What is Internal Family Systems?
At Repose, we believe that true healing involves connecting deeply with every part of ourselves. One powerful modality that we offer is Internal Family Systems (IFS), an evidence-based therapy that helps clients access their innate healing power by exploring the different "parts" within themselves. This gentle, yet transformative approach fosters self-compassion, emotional clarity, and inner harmony, offering a pathway to profound personal growth.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapeutic model developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz in the 1980s. It is based on the idea that each person’s psyche is made up of different sub-personalities or “parts,” which interact within a larger internal system. These parts can carry emotions, memories, and roles that have developed in response to past experiences. IFS operates on the belief that there is no such thing as a “bad” part; all parts serve a protective or survival function, even if they may manifest in maladaptive ways (Schwartz, 1995).
At the center of IFS is the concept of the Self, which is the core of who we are — calm, compassionate, and capable of leading our inner system with clarity. When we learn to engage with our parts from the perspective of the Self, we can heal emotional wounds, transform patterns of reactivity, and restore balance within our internal world.
Internal Family Systems & Trauma
Trauma often leads to the fragmentation of our internal system. Certain parts may take on extreme roles to protect us, while others may become burdened with pain, fear, or shame. These parts can get stuck in their protective roles, blocking us from feeling fully connected to our true Self.
Through IFS, clients are guided to meet their parts with compassion, curiosity, and understanding. Instead of pathologizing these parts, IFS encourages clients to honor their protective functions while working to release the burdens of past trauma. This process allows individuals to:
Cultivate inner harmony by fostering communication and cooperation between their parts.
Heal unresolved trauma by unburdening parts that carry emotional wounds.
Enhance emotional regulation by leading with the Self rather than reactive parts.
Access self-compassion and move away from self-criticism or judgment.
IFS has shown remarkable success in treating trauma, complex PTSD, depression, anxiety, and a range of other mental health concerns (Schwartz, 2001). By bringing compassion to the parts of ourselves that carry the weight of trauma, IFS opens the door to lasting emotional freedom.
IFS is an Evidence-Based Therapy
Internal Family Systems has gained significant recognition for its effectiveness, not only within trauma therapy but also across various therapeutic fields. It has been applied successfully to treat depression, anxiety, addiction, and relationship issues. IFS is also an evidence-based practice, supported by a growing body of research that demonstrates its efficacy in helping individuals heal from emotional and psychological distress.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology showed that IFS led to significant reductions in symptoms of depression and anxiety in a sample of participants. The study found that participants who engaged in IFS therapy experienced lasting improvements in emotional well-being, demonstrating the model’s effectiveness in fostering long-term mental health gains (Sweezy, 2011).
The National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine (NICABM) has also endorsed IFS as a highly effective modality for trauma treatment, emphasizing its unique ability to address the root causes of psychological pain and emotional distress (NICABM, 2020). As a result, IFS is gaining momentum as a preferred therapeutic model within trauma-informed care.
How IFS Works
The process of IFS therapy involves guiding clients to explore their inner world of parts, helping them to identify and develop relationships with these parts in a safe and supportive environment. One of the primary goals of IFS is to help clients access their Self — that central, compassionate core — which then takes the lead in healing and transforming their internal system.
The therapist works collaboratively with the client to:
Identify parts that are in need of healing or transformation.
Establish communication between the client’s Self and their parts.
Unburden parts carrying pain, trauma, or negative beliefs.
Integrate the system, allowing the Self to take the lead in guiding the parts.
At Repose, IFS is used with a trauma-informed lens, recognizing that each part of a client’s system has a story and a purpose. The process is gentle and paced according to the client’s needs, ensuring that no part is rushed or pushed beyond its readiness.
The Benefits of Internal Family Systems
Internal Family Systems offers a wealth of benefits for those seeking to heal emotional wounds and foster greater inner peace. Some of the key benefits include:
Healing Trauma at Its Core: IFS allows clients to engage directly with the parts of themselves that carry traumatic memories or emotions, facilitating deep healing from the inside out.
Cultivating Self-Compassion: By recognizing that all parts serve a purpose, clients can let go of judgment and embrace self-compassion as they learn to lead with their Self.
Creating Inner Harmony: IFS helps clients restore balance within their internal system, reducing internal conflict and fostering a sense of calm and coherence.
Enhanced Emotional Resilience: Clients who engage in IFS often report a greater capacity to regulate their emotions and navigate stress with more ease.
Long-Term Transformation: Research supports that the benefits of IFS extend well beyond the therapeutic session, creating lasting change in how clients relate to themselves and the world around them.
Integrating IFS at Repose
At Repose, Internal Family Systems is an integral part of our holistic therapeutic approach. Our therapists are trained to weave IFS into a broader framework that addresses the mind, body, and spirit. Whether used on its own or in combination with other modalities such as Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, or energy psychology, IFS offers a powerful tool for helping clients heal at the deepest levels. Internal Family Systems is a powerful therapy modality in individual therapy with children and adults, and is highly effective with couples and group therapy.
We tailor the IFS process to each client’s unique system, ensuring that the work is always paced according to their comfort and readiness. Safety and consent are at the forefront of every session, and we encourage open communication so that clients feel empowered to guide their therapeutic journey.
Your Healing Journey with IFS at Repose
At Repose, we view Internal Family Systems as more than just a therapeutic model; it’s a compassionate roadmap to reconnecting with your true Self. Through IFS, we believe you can access your own inner healing wisdom and move towards a life of greater peace, balance, and emotional freedom.
If you’re ready to explore how IFS can help you heal and transform your relationship with yourself, our team of dedicated therapists is here to support you on your journey.
References:
Schwartz, R. (1995). Internal Family Systems Therapy. Guilford Press.
Schwartz, R. (2001). Introduction to the Internal Family Systems Model. Trailheads Publications.
Sweezy, M. (2011). Treating complex trauma with Internal Family Systems therapy. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 67(8), 801-809.
National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine (NICABM). (2020). Why Internal Family Systems is effective for treating trauma.