Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an evidence-based model of psychotherapy that we are all made up of multiple parts. These parts take on roles such as the inner child, inner critic, and consist of wounded parts and painful emotions such as anger and shame. These parts often try to control and protect the person from the pain of the wounded parts. The sub-personalities are often in conflict with each other and with one’s core Self, a concept that describes the confident, compassionate, whole person that is at the core of every individual.

IFS was developed by psychologist Richard Schwartz. In his work as a family therapist, Schwartz began to observe patterns in how people described their inner lives: “What I heard repeatedly were descriptions of what they often called their “parts”—the conflicted subpersonalities that resided within them,” Schwartz says. He began to conceive of the mind as a family, and the parts as family members interacting with one another. Exploring how these components functioned with one another was the foundation for IFS and the idea of the core Self.

Thus, this treatment modality is also known as “parts work” because we recognize and work with the parts of ourselves that are in conflict with one another. For example, there may be one part of you that wants to stay in a relationship, and another part that has valid concerns and wants to end it.

The goal of IFS is to help individuals access that core self so they can heal the wounded parts and restore mental balance and harmony. This is achieved by changing the dynamics that create discord among the different parts and the Self. With a deepened sense of Self-awareness, you can get clear about what you want most and create the relationships and life you truly desire.

IFS is an evidence-based psychotherapy model. It has been found to be an effective treatment for improving general functioning and well-being in regard to clients with chronic pain, anxiety, depression, issues with self-concept, and physical health conditions.