Internal Family Systems (IFS)

A model of the mind where a calm core Self leads a community of Parts, each with protective jobs and wounded histories.

Description

IFS treats the mind as a system: Self (steady, compassionate leadership) relates to Protectors (Managers and Firefighters) and Exiles (hurt or vulnerable parts). Work proceeds by unblending from Parts, building trust, witnessing wounds, and releasing burdens, all the while without pushing away aspects of our personality (Exiles).

What Internal Family Systems (IFS) is NOT:

Pop “multiple personalities”; a technique to suppress symptoms; therapist-overrides-client.

Examples:

Parts Mapping your Parts before tackling a conflict.
Gaining Protector consent before meeting a shame-carrying Exile.
Unburdening an old belief (“I’m unsafe if I rest”).

see also:

Parts Work; Self; Self-Leadership; Blending & Unblending; Consent; Unburdening