The '''Internal Family Systems Model''' ('''IFS''') is an [[Integrative Psychotherapy|integrative]] approach to individual [[psychotherapy]] developed by Richard C. Schwartz, Ph.D. It combines [[systems thinking]] with the view that [[mind]] is made up of relatively discrete subpersonalities each with its own viewpoint and qualities. IFS uses [[family therapy|family systems theory]] to understand how these collections of subpersonalities are organized.<ref name="Redbook"/>

The '''Internal Family Systems Model''' ('''IFS''') is an [[Integrative Psychotherapy|integrative]] approach to individual [[psychotherapy]] developed by Richard C. Schwartz, Ph.D. It combines [[systems thinking]] with the view that [[mind]] is made up of relatively discrete subpersonalities each with its own viewpoint and qualities. IFS uses [[family therapy|family systems theory]] to understand how these collections of subpersonalities are organized.<ref name="Redbook">Schwartz, R. C. (1995) ''Internal Family Systems Therapy'', Guilford Press.</ref>

==Parts==

==Parts==

The IFS method involves first helping the client to access Self. Then the Self gets to know a protector, discovers its positive intent, and develops a trusting relationship with it. With the protector’s permission, the client accesses the exile(s) it is protecting and discovers the childhood incident or relationship that is the source of the burden(s) it is carrying. The exile is retrieved from being stuck in that past situation and helped to release its burdens. Then the protector can also let go of its protective role and assume a healthy one.

The IFS method involves first helping the client to access Self. Then the Self gets to know a protector, discovers its positive intent, and develops a trusting relationship with it. With the protector’s permission, the client accesses the exile(s) it is protecting and discovers the childhood incident or relationship that is the source of the burden(s) it is carrying. The exile is retrieved from being stuck in that past situation and helped to release its burdens. Then the protector can also let go of its protective role and assume a healthy one.

This method was first described in Schwartz (1995).<ref name="Redbook"/> Two additional books describe the IFS approach in some detail.<ref name="Earley"/><ref name="RIC"/>

This method was first described in Schwartz (1995).<ref name="Redbook"/> Two additional books describe the IFS approach in some detail.<ref name="Earley"/><ref name="RIC">Earley, J. (2012) ''Resolving Inner Conflict'', Pattern System Books.</ref>

==Applications of IFS==

==Applications of IFS==

===Trauma===

===Trauma===

Richard Schwartz developed IFS while working with a population that had experienced considerable trauma, so IFS is very effective in this area <ref name="Goulding"/> and has evoked much interest among trauma therapists. In working with a traumatized exile, the client learns to reside in Self and witness the exile's traumatic memory without being flooded by it. In this way the memory is revisited and processed so it can be healed without the danger of retraumatization.

Richard Schwartz developed IFS while working with a population that had experienced considerable trauma, so IFS is very effective in this area <ref name="Goulding">Schwartz, R. C. and Goulding, R. A. (2002) ''The Mosaic Mind'', Trailheads Publications.</ref> and has evoked much interest among trauma therapists. In working with a traumatized exile, the client learns to reside in Self and witness the exile's traumatic memory without being flooded by it. In this way the memory is revisited and processed so it can be healed without the danger of retraumatization.

===Couples Therapy===

===Couples Therapy===