Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is a psychotherapy approach developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz. It views the mind as composed of various "parts" or subpersonalities, each with unique roles, feelings, and behaviors. These parts are organized around the "Self," which is seen as a core, compassionate, and wise essence of each individual. The goal of IFS is to help clients access this core Self and facilitate healing among their parts, promoting internal harmony and well-being.

IFS identifies three main categories of parts: Exiles, Managers, and Firefighters. Exiles hold painful emotions or traumas that have often been suppressed to varying degrees. Managers are protective parts that strive to prevent re-experiencing harm, often through controlling behaviors. Firefighters are reactive parts that engage in impulsive and/or extreme actions to distract from or numb distress. IFS therapy aims to unburden Exiles of emotional pain, help protective parts let go of their need to engage in extreme forms of internal caretaking, and foster Self-leadership in navigating challenges.

IFS can be integrated with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to great benefit. IFS principles can be applied to identify and address protective parts that may resist EMDR's reprocessing and Self-energy that can comfort and guide those parts. By working with these parts directly, therapists can help clients feel safer and more open to exploring difficult emotions and memories, and can help clients become more aware of their own inner strengths and innate capacity for healing..

Having been trained in IFS, I have used this modality as a tool to help many clients. Please reach out if you would like to learn more.