11/06/2021
The Internal Family Systems model is a powerfully transformative and evidence-based model of psychotherapy.
Within the frame of this method, a person can take on several different family roles when they are in an environment that they perceive as dangerous.
This forms an “internal family system” and these sub-persons, or parties, act separately from the Self.
Each of us have a distinct set of these parts and also a Self endowed in an innate way with qualities such as trust, compassion, and acceptance without judgment.
It is only when the parts become extreme that problems arise.
In the IFS, all your parts are welcome.
The purpose of IFS is of understanding and harmonizing our inner parts, knowing that our core Self knows how to heal and has the qualities that allow those parts to become integrated and allow us to become whole again.
IFS Therapy categorises these roles into three broad subpersonality types:
THE MANAGERS
Proactive protective parts that anticipate, forecast and plan. They want to prevent exiles from experiencing a painful experience.
THE EXILES
These are represented by the sensitive parts that hold the experience of trauma. They carry the burden of suffering and get isolated, exiled, by the protective parts.
THE FIREFIGHTERS
Reactive protective parts that react and are impulsive,. They are acting instantly to stop suffering of exiles and in order to make the situation more bearable.
Have you heard about this type of therapy? Ever tried it? Did you find it helpful?
