Internal Family Systems was developed by Richard Schwartz, Ph.D. The official website of Internal Family Systems is that of the IFS Institute: www.ifs-institute.com
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A BRIEF WRITTEN INTRO TO INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS
INTRODUCTORY VIDEO TUTORIALS
INTERMEDIATE/ ADVANCED VIDEO TUTORIALS
INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS DEMONSTRATION SESSIONS
UPCOMING LIVE TRAININGS IN INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS
THE INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS DISCUSSION FORUM
Brief Introduction:
The following brief description of Internal Family Systems is a synthesis of quotes from www.ifs-institute.com:
The IFS Model represents a new synthesis of two already-existing paradigms: systems thinking and the multiplicity of the mind. It brings concepts and methods from the structural, strategic, narrative, and Bowenian schools of family therapy to the world of subpersonalities.
The IFS Model, which evolved as a result of this exploration, views a person as containing an ecology of relatively discrete minds, each of which has valuable qualities and each of which is designed to -- and wants to -- play a valuable role within. These parts are forced out of their valuable roles, however, by life experiences that can reorganize the system in unhealthy ways.
What circumstances force these parts into extreme and sometimes destructive roles? Trauma is one factor, and the effects of childhood sexual abuse on internal families has been discussed at length. But more often, it is a person's family of origin values and interaction patterns that create internal polarizations which escalate over time and are played out in other relationships.
One other key aspect of the IFS Model also differentiates it from other models. This is the belief that, in addition to these parts, everyone is at their core a Self containing many crucial leadership qualities such as perspective, confidence, compassion, and acceptance.
When working with an individual, the goal of IFS is to differentiate this Self from the parts, thereby releasing its resources. When the individual is in the state of Self, we can work together to help the parts out of their extreme roles.
Introductory Video Tutorials:
Understanding The Personality System: Introduction to the Internal Family System with Derek Scott (permission for use granted by Derek Scott, Founder, IFSCA)
Intro to IFS Therapy. In this first video in her IFS series, Tori Olds, PhD summarizes the core elements of Dick Schwartz’ IFS (permission for use granted by Tori Olds, PhD)
Dr. Richard Schwartz explains Internal Family Systems (IFS):
What is Internal Family Systems? (permission for use granted by The IFS Institute)
Dr. Richard Schwartz explains Internal Family Systems (IFS) (permission by IFS Institute)
IFS for Therapists #1 Self-Leadership (permission for use granted by Derek Scott, Founder, IFSCA)
IFS for Therapists #2 - Therapist Challenges (permission for use granted by Derek Scott, Founder, IFSCA)
IFS for Therapists #3 Working in Session (permission for use granted by Derek Scott, Founder, IFSCA)
IFS for Therapists #3a Meditation for Self Energy (permission for use granted by Derek Scott, Founder, IFSCA)
IFS for Therapists #4 Common Dynamics (permission for use granted by Derek Scott, Founder, IFSCA)
IFS for Therapists #5 Working between Sessions (permission for use granted by Derek Scott, Founder, IFSCA)
IFS for Therapists #6 Working with Protectors (permission for use granted by Derek Scott, Founder, IFSCA)
IFS for Therapists #7 Working with Exiles (permission for use granted by Derek Scott, Founder, IFSCA)
IFS for Therapists #8 - Interventions (permission for use granted by Derek Scott, Founder, IFSCA)
IFS for Therapists #9 Anxious and Depressed Parts (permission for use granted by Derek Scott, Founder, IFSCA)
IFS for Therapists #10 Guilt (permission for use granted by Derek Scott, Founder, IFSCA)
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Intermediate/Advanced Tutorials:
IFS Grief and Loss Pt. 1 (permission for use granted by Derek Scott, Founder, IFSCA)
IFS, Grief and Loss Pt 2 (permission for use granted by Derek Scott, Founder, IFSCA)
IFS, Childhood Abuse & Neglect Pt.1 (permission for use granted by Derek Scott, Founder, IFSCA)
IFS, Childhood Abuse & Neglect Pt. 2 (permission for use granted by Derek Scott, Founder, IFSCA)
Internal Family Systems Demonstration Sessions:
IFS Demonstration Session — “Anxious When Making Requests” — with Derek Scott, Founder, IFSCA) and detailed explanations by Liz Phillips.
This session is one in a series in which expert therapists from a variety of experiential schools work with this client on the same presenting issue. An unparalleled opportunity to compare and contrast the strategies and techniques of the different schools!
Cost: $25. (50% of proceeds will fund the training scholarship for IFSCA courses and 50% will fund EPI’s Experiential Therapies Project)
⇩ Watch free trailer ⇩
Demo sessions from trainings with Bonnie Weiss, LCSW:
Click here ⬇ to view Bonnie’s 15 free sessions:
IFS Demonstration Session — “Connecting on the Inside: Isolating Outside” — Derek Scott, Founder, IFSCA)
Upcoming Live Training Events for Internal Family Systems:
The online tutorials on this site do not qualify you for IFS certification and are not a substitute for the comprehensive in-person training offered by the IFS Institute. See their schedule of upcoming trainings here: