IFS Resources & Insights
What is Internal Family Systems?
You can read my page on Internal Family Systems Therapy for a short description.
Additionally, check out this video that explains what IFS is. Derek Scott, who runs an IFS teaching organization in Canada, has also put together a PDF outlining what IFS is, and how you can use it to understand yourself better.
Some other links I highly recommend
Can I Practice IFS Without a Therapist?
One of the unique and beautiful things about IFS is that you can practice it alone. You can literally become your own therapist.
Jay Earley has written a series of books dedicated to guiding you through the process of becoming your own IFS therapist. The first one, Self-Therapy, teaches the complete process, and the following books (vol 2 & 3) explore some advanced techniques. He also has books dedicated to working with the inner-critic and working with anger.
The founder of IFS, Richard Schwartz, has produced an audiobook, ‘Greater Than the Sum of Our Parts: Discovering Your True Self Through Internal Family Systems Therapy’ which is available on SoundsTrue, Amazon Audible and Apple audiobooks. The book includes guided meditations, which allow you to experience the process of IFS, as well as information on the model.
Richard Schwartz also has a series of guided meditations on Insight Timer which can you can access for free without an account.
Some beautiful IFS guided meditations
Dr. Richard Schwartz
Dr. Kristin Neff
Tara Brach
I want to work with an IFS therapist. How do I go about finding one?
IFS Podcasts
The official IFS podcast, IFS Talks, has interviews with lead trainers, authors and practitioners, and has episodes on many different topics relating to IFS such as trauma, parenting and grieving. Some episodes may be of most interest to practitioners.
IFS therapist Tammy Sollenberger interviews a range of members of the IFS community in her podcast The One Inside which is suitable for anyone with an interest in IFS.
IFS coach Beth Rodgers, aims to support people to use the principles of IFS to boost their mental health and wellbeing in her podcast The Therapy Spot.
Some other cool podcasts on IFS
Tim Ferris
Alanis Morisette
Goop Podcast
IFS and psychedelics
As interest and research in psychedelic therapy increases, so does interest in using IFS in this way. Have a listen to the following podcasts on MDMA assisted IFS therapy to hear more:
Some of the Best IFS Books I Recommend
The best IFS practical book
-by Jay Early
IFS book to go deeper
–by Richard Schwartz & Martha Sweezy
IFS book to understand model through illustrations and practical examples
–by Dr. Tom Holmes PhD
IFS in Practice: Videos of IFS Therapy Sessions
I selected a few demonstration videos of IFS sample sessions to help give an idea of how the work might unfold. In IFS therapy, most of the work happens inward however, so these only offer a partial view of what a session is like for the client. If you are interested to experience IFS therapy for yourself and see the inner changes IFS can bring, consider trying out a mini IFS session.