intent, and its history within the individual’s life. This step is crucial for creating trust and safety, allowing parts to open up and reveal their vulnerabilities.
Unburdening and Transforming Parts: As the relationship between the Self and parts strengthens, parts begin to release their burdens – the painful emotions, beliefs, or memories they carry. This unburdening process often involves reprocessing traumatic memories or challenging harmful beliefs. The goal is to transform the parts, allowing them to adopt healthier, more functional roles within the internal system.
Integration and Healing: The final step is the integration of transformed parts into the internal system, leading to greater harmony and balance. The client develops an understanding of how these changes impact their overall wellbeing.​
