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The Internal Family Systems Model (IFS), developed by Richard C. Schwartz in the 1980s, is a unique and holistic approach to psychotherapy. Drawing on both systems theory and the understanding that the mind consists of various subpersonalities or "parts," IFS offers a way to navigate the complexities of our internal world, heal emotional wounds, and restore mental harmony.
At its core, IFS is built around the idea that our minds are made up of multiple "parts," each with its own perspective, memories, and behaviours. These parts can take on extreme roles that, while well-intentioned, may lead to dysfunctional patterns or internal conflict. The ultimate aim of IFS therapy is to guide individuals back to a state of balance, where all parts of the psyche can coexist in harmony under the leadership of the Self — a core, wise, and compassionate part that represents our true nature.
The Core Components of Internal Family Systems
In IFS, every individual is seen as having a central "Self" and multiple distinct subpersonalities, known as "parts." These parts can sometimes clash or act in ways that don't seem to make sense. However, a key principle of IFS is that each part has a positive intent, even if its actions are causing harm or dysfunction. The aim is not to eliminate or fight against these parts, but rather to foster understanding and collaboration among them.
There are three main types of parts in the IFS model:
Exiles: These parts carry the emotional pain and trauma from past experiences, often from childhood. Exiles hold onto memories of hurt, fear, and shame, and tend to become isolated from the rest of the system to protect the individual from reliving those painful emotions. However, their unresolved trauma can create inner tension and block healing.
Managers: These parts take on a protective, preemptive role. They aim to manage the way a person interacts with the outside world, often working to avoid or control situations that might trigger the pain held by the Exiles. Managers try to prevent the Exiles' pain from coming to the surface, keeping the system functioning by preventing emotional overwhelm.
Firefighters: When the Exiles' emotions break through and demand attention, Firefighters step in. Their role is to divert attention away from the pain, often through impulsive or destructive behaviours such as overeating, substance use, or compulsive work. Though these actions may seem harmful, they are driven by the same positive intent to protect the person from overwhelming emotions.
The Internal System: Relationships Between Parts
One of the key aspects of IFS is the relationships between the parts and the Self. These relationships can take on different dynamics:
Protection: Managers and Firefighters offer protection by preventing painful emotions (from the Exiles) from disrupting the person's awareness or behaviour. Their primary job is to shield the individual from pain and distress.
Polarisation: Sometimes, parts can become polarised, meaning that two parts battle each other for control over the person's feelings or actions. For example, a Manager may try to control external situations to avoid pain, while a Firefighter may push for distractions through unhealthy behaviours. IFS therapy works to address these internal conflicts and find a way for the parts to work together.
Alliance: An alliance occurs when parts of the system work together to achieve a common goal. The aim of IFS therapy is to foster these kinds of productive relationships among parts, so that the system as a whole can operate more smoothly.
The Internal Family System Healing Process
The IFS therapeutic process is designed to guide individuals through a journey of self-discovery and healing. The first step is to help the client access their core Self, which is the compassionate, wise part of the person. The Self is the natural leader of the internal system, and the goal of therapy is to allow the Self to take the lead in healing.
Once the Self is accessed, the therapist helps the individual build a relationship with the Protector parts (Managers and Firefighters). These parts may have developed extreme protective roles due to past trauma, and they need to be understood and trusted before any healing can take place. Once the Protectors trust the Self, they are more willing to allow the individual to work with the Exiles.
The Exiles hold the emotional wounds from past trauma, and the healing process involves helping them release the painful burdens they carry. These burdens might include negative beliefs or emotional imprints from past harmful experiences. Through therapy, the Exiles are encouraged to let go of these burdens, which allows the system to return to balance.
Once the Exiles are healed, the Protectors can shift out of their extreme roles and return to healthier, more adaptive functions, creating a more harmonious internal system.
Key Principles of IFS Therapy
Parts carry burdens: Parts that have taken on extreme roles often carry emotional burdens from past experiences. These burdens can be released through IFS therapy, allowing the parts to return to their natural, balanced states.
The Self is the healing agent: The Self, not the Protectors or Exiles, is the true leader of the internal system. IFS therapy aims to help clients access their Self and restore its natural leadership role in their psyche.
Safety and trust: Before working with the Exiles, it is crucial to establish a sense of safety within the internal system. This means working with the Protectors and ensuring they feel comfortable allowing the Self to take the lead.
No need for conflict: IFS emphasises that there is no need to fight or eliminate any parts. Instead, the goal is to create understanding and cooperation among the different parts, so they can work together for the person's overall wellbeing.
Internal Family Systems offers a powerful framework for understanding and healing the complexities of the human mind. By acknowledging the various "parts" that make up our internal world, and focusing on healing trauma and fostering internal harmony, IFS provides a compassionate and effective approach to psychotherapy. Whether you’re dealing with childhood wounds, internal conflict, or ongoing emotional distress, IFS can help you reconnect with your true Self and find a path to healing and balance.
In New Zealand, where mental health and emotional wellbeing are increasingly recognised as essential aspects of overall health, IFS offers an innovative and effective approach to therapy, helping individuals lead more balanced, integrated lives. By understanding our internal systems and learning how to relate to our different parts, we can take important steps toward lasting personal growth and emotional wellbeing.
