Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a transformative, evidence-based psychotherapy that helps people heal by accessing and loving their protective and wounded inner parts. The IFS Model supports the belief that the mind is naturally multiple and that we all have inner parts that were forced from their original valuable states into extreme roles to survive aspects of our relationships, experiences, and environment.
What I really love about IFS is that it incorporates a lot of mindfulness into its understanding of Self and Parts Work. For instance, having the understanding that we all have a core Self, and learning how to observe from our wise mind or true self, is at the heart of mindfulness, DBT States of Mind, and yogic practices. The other beautiful aspect of the IFS model is that Self is in everyone. Self can’t be damaged, and Self knows how to heal.
The IFS model helps people first access their Self and, from that core, come to understand and heal their parts, through a process called unburdening, which creates inner and outer connectedness. Read more about the aspects of the Evolution of the IFS model and this short video of Richard Schwartz explaining the role of a part.