Two-Day Introduction to the Internal Family Systems (IFS) Model: Theory and Skills Practice

Agenda & Learning Objectives

Internal Family Systems (IFS) 

• Comprehensive, compassionate, non-pathologizing treatment approach 
• Paradigm-shifting perspective on “psychopathology” 
• Easily integrated into other therapeutic modalities 
• Teach clients to access inner wisdom and self-compassion to permanently heal traumatic wounds 

Evolution of the Model 

• Development of the IFS model by Richard C. Schwartz, Ph.D. 
• IFS as an empirically validated treatment: Summary of research support 

Composition of the Psyche 

• Concept of multiplicity: “We are all multiple personalities.” 
• Components of the psyche: o Wounded, vulnerable, parts
  • Protective parts: proactive and reactive
  • Burdens: Negative/extreme emotions or beliefs
  • The Self: compassionate inner leader and internal source of wisdom and healing energy 
• Guide clients to access their own inner wisdom and healing potential 
• IFS-specific techniques for in-the-moment emotion regulation, helpful even with panic, flashbacks, and dissociation

The IFS Model 

• Assumptions of the model 
• Goals of IFS therapy 
• Flow of the IFS model over the course of treatment 
• Flow of an individual IFS session 

Case conceptualization in IFS 

• Diversity and cultural sensitivity 
• How IFS understands Personality Disorders, Dissociative Identity Disorder, and Addiction 

IFS Step-by-Step 

Step 1: Using Meditative Processes to Identify and Connect with a Target Part 

• Differentiate the person from the symptom 
• Access a state of compassion and curiosity essential for healing 
• Establish a relationship with the target part 

Step 2: Working with Protective Parts 

• Establish a trusting and appreciative relationship with proactive and reactive protectors o Facilitate internal attachment work 
• Learn the history and benevolent intention behind the symptom/behavior 
• Learn and address the fears/concerns of protective parts 
• Gain permission to proceed to healing 

Step 3: Healing the Traumatic Wound 

• Develop a compassionate, connected relationship with the wounded part 
• Witness the pain rather than re-experience it: Learn to be “with”, not “in”, to avoid re-traumatization 
• Retrieve the wounded part from “trauma time” 
• Release/unburden thoughts, feelings, and beliefs 
•  Integrate change into the system: the post-healing process 

Bringing IFS Concepts to Life 

• “Working mediations” to allow participants to experience connection with parts of their own internal systems 
• Experiential exercises to practice application of IFS techniques 
• Video demonstration of IFS therapy with a real client 
• Step-by-step commentary to solidify understanding of techniques illustrated in the video sessions 

Learning Objectives

• Theorize regarding the multiplicity of the mind as a spontaneously and naturally occurring and observed phenomenon in human personality and self-concept.
• Describe the origins and development of the Internal Family Systems Model, including empirical support for the model and the current status of research using IFS to treat depression and posttraumatic stress disorder.
• Provide an in-depth overview of IFS theory, including the basic principles and assumptions of the model.
• Describe the three major components of the psyche as outlined by IFS (parts, burdens, and the Self) including the characteristics of and assumptions regarding each component as they relate to clinical practice.
• Perform IFS techniques for helping clients to differentiate from and form compassionate, collaborative relationships with the proactive and reactive protective parts of their internal systems.
• Evaluate, through observation and discussion of video examples, how to apply the steps of the IFS protocol in work with clients.