“When you say ‘A part of me feels that….’, you have already embraced the basic idea of IFS”
– Jon Schwartz & Bill Brennan
WHAT IS IFS (INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS THERAPY)
Internal Family Systems is an evidence-based, trauma-informed non-pathological approach that fosters deep healing, self-awareness, and personal growth. It brings both compassion and clarity into each session to help you make sense of your world and the choices you make as a consequence. It is based on the idea that each of us has an inner family of distinct parts, and through understanding and healing these parts, we can achieve emotional balance and true well-being.
Why is it called Internal Family Systems?
You may be wondering why this therapy model is called Internal Family Systems. In a nutshell, it is because it refers to the family of different parts we have within us. You might have a part that is shy while also having another part that is adventurous. You might have a part that procrastinates, and this triggers another part who tries to get you to do things by criticizing you. You may have parts that are quite young and others that are very grown up. You may also have parts that encourage you to relax or exercise or eat well and occasionally others who like to party hard, or binge or gamble. All of us have many parts of us that help us navigate the world and protect us when the world seems confusing or unsafe.
Most of the time, these parts just get on with life. Our organized parts get us out of bed, off to class or work. Our playful parts show up when we go out with friends or enjoy our hobbies. Most of the time, our parts work as a team who draw upon their strengths and skills to help us have the life we would like. I have heard clients call their parts an inner family, an inner committee, a team, or an inner community.
Here’s a simple way to understand parts.
Have a quick look at this snippet of the Disney movie, Inside Out, which humorously depicts our inner parts.
Does IFS Therapy actually works?
Yes! IFS transforms lives. It is an innovative form of psychotherapy that has been rated as highly effective for improving well-being, personal resilience and self-acceptance. It has been shown to be helpful in dealing with phobias, anxiety, trauma, addictions, eating disorders and depression as well as couples therapy. The beauty of IFS is that you can communicate with each part of you and really get to understand why it does what it does. You can get to know yourself better and become a friend to yourself, your own inner coach and mentor. Because the basic principles are so easy to grasp, you begin to guide your own healing and can take those skills with you when you finish therapy.
* For further information and links on IFS, go to my resource page here.