Internal Family Systems

How does internal family systems work?

Internal family systems use theories from the family systems model that poses the idea that one cannot fully be understood in isolation, and therefore must develop strategies to address the wounded internal parts that make up their whole self.

Understanding IFS model begins with 5 basic assumptions:

• The human mind is subdivided into an unknown amount of parts
• Everyone has a Self in which should be facilitating the rest of the inner family parts
• There is no such thing as a “bad part” all parts existing and engaging in non-extreme behaviour can be beneficial to the individual person
• Personal development can lead to changes in roles creating a healed internal family
• Changes made to the internal system will affect the external system and vice versa

IFS is an integrative approach to talk therapy that requires acknowledging the different subpersonalities likes, dislikes, burden, and history at each stage of consciousness.

In the IFS model, there is three distinct types of parts:

1. Managers which are responsible for maintaining functioning by warding off counterproductive reactions induced by external stimuli
2. Exiles are parts of the individual that are often in a state of pain or trauma. These parts are usually exiled before entering the conscious level of self.
3. Firefighters are parts that serve is distractors of pain and trauma brought on by exiles. These parts often lead an individual to act on impulses or desires.

When is internal family systems used?

IFS can be used to treat a number of mental health disorders including:

• Trauma
• Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
• Compulsive behaviors
• Depression
• Bipolar
• Body image issues
• Anxiety
• Phobias
• Substance dependency

During IFS treatment, a therapist will open the session similar to other forms of talk therapy. Overtime, the therapist will draw focus to different aspects of the individual’s internal environment, encouraging them to connect their different parts. There are many exercises utilized in IFS treatment including keeping a journal, utilizing diagrams or illustrations to identify the individual’s parts, relaxations techniques, and more.