Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an evidence-based approach to therapy that was developed by Richard Schwartz, Ph.D. in the 1990's. IFS provides a hopeful, non-pathologizing framework for understanding the internal human experience.  Within the IFS framework, it is believed that it is the nature of all minds to contain an indiscriminate number of subpersonalities or "parts", each of which has valuable qualities and wants to play a valuable role in that person.  We are influenced by our parts all of the time.  I'm sure there has been at least one time when you have found yourself saying, "A part of me wants to do "X", but another part of me wants to do "Y"." Another central component to IFS theory is the idea that every person has a core "Self".  This Self is not a part, but a person's essence; that which connects a person to something greater than themselves.  The qualities of the Self include perspective, compassion, creativity, confidence and acceptance.  It is thought that through life experiences, one's parts can be forced out of their valuable roles and become more extreme in nature as they take on the burdens of stressful events and trauma. In this state, it becomes difficult for a person to access and live from their core Self.  Through IFS therapy, the goal is to begin to identify and get to know one's various parts and the burdens they carry.  As this occurs, the therapist assists the client in tapping into their own healing source, that Self within them.  As parts become less burdened they are less likely to "hijack" our system.  As such, one experiences a greater internal spaciousness and a deeper connection with their Self, allowing them to lead their life more from that wellspring of Wisdom within.

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For more information on Internal Family Systems therapy,
visit the website for the IFS Institute at
www.ifs-institute.com.