“We are not asking the part to be hopeful we are asking the system- self- to bring comfort and connection to that part so its experience of the circumstances changes”
IFS (Internal Family Systems)
Internal Family Systems therapy is a non-pathologizing and empowering method of understanding our experience. It allows us to access our higher or deeper self so that the process of growth happens according to an inner wisdom characterized by calmness, clarity, and compassion.
The IFS model has 5 basic assumptions:
The human mind is subdivided into an unknown number of parts.
Each person has a Self, and the Self should be the chief agent in coordinating the inner family.
Parts engaging in non-extreme behavior are beneficial to the individual. There is no such thing as a “bad part.” Therapy aims to help parts discover their non-extreme roles.
Personal growth and development leads to the development of the internal family. Interactions between parts become more complex, allowing for systems theory to be applied to the internal system. Reorganization of the internal system may lead to rapid changes in the roles of parts.
Adjustments made to the internal system will result in changes to the external system and vice versa. Therefore, both the internal and external systems need to be adequately assessed.
A guiding principle of IFS is that people have within them the strengths and resources they need to resolve their struggles.