What is IFS Therapy?

IFS therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on the parts of ourselves. Developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, the founder of IFS therapy and started in the 1980s. IFS therapy is based on the belief that each of us have different "parts" within us, each with unique thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

These parts can be categorized into three main types: managers, firefighters, and exiles. Managers are the parts of us that try to keep us in control and protect us from pain. Firefighters are the parts that react impulsively to protect us from overwhelming emotions. And exiles are the parts that hold our deepest wounds and traumas.

IFS therapy aims to help individuals understand and heal these parts, leading to a more harmonious and integrated sense of Self.

No bad parts

A fundamental tenet of IFS therapy is that there are no bad parts of us. We may not like the behavior of some of our parts, but the part itself is not bad - in fact, it has a positive intention for the person!

What is the goal of IFS?

IFS aims to help people increase their internal self-skills and develop more self-compassion and awareness for the inner, wounded parts that are harder to love and accept. It focuses on the relationship between your "self" and your parts. The goal here is to create a trusting and accepting relationship between Self and each part so that you can feel more connected with self-compassion and to diminish the inner turmoil.

What Does IFS Therapy Treat?

IFS therapy can be used to treat:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Trauma

• Relationship problems

• Self-esteem

• Self-worth

• Self-acceptance

• Childhood trauma and neglect

• Sexual abuse

• Intimacy concerns

IFS therapy can also address relationship issues, such as communication, trust, and conflicts. It is versatile and can be used for couples and individuals.

Is IFS right for me?

IFS therapy can benefit anyone looking to understand better and heal their inner selves. It may be helpful for individuals or couples who:

• Struggle with managing their emotions and reactions

• Feel disconnected from their emotions or have difficulty expressing them

• Have a history of trauma or childhood wounds

• Experience relationship problems or conflicts

• Want to improve their self-esteem and self-acceptance

IFS therapy may be a good fit if you resonate with these points. However, it’s important to note that it is not a one-size-fits-all approach and may not be the best fit for everyone. 

Does IFS involve my family?

IFS is about your parts and a systemic view, and this is where the word family comes into play. It doesn't involve your family.

What is the Self in Parts Work?

The Self in IFS is the internal leader, the core of what makes you YOU! It possesses calmness, curiosity, confidence, courage, compassion, clarity, connectedness, and creativity. IFS holds that we function best when we have more of the best qualities of the Self-present and when the Self is the one leading our lives and the conductor of our lives, not our parts.