IFS (Internal Family Systems)

Presentation

IFS (Internal Family Systems) is a psychotherapeutic model developed in the 1990s by Richard C. Schwartz, family therapist and professor at Harvard University. Observing his patients, Schwartz noticed that their inner world functioned similarly to a family system: 'parts' with distinct roles interact with each other, sometimes in conflict, around a core Self endowed with innate qualities of compassionate leadership.

IFS is a non-pathologizing model: it considers that every part, even those producing apparently destructive symptoms (addiction, self-harm, rage), has a positive protective intention. The problem lies not in the parts themselves but in the extreme roles they had to adopt in response to painful experiences. Healing consists of liberating these parts from their extreme roles by restoring connection with the Self.

Founder: Richard C. Schwartz (born 1950), family therapist, Harvard University

Core Principles

IFS identifies three types of parts:

Exiles: wounded parts carrying pain, shame, fear and traumatic memories. Often young inner parts 'exiled' from awareness by protectors because their pain is deemed too dangerous.

Managers: proactive protective parts seeking to control the environment and prevent exile activation. Examples: perfectionism, control, intellectualization, people-pleasing.

Firefighters: reactive protective parts intervening urgently when an exile is activated, often through impulsive behaviors: addiction, dissociation, self-harm, rage, overeating.

The Self is the person's core center, not a part but consciousness itself. It manifests through the '8 Cs': calm, curiosity, clarity, compassion, confidence, courage, creativity and connectedness. Therapeutic work develops Self-access so it can lead the internal system.

Main Indications

• Complex and developmental trauma
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Dissociative disorders
• Addictions and compulsive behaviors
• Eating disorders
• Chronic depression and anxiety
• Inner conflicts and paralyzing ambivalence
• Personality disorders
• Self-harm and chronic suicidal ideation

Session Overview

An IFS session lasts 50 to 90 minutes. The therapist guides the patient in 'going inside' — turning attention inward to identify active parts. The patient notices thoughts, emotions and sensations, then identifies them as distinct 'parts'.

The basic protocol comprises 6 steps (the '6 Fs'): Find, Focus, Flesh out, Feel, beFriend and Fear. When sufficient Self-access is established, the therapist guides the patient to build trust with the protective part, then access the exile it protects. The exile is then 'unburdened' through witnessing, reparenting and symbolic transformation.

Variations and Sub-techniques

• Individual IFS (standard format)
• Couples IFS (cross-system work)
• Group IFS
• IFS for children and adolescents
• Online IFS
• IFS for addictions

Contraindications

• Acute psychotic episode with confusion between parts and hallucinations
• Severe unstabilized structural dissociation (risk of further fragmentation)
• Inability to access Self (requires preparatory work)
• Acute suicidal crisis requiring immediate crisis intervention