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What is Internal Family Systems Therapy?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is a form of psychotherapy that was developed in the 1990s by Richard Schwartz, PhD. It is based on the concept that the human psyche is composed of various "parts" that function like sub-personalities within an individual. These parts are believed to have their own unique perspectives, emotions, and behaviors.
IFS therapy focuses on identifying and addressing the internal conflicts that arise between these different parts. The goal is to help individuals develop a greater understanding and acceptance of their internal "system" in order to promote healing and growth.
In IFS therapy, the therapist helps the individual identify and communicate with different parts of themselves, including those that may be experiencing distress or conflict. The therapist helps the individual recognize and acknowledge the different emotions and needs of each part, with the goal of bringing all parts into a more cohesive and harmonious relationship.
IFS therapy is often used to treat a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, and relationship problems. It can be used in individual therapy or in couples or family therapy to address conflicts within relationships.
Overall, IFS therapy is a collaborative and compassionate approach to understanding and healing the complex nature of the human psyche.
IFS therapy focuses on identifying and addressing the internal conflicts that arise between these different parts. The goal is to help individuals develop a greater understanding and acceptance of their internal "system" in order to promote healing and growth.
In IFS therapy, the therapist helps the individual identify and communicate with different parts of themselves, including those that may be experiencing distress or conflict. The therapist helps the individual recognize and acknowledge the different emotions and needs of each part, with the goal of bringing all parts into a more cohesive and harmonious relationship.
IFS therapy is often used to treat a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, and relationship problems. It can be used in individual therapy or in couples or family therapy to address conflicts within relationships.
Overall, IFS therapy is a collaborative and compassionate approach to understanding and healing the complex nature of the human psyche.
How I Utilize This Concept In My Practice
Since I am not a professional social worker or licensed therapist, I do not gaurantee the same level of treatment availability or follow the exact same practices. Instead I use the basic concepts (ie helping identify individual parts) that can be affected by certain patterns or feelings to help guide the client to becoming more aware of themselves and provide answers to their inquiries.
Please note that this practice is NOT a replacement for receiving professional therapy. If a client is displaying behavior that goes beyond my level of treatment I will stop the session and refer the client to seek medical/therapuetic treatments.