Internal Family Systems
What is Internal Family Systems (IFS)?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is a powerfully transformative, evidence-based model of psychotherapy that has evolved over the past forty years into a comprehensive approach for working with individuals, couples, families, and even groups. We all possess the innate capacity to grow and heal from painful, difficult, and traumatic experiences. IFS therapy can help you get to know those emotions, thoughts, and reactions that arise in response to internal or external factors in your life. You will have the opportunity to heal and unburden those parts of you that carry the burdens and beliefs of difficult experiences, and to discover how to access the core qualities of a Self that is present within all of us.
This model is gentle, non-pathologizing, welcoming of all parts and identities, and can create lasting change. In IFS all parts are welcome. Visit IFS Institute to learn more.
“The time will come
when, with elation
you will greet yourself arriving
at your own door, in your own mirror
and each will smile at the other’s welcome,
and say, sit here. Eat.
You will love again the stranger who was your self.
Give wine. Give bread. Give back your heart
to itself, to the stranger who has loved you
all your life, whom you ignored
for another...”
RESOURCES
Books
Internal Family Systems Therapy 2nd Edition by Richard Schwartz and Martha Sweezy
Introduction to the Internal Family Systems Model by Richard Schwartz
We All Have Parts by Colleen West
Articles
Evolution of The Internal Family Systems Model By Dr. Richard Schwartz, PhD
Inside the Revolutionary Treatment that Could Change Psychotherapy Forever by Ben Blum
The Larger Self by Dr. Richard Schwartz, PhD
Internal Family Systems: Meet Your Inner Family by Michael Pasterski
The Internal Family Systems Model Outline
Podcast Interviews
IFS Talks - A Talk with Richard Schwartz
Voices of Esalen – Internal Family Systems
Trauma Therapist Podcast - Interview with Dick Schwartz (Episode 163)
Conversation with Alanis Morissette - Interview with Dick Schwartz (Episode 9)
Relationship Alive - Mastering the Art of Inner Transformation with Dick Schwartz (Episode 140)
Relationship Alive - How to get all the Parts Within You to Work Together with Dick Schwartz (Episode 26)
Mindful Creative - The Lives We Carry Within Us by Andy Cahill and Richard Schwartz
Videos
Becoming Whole: Healing the Exiled & Rejected Parts of Ourselves with Richard Schwartz and Soren Gordhamer
Understanding Our Inner Critic with Esther Perel and Dick Schwartz
Meditations
Meditations for Self by Richard Schwartz
Greater than the Sum of Our Parts by Richard Schwartz
IFS Meditation on InsightTimer
COMMUNITY
Internal Family Systems on Facebook
Internal Family Systems on Instagram
“Know then that the body is merely a garment. Go seek the wearer, not the cloak. ”
PARTS ARTWORK
Art and creativity can be used in the way one might use sculpting exercises or system maps to externalize parts, just as writing or dance movement can be used to explore how to speak for vs. from parts. Externalizing techniques can augment the deep healing of exiles done in IFS therapy sessions. The act of creating might serve as an anchor to see, hear, experience, or connect to parts that do not yet have enough Self-trust in the internal system. Artwork by Alicia Dabney.
Verdant Counseling and Psychotherapy provides culturally affirming, trauma-informed IFS Therapy and Art Therapy in the SF Bay Area and online throughout California. This website features my portfolio and past creative work. Please visit the Verdant website to learn more and schedule a free 15-minute consultation.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #136816
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor #14483
Board Certified Art Therapist #20-261
IFS Certified Therapist #CSL-0877
IFS Levels 1, 2, and 3 trained