What is Internal Family Systems?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapeutic model that conceptualizes the mind as a harmonious or conflicted system of different internal “parts.” These parts represent different aspects of a person’s personality and hold different beliefs, emotions, and roles. IFS focuses on understanding and working with these inner parts to foster self-awareness, self-compassion, and healing. IFS was founded by Richard Schwartz in the 1980s.
How does IH Psychotherapy utilize Internal Family Systems?
At our practice, an IFS therapist guides the client through a process of self-exploration to identify these internal parts. Each part represents a different aspect of a person’s personality, emotions, or beliefs. For example, there might be a part that feels anxious, another part that strives for perfection, and yet another part that is nurturing and compassionate.
Once these parts are identified, the therapist helps the client establish a connection and dialogue with each part. Through the therapeutic process, the therapist helps the client develop self-compassion, increase self-awareness, and learn strategies to mediate conflicts between parts. This process of acknowledging, understanding, and integrating these internal parts can lead to personal growth, emotional healing, and a sense of wholeness.
What are the tenants of Internal Family Systems?
1. Multiplicity of the mind: IFS proposes that individuals have various internal parts (exiles, managers, and firefighters) that exist within them. These parts have different intentions, emotions, and beliefs, and they all serve protective roles.
2. Self as the core: IFS views the “Self” as the essence or core of a person, representing their true and compassionate nature. The goal of IFS therapy is to cultivate a stronger connection with the Self, which can help facilitate healing and integration of the parts.
3. Transformation through healing relationships: IFS emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship in creating a safe space for clients to explore and heal their internal parts. The therapist serves as a guide, supporting clients in developing a compassionate and curious relationship with their parts.
What issues does Internal Family Systems address?
IFS is used to treat a variety of mental health concerns, including trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, depression, relationship difficulties, eating disorders, internal conflicts and self-sabotaging patterns, emotional regulation difficulties, and personality disorders, among others.
What does research show about the effectiveness of Internal Family Systems?
Research on IFS is still relatively limited, but early studies and anecdotal evidence suggest positive outcomes. Clients report improvements in symptom reduction (Misra & Jordan, 2020), increased self-compassion (Frewen et al., 2008), enhanced self-awareness, and a greater sense of internal coherence (Sweezy & Ziskind, 2018). However, more empirical research is needed to further establish the effectiveness of IFS and its specific applications across various mental health conditions and populations.
It’s important to note that research outcomes may vary across different populations and issues, and further research is ongoing to explore the effectiveness of IFST in different contexts. It’s always advisable to consult a trained professional and consider multiple sources of evidence to make informed decisions about therapy approaches.
References
Frewen, P. A., Evans, E. M., Maraj, N., Dozois, D. J., & Partridge, K. (2008). Letting go: The pathway of surrender and forgiveness in the treatment of trauma-related guilt. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 21(2), 204-213.
Misra, G., & Jordan, K. (2020). Internal Family Systems therapy: A systematic review of its effectiveness. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 76(4), 608-629.
Sweezy, M., & Ziskind, E. (2018). The effectiveness of the internal family systems model in the treatment of trauma. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 74(3), 424-435.