The Internal Family Systems (IFS) model was developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz in the 1980s. It is based on the understanding that the mind is not singular but naturally multiple, and that we all have different parts within us—distinct inner voices, feelings, or patterns of behaviour that shape our thoughts and actions. These parts are not fragments or symptoms of dysfunction but rather aspects of ourselves that have developed in response to life experiences. IFS recognizes that beneath all these parts exists a core Self, a compassionate and wise center that can bring balance and healing to the system.
IFS therapy works by helping you build a relationship with your inner world, getting to know the different parts that may be in conflict, stuck in old roles, or carrying burdens from the past. Some parts may act as protectors, trying to shield you from pain or vulnerability, while others may hold difficult emotions such as fear, shame, or grief. Through a process of guided self-inquiry, IFS encourages a gentle and respectful approach to these inner dynamics, allowing parts to be seen, heard, and ultimately unburdened.
The contribution Internal Family Systems Therapy can make in your life is to foster self-leadership, where your core Self can take its rightful place as the compassionate guide of your internal world. As you develop a deeper understanding of your parts and their roles, you gain access to more clarity, confidence, and inner harmony. By healing the wounds that keep you stuck in repetitive emotional patterns, IFS offers a pathway to greater freedom, self-acceptance, and authentic living.
