An Introduction to Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy is an approach to psychotherapy founded by Richard Schwartz that identifies smaller personalities that exist within an individual’s mental system. These sub-personalities are referred to as “parts” in IFS; some are protective and some carry wounds or pain from the past. The goal of IFS is to liberate these parts from extreme roles that they tend to take on by restoring trust in one’s core Self. The Self is the true essence of who we are and contains qualities such as compassion, confidence, perspective, patience and playfulness. Using this lens in therapy, our top rated SGTG clinician, Maddie Persanyi, can help you heal from within and achieve balance and harmony in your internal and external interactions.
What to Expect in IFS Therapy
In IFS, you will talk with a therapist to identify the parts of you that exist within your mind. We would then work to understand what emotions, needs, thoughts, or opinions are present within those parts. It's almost as if these parts are little characters (if you’re thinking about the animated movie, Inside Out you’re right on track!) that are wanting attention from our core Self. We are ultimately working to establish a relationship between your Self and these other parts of you who tend to feel somewhat neglected or unappreciated.
The general process goes as follows:
Find – where does this part exist in or around your body?
Focus – going inside yourself and paying attention to this part
Flesh-out – get to know more about this part - How do you know it? How does it show up in your life? What does it look like, feel like, or sound like?
Feel toward – how does your core Self feel toward it?
Fear (Find out its Fear) – what is this part of you afraid would happen if it didn’t do its job anymore?
BeFriend – learn the part’s job and positive intention; foster relationship between Self and protective part
The most fascinating part of IFS to me is the idea that we are capable of healing from within. The theory states that everyone has a core Self; the true essence of who we are that is the healing agent for all of our parts. Self contains qualities that are used to foster a relationship with the other parts of you. These are referred to as the 8 C’s and the 5 P’s:
Presence
Patience
Perspective
Persistence
Playfulness
Calmness
Clarity
Curiosity
Courage
Compassion
Connectedness
In my experience utilizing this theory with my clients, I have found great success. I will guide you through the flow of IFS and create greater access to your core Self which I’ve seen enhance self-esteem, allow for identity exploration, and understand the root of your symptoms. It is helpful in treating trauma, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, substance issues and much more! Book a session with our SGTG therapist, Maddie Persanyi, who utilizes IFS as part of their treatment modality or click below to learn more about her!