Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Internal Family Systems therapy is an innovative treatment method that delves into the internal landscape of your mind and can be effective for treating various mental health conditions.Published studies demonstrate the efficacy of IFS for treating conditions such as PTSD, Depression (Haddock et al, 2017) and Anxiety (Shadick et al, 2013). IFS offers a unique approach to understanding and healing the complexities of the client’s inner world. In this article, we'll provide an overview of IFS, its core principles, and how it can positively impact mental health.

What is the Internal Family Systems (IFS) Treatment Method?

Internal Family Systems therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on understanding and working with different parts or aspects of a person's internal system. It was developed by Dr. Richard C. Schwartz in the 1980s. According to IFS theory, individuals have various sub-personalities or "parts" within them, each with its own unique feelings, beliefs, behaviors and roles. These parts often emerge as a way to cope with life's challenges and traumas. The goal of IFS is to foster harmony and cooperation among these parts, facilitating an inner balance and a stronger sense of self.

What makes IFS different from other modalities?

The central concept in IFS is the notion of the "Self." The Self is considered the core, or wise self within each individual. It cannot be damaged. It possesses qualities from the 8 C’s which include curiosity, compassion, connection, calmness, clarity, creativity and courage. The goal of  Internal Family Systems therapy is to help clients access and strengthen this Self to foster healing and growth with the other parts of the system. In time the parts learn to trust the self and soften or change into a more naturally valuable part of the system.

How Does the Internal Family Systems (IFS) Treatment Method Work?

IFS identifies three primary categories of parts:

‍Protectors: These parts are responsible for managing and protecting our systems from pain, vulnerability, or intense emotions. They are protecting an exile (younger wounded part from becoming triggered). In IFS there are two kinds of protectors, Managers and Firefighters.
‍- Manager Protectors: These parts try to maintain control, keep things organized, and prevent the person from experiencing intense emotions. They often set high standards and can be critical of themselves and others. Common protector parts include the "inner critic"  “people pleaser” “workaholic” and “perfectionist.”
- Firefighter Protectors: Firefighters are more reactive and step in when emotions become overwhelming. They use distraction or self-destructive behaviors as a way to cope with distressing feelings. For example, engaging in substance abuse, overuse of screens, binge eating, or impulsive behaviors might be the firefighter's way of numbing emotional pain. 

Exiles: Exiles are the younger, wounded parts of a person that carry past emotional pain, trauma, and vulnerability. They often get suppressed or avoided to prevent further distress.