Written by Elizabeth Lee, M.Ed., C.Psych
What is Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy?
IFS is a therapeutic approach developed by Richard C. Swartz in the 1980’s when he observed many of his clients speaking about their different parts or subpersonalities. For example: A part of me likes to sleep in, procrastinate, and avoid chores but another part of me is an achiever and likes to get things done. Parts can have their own thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and motivations and can conflict with each other. They exist within a system where different parts have different roles and functions.
In IFS therapy, we explore a client’s unique internal family of parts to:
- Better understand how a part is trying to help and what experiences led to their role(s)
- Help wounded or damaged parts heal
- Foster inner harmony so that individuals can move through the world with more clarity, courage, confidence, and compassion
IFS therapy includes attuning to and cultivating clients’ inner wisdom or core resource called the Self or Self energy.
When is IFS Used?
Therapists at Bloor West Therapy integrate different therapeutic approaches to individualize psychotherapy to best fit each client. IFS can be used primarily or in conjunction with other approaches to help clients better manage the following symptoms and/or issues:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Trauma
- Shame
- PTSD symptoms
- Relationship Difficulties
- Self-Esteem and Self-Worth
- Inner Conflict and Decision-Making
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IFS evidence-based?
Yes! Studies have found that IFS therapy:
- helped to reduce overall pain and depressive symptoms, and increase self-compassion for individuals suffering with rheumatoid arthritis (Shadick et al., 2013)
- is as effective as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IP)T in significantly reducing depressive symptoms for college aged cisgender female students (Haddock et al. 2016)
- is effective in significantly reducing PTSD symptoms, depressive symptoms, and associated symptoms related to emotion dysregulation and dissociation for adults diagnosed with PTSD and have a history of childhood trauma (Hodgdon et al., 2021)
References:
Haddock, S. A., Weiler, L. M., Trump, L. J. and Henry, K. L. (2017). The efficacy of internal family systems therapy in the treatment of depression among female college students: A pilot study. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 43, 131–144. doi: 10.1111/jmft.12184
Hodgdon, H. B., Anderson, F. G., Southwell, E., Hrubec, W., & Schwartz, R. (2021). Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among Survivors of Multiple Childhood Trauma: A Pilot Effectiveness Study. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma, 31(1), 22–43. https://doi.org/10.1080/10926771.2021.2013375
Shadick, N.A., Sowell, N.F., Frits, M. L., Hoffman, S.M., Hartz, S.A.., Booth, F.D., Sweezy, M., Rogers, P.R., Dubin, R.L., Atkinson, J.C., Friedman, A.L., Augusto, F., Iannaccone, C.K., Fossel, A.H., Quinn, G., Cui, J., Losina, E., Schwartz, R.C. (2013). A Randomized Controlled Trial of an Internal Family Systems-based Psychotherapeutic Intervention on Outcomes in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Proof-of-Concept Study. The Journal of Rheumatology, 40 (11) 1831-1841; DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.12146
What is a "part"?
Parts are internal entities or subpersonalities that exist in a system or family.
Life events and/or trauma can make parts take on protective roles for the system. For example: Being bullied throughout childhood might develop a people pleasing part that is focused on pleasing others to avoid being mistreated again. Or a binge eating part that mindlessly eats to dull the pain of feeling unworthy or unlovable after ending a romantic relationship.
What is the ultimate aim/intention of IFS?
The aim of IFS therapy is to heal our wounded parts with a compassionate stance so that we can be more connected to our inner wisdom and move through life with more confidence, clarity and inner harmony.
Who can provide IFS therapy
Internal family systems therapy can be provided by a registered mental health professional (psychologists, psychological associates, psychotherapists, and social workers) who received specialized training in the IFS model. Please reach out to our administrative staff at Bloor West Therapy for a free initial consult if you are interested in working with an IFS trained therapist.
