Inga Markham MMFT, RPN, RMFT, RCC

The Internal Family System Model is one of the fastest growing approaches in psychotherapy today. Developed over the past two decades by Dr. Richard Schwartz, this non-pathologizing model views a person as containing many parts/subpersonalities, each of which has valuable qualities designed to play important roles.These parts/aspects are however, forced by life experiences, to adapt within the inner system in unhealthy ways. With healing, these extreme parts gladly transform into moderate, more acceptable roles once they are assured that the person can operate safely.

The types of experiences that originally transform parts into destructive or extreme roles are sometimes traumatic but can also be a person's family of origin beliefs, values and interactions.

What are these 'Parts' or Aspects of the Personality?

Most of us have parts that are great at keeping us safe and functioning in a 'normal' manner - these parts attempt to maintain control of both our outer and inner worlds. They may do this by criticizing how we dress or how we need to perform to make a good impression or take care of others to ensure safety or connection, for example. These parts are usually pro-active and protective in nature and are called Managers.

When we have feelings of insecurity, pain, fear, shame or humiliation activated, it is the Manager parts that try to keep these feelings and sensations from being experienced in the moment. These vulnerable feelings and sensations that are suppressed - locked away in the subconscious are what are called Exiles.

When one or more of these exiles are activated in our daily interactions with others and threaten to overwhelm the inner system with the feelings of being hurt, scared or shamed again then a third group of parts may rush in to distract, dampen or override the system. These protectors are called the Firefighters and are extremely reactive, impulsive and powerful - like the urges to binge on alcohol, drugs, food, sex, computer games, porn, work etc. They may even have the qualities of shutting down the system or distancing, so the exile's vulnerable feelings are not experienced - as in dissociation, numbing, depression etc.

So how do we make the best decisions?

What makes the IFS Model different from other models of psychotherapy is the belief in the existence of the Self - the true core of a person. The Self has the qualities that bring about inner healing and leadership. These qualities are defined as self-acceptance, confidence, compassion and a broad perspective - all necessary for true internal functioning and peace. Even those clients that have experienced extreme abuse/trauma have this inner resource although they may not initially be aware of it.

IFS Therapy Goal:

The IFS goal is thus to guide us to identify and explore the Self and the parts, facilitate the use of the inner resources for healing and guide the system into a more self-led emotionally healthy realignment.

Unlike other psychotherapy approaches, the IFS therapist relies upon the qualities of the Self of the client to bring about permanent inner change in thoughts and emotions. When clients are Self-led they are able to communicate effectively with the internal system of parts and to provide them with whatever it is they need to feel safe and to transform. The therapist is the client's guide to the process and in time the client takes over the therapist role for their own internal family of parts.

For detailed information about what it would be like to be a client doing this type of therapy please read "The IFS Client"  - a link found on the Appointment page.

See www.selfleadership.org for more information and for DVD's, books, audiobooks and articles on the Internal Family Systemssm Model.

IFS : The Center for Self Leadership

Dr. Richard C. Schwartz

You are not Alone - Freedomain Radio interview with Dr. Richard C. Schwartz

Understanding the Personality System : Introduction to the Internal Family System

Derek Scott :-

www.youtube.com/user/derektherapist?blend=4&ob=5#p/a/u/2/ibMlGs6Q4kk 

Derek has numerous videos on Youtube that allow clients to get a more comprehensive view of this cutting edge psychotherapy model.