What is IFS?

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a form of psychotherapy developed by Dr. Richard C. Schwartz in the 1980s. IFS is based on the idea that the psyche is made up of different "parts” and the “Self.”

 

Parts each have their own feelings, perspectives, and roles, and interact like members of a family system. No parts are bad and all have been developed to serve the individual in some way. The Self is the core, true essence of a person. In IFS therapy, the therapist helps the individual access their Self and build relationships with the different parts. The process involves understanding the needs and roles of each part, and helping to unburden the exiles (traumatized parts) so they can heal. The therapist guides the individual in achieving a balance where the Self leads the internal system.