IFS - Frequently asked questions
General IFS-questions
What is Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy?
IFS Therapy is a psychotherapeutic model that focuses on the internal system of sub-personalities or "parts" within each individual. It aims to promote healing by fostering a better understanding of these parts and how they interact within one's internal system, leading to greater self-awareness, emotional healing, and improved mental health.
How does IFS therapy differ from other forms of psychotherapy?
IFS therapy differs in its focus on the multiplicity of the mind, viewing the psyche as made up of distinct parts, each with its own perspective, interests, and memories. It emphasizes understanding and harmonizing these parts through Self-leadership, rather than focusing solely on symptom relief or behavior change as some other therapies might.
What are the 6 steps in the IFS Process?
The IFS process involves 6 steps:
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Finding the Parts: The first step is about identifying the different parts within an individual. This includes both the parts that take over (managers and firefighters) and the vulnerable parts (exiles).
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Connection and Separation: In this step, the therapist and client create a connection to the different parts. The client learns to differentiate between the Self and the various parts.
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Approaching with Curiosity: Once you, as a client, have identified one of your parts, you are encouraged to approach it with curiosity instead of judgment or fear. This helps to understand the part's positive intentions.
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Gaining Permission: Before working with a specific part, it's important to gain permission from all concerned parts. This ensures that the process progresses smoothly without creating internal conflicts.
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Working with the Parts: Once permission has been obtained, the client works with the specific parts to understand their fears, beliefs, and intentions. This may involve working through trauma or other emotional wounds.
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Recreating the Relationship: The final step focuses on reshaping the relationship between the Self and the different parts. The goal is for them to be able to work together harmoniously under the leadership of the Self, leading to increased internal balance and wholeness.
These steps are used to help individuals achieve self-leadership, where the Self has a clearer and more centered role in the individual's internal system.