IFS Integrated Psychotherapy, or IFS Parts Work

IFS theory suggests that we’re made up of an internal family system of parts. Our numerous IFS parts have developed over time in response to the life events, difficulties, challenges, and unresolved experiences we may have encountered, but that they can find a sense of greater harmony with one another, and feel less burdened, when understood and guided by our core Self.

IFS Informed Therapy may be used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, from complex trauma, to challenges with decision paralysis, to symptoms of anxiety or fear, to issues of self worth and reactivity within relationships. Generally, it asks us to take a reflective stance on our motivations, stay open to the multitudes within us, and access compassion and curiosity for the aspects of us that may appear contradictory or sometimes cause us difficulties.

My journey with my IFS parts began with one of my own therapists several years ago, advanced by foundational education in parts work provided by my psychotherapeutic training program, as well as self-directed study and experiential work. While I do not hold a formal IFS certification, I take an integrative and informed approach, weaving IFS into my model of practice where I feel it might be of benefit or of resonance to clients.

Dr. Richard Schwartz, founder of IFS Therapy, has written myriad of books on the subject of treatment through this model, offering both theoretical and experiential perspectives, as have many of his students. Some books I’ve personally found to be informative or resonant include Greater Than the Sum of Our Parts by Richard C. Schwartz, Listening When Parts Speak by Tamala Floyd, and Transcending Trauma: Healing Complex PTSD with Internal Family Systems by Frank G. Anderson. Keep an eye out on my blog for ongoing reviews of therapy books, self-help books, and other psychoeducational materials.

Some people may decide they need a more structured approach to IFS Therapy in order to feel confident being treated with this model. The IFS Institute provides a directory of IFS Certified practitioners prospective clients may reach out to for a more structured approach. Some people decide that working with IFS parts is not for them at all; they may instead feel more aligned with cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behavioural therapy or solution-focused modalities and skill-building. If this sounds like you, consider reading more on the DBT Informed Therapy I offer. Please know that if ever something isn’t working for you in your treatment, with me or with anyone else, it is your right to say no, ask for a change in direction, or request a referral to a different clinician.

IFS Parts refers to the different internal parts within an individual, each with its own role, perspective, and emotional state. In Internal Family Systems therapy, these parts are explored to foster self-awareness, healing, and integration under the guidance of the core Self.

IFS Therapy, or Internal Family Systems therapy, is a therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz. It helps individuals explore and understand their internal parts, fostering healing by allowing the core Self to lead and integrate these parts.

IFS, or Internal Family Systems, is a therapy model that helps individuals understand and integrate different parts of themselves. By fostering a relationship between the core Self and these internal parts, IFS aims to promote healing, emotional regulation, and personal growth.