Internal Family System (IFS)

The Internal Family Systems (IFS) model is based on the concept that each of us has a core, undamaged Self that represents our true essence.

This Self has the ability not only to observe our inner world but also to serve as a compassionate energy, fostering healing and harmony within our internal system.

The Self embodies many of our most valuable qualities, such as compassion, curiosity, creativity, calmness, courage, clarity, confidence, and connectedness—the 8 C's. It can also provide healing to exiled or burdened parts of ourselves.

With IFS, individuals can connect with their core Self and become familiar with their internal system.

More about Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy

The Internal Family Systems (IFS) model is an evidence-based approach that aims to achieve balance and harmony among internal parts that carry extreme beliefs, reactions, or emotions resulting from trauma and attachment injuries.

IFS psychotherapy is based on three main assumptions:

1

Everyone has parts, also referred to as sub-personalities, who engage with one another in an internal community functioning as many families or larger groups. In IFS, having multiple sub-personalities expressing their own beliefs in their own way is normal (Sykes & Sweezy, 2023).

2

Parts can be polarized or even form allegiance in the system. Some parts are more reactive than others, creating a power struggle in the system and causing extreme reactions, intensifying emotional pain. In IFS, all parts are good and welcome, even those considered destructive and harmful (Schwartz & Sweezy, 2020).

3

All parts, even those driving harmful behaviors, hold positive intentions for the system. Healing through Unburdening occurs when parts release burdens—extreme roles taken on due to trauma. The Self is the essence and center of every person; an internal natural leader of the system.