Internal Family Systems (IFS):
What is it and who can benefit from it?
Explore your inner world as a system of distinct parts, each with unique roles and needs. Learn to access your core Self to heal and harmonize these parts through compassionate internal dialogue.
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Updated: 26/11/24
Written by Dr Sara Tookey, Clinical Psychologist​​
Internal Family Systems (IFS): Working with Your Inner System
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Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapeutic approach that helps people understand and heal by working with different aspects or 'parts' of themselves. Developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, this evidence-based approach recognizes that our inner world consists of various sub-personalities or 'parts,' each with unique roles, needs, and wisdom.
What is Internal Family Systems Therapy?
Core Concepts
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Every person has a core 'Self' - naturally compassionate and capable of healing
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We all have various 'parts' that develop to help us navigate life
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Parts take on different roles based on our experiences
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All parts have positive intentions, even if their methods become unhelpful
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Healing happens through Self-leadership and parts work
Understanding Parts
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Exiles
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Hold painful memories and young emotions
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Carry burdens from difficult experiences
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Often protected by other parts
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Need acknowledgment and healing​
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Protectors
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Managers: Proactively try to control situations and prevent pain
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Firefighters: React to protect against immediate emotional pain
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Develop strategies to keep the system safe
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May use various methods to maintain control
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The Self
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Natural state of compassionate leadership
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Characterised by the 8 C's: Calm, Curious, Connected, Compassionate, Confident, Creative, Clear, Courageous
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Has the capacity to heal and integrate all parts
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How IFS Works
The Therapeutic Process
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Building awareness of different parts
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Developing relationships with parts
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Understanding parts' roles and intentions
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Facilitating communication between parts
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Supporting healing of wounded parts
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Restoring Self leadership
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Key Elements
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Non-pathologising approach
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Recognition of system complexity
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Respect for all parts
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Focus on internal relationships
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Integration of mind, body, and spirit
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Benefits of IFS
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Clinical Applications
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Trauma healing
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Anxiety and depression
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Complex PTSD
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Relationship difficulties
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Identity exploration
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Self-understanding
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Emotional regulation
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Unique Advantages
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Gentle, non-forcing approach
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Honors internal wisdom
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Supports sustainable change
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Develops internal resources
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Promotes self-compassion
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Evidence Base
Research demonstrates IFS effectiveness for:
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Reducing depression symptoms
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Managing anxiety
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Processing trauma
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Improving self-concept
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Enhancing emotional regulation
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Building resilience
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Supporting physical health
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Professional Practice
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Therapeutic Environment
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Safe, compassionate space
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Respect for individual pace
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Support for exploration
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Recognition of system wisdom
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Collaborative approach
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Clinical Integration
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Trauma-informed practice
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Somatic awareness
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Mindfulness principles
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Attachment understanding
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Neuroscience insights
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Special Considerations
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Complex Presentations
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Understanding trauma impacts
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Working with dissociation
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Supporting system stability
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Maintaining appropriate pace
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Ensuring adequate resources
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Cultural Awareness
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Respecting cultural contexts
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Understanding diverse experiences
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Honoring spiritual beliefs
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Supporting cultural integration
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Recognizing systemic impacts
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Further Reading
Professional Resources
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Books for Clients
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"Introduction to the Internal Family Systems Model" by Richard C. Schwartz
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"Self-Therapy: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Inner Wholeness Using IFS" by Jay Earley
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"Greater Than the Sum of Our Parts" by Richard C. Schwartz
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"You Are the One You've Been Waiting For" by Richard C. Schwartz
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Research Resources
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Clinical Applications
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Sweezy, M., & Ziskind, E. L. (2013). Internal Family Systems Therapy: New Dimensions. Routledge.
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IFS and Trauma Treatment. Journal of Clinical Psychology.
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IFS Applications in Group Therapy. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy.
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Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified mental health professional for personalised guidance.
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References
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Anderson, F., Sweezy, M., & Schwartz, R. (2017). Internal Family Systems Skills Training Manual: Trauma-Informed Treatment for Anxiety, Depression, PTSD & Substance Abuse. PESI Publishing & Media.
Cloitre, M., Schwartz, R. C., & Schwartz, S. (2020). Internal Family Systems Therapy with Complex Trauma: A New Step in the Treatment of Trauma. Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 21(2), 1-14.
Haddock, S. A., Weiler, L. M., Trump, L. J., & Henry, K. L. (2017). The efficacy of Internal Family Systems Therapy in the treatment of depression among female college students. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 43(1), 131-144.
Lucero, R., Jones, A. C., & Hunsinger, J. C. (2018). Using Internal Family Systems theory in the treatment of combat veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and their families. Contemporary Family Therapy, 40(1), 1-9.
Schwartz, R. C. (2021). No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model. Sounds True.
Schwartz, R. C., & Sweezy, M. (2019). Internal Family Systems Therapy (2nd ed.). The Guilford Press.
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