"You are the one you've been waiting for AND,.... there are no bad parts." Dr. Richard Schwartz

Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is a therapeutic approach developed by Richard Schwartz in the 1980s. It is based on the premise that the human mind is composed of multiple sub-personalities or "parts" that interact within a person's mental system. These parts often develop in response to life experiences and serve various roles, such as protection, coping, or managing emotions.

Key concepts in Internal Family Systems therapy include:

• Parts: These are different aspects or sub-personalities within an individual. Parts can be categorized as exiles (young, wounded, vulnerable parts), managers (protective, controlling parts), and firefighters (parts that react impulsively in crisis situations).

• Self: The central concept in IFS therapy is the Self, which is considered to be the core or essence of a person. The Self is characterized by qualities such as curiosity, compassion, calmness, and clarity. The goal of IFS therapy is to help individuals access and strengthen their Self so that they can lead from this centered place rather than being dominated by their parts.

• Internal System: The internal system refers to the organization and interactions of the parts within a person's psyche. IFS therapy focuses on understanding and transforming these internal dynamics to promote healing and integration.

• Trauma: IFS therapy acknowledges the impact of trauma on the development of parts and the internal system. It aims to create a safe environment where parts can be understood, healed, and reintegrated within the overall system.

• Therapeutic Process: In therapy, the therapist helps the client explore their internal landscape, identify different parts, understand their roles and origins, and establish relationships among them. The therapist facilitates communication and negotiation among parts and helps the client strengthen their Self-leadership.

IFS therapy is used to treat a variety of mental health issues, including trauma-related disorders, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and relationship issues. It is considered a non-pathologizing approach that respects the internal complexity and resilience of individuals. The ultimate goal is to foster self-awareness, healing, and personal growth by integrating and harmonizing the various parts of the psyche under the guidance of the Self.