IFS | Sparrow

Internal Family Systems

Indeed, you possess a Self.

However, this Self can sometimes be overshadowed and obscured by various inner parts.

Specializing in Extreme Parts

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a type of psychotherapy developed by Richard C. Schwartz, Ph.D. over 30 years ago. It is a therapeutic approach that offers a profound understanding of the human psyche by conceptualizing it as a complex system of inner Parts and a Self.

According to IFS, our psyche is made up of various "parts" or subpersonalities, each with its own perspective, memories, and roles. These parts often come from early life experiences and can influence our behavior and emotions. Each member of our internal family requires special attention, focus, and respect.

Central to IFS, within everyone exists Self energy. The Self is timeless. It is the core of one’s being. The Self is meant to be our true leader of our internal system, and our parts to operate in harmony with Self and one another.

The Self is capable of fostering healing, integration, and harmony among the various parts. Self or Self energy possess qualities known as the 8 Cs: Compassion, Connectedness, Calm, Curiosity, Confidence, Courage, Creativity and Clarity. These qualities facilitate healing and integration under the guidance of the Self.

Yes! Everyone has a Self whether sensed or not. And yet, the Self can become overwhelmed and covered up by many parts.

Understanding these core concepts forms the basis for the transformative work of IFS therapy, empowering individuals to explore and reconcile the diverse aspects of their inner worlds.

IFS offers a compassionate approach to addressing addiction and compulsive behaviors by helping individuals understand the underlying emotions and needs driving these patterns. By working with the protective parts that fuel addictive behaviors, IFS supports clients in developing healthier coping strategies and cultivating self-compassion.

IFS therapy can be particularly helpful for individuals with eating disorders because it provides a framework for understanding and working with the complex dynamics within the individual's psyche.

1. Understanding Internal Conflicts: IFS views the mind as consisting of various parts or sub-personalities, each with its own thoughts, feelings, and motivations.

3. Integration of Parts: IFS aims to facilitate communication and collaboration among different parts of the psyche, ultimately leading to a sense of harmony and integration.

4. Addressing Trauma and Underlying Issues: Many individuals with eating disorders have experienced trauma or have underlying emotional issues that contribute to their disordered eating patterns.

5 Empowerment and Self-Agency: IFS empowers individuals to take an active role in their healing process by helping them develop self-awareness and self-management skills.

IFS has applications in spiritual development and exploration, as it offers a framework for understanding the nature of the Self and the interconnectedness of all aspects of being. By facilitating a compassionate inquiry into the spiritual dimensions of the psyche, IFS can support individuals in deepening their connection to themselves, others, and the world around them.
Overall, the versatile nature of IFS makes it a valuable therapeutic approach for addressing a wide range of issues and supporting individuals in their journey towards healing, growth, and self-discovery.

The applications & therapeutic purposes of IFS therapy

IFS therapy has a broad range of applications across various domains of mental health and personal growth.

You can learn about all the different types of applications using the tab bars on the side.

Parts are Protectors
with Positive Intentions

Through the lens of IFS, individuals learn to identify and engage with their inner parts, recognizing their roles as protectors.

These inner parts can be categorized into 3 main types.

1

Overwhelming, Suppressed, Past oriented

Exiles

Exiles are wounded and vulnerable parts of the psyche, carrying unresolved traumas or painful emotions. Shame and fear are great examples of wounds we carry that we don’t like to feel … so we quite skillfully exile them as far away from our day-to-day life as possible. Exiles are past-oriented and overwhelming unless they stay repressed.

2

Pre-emptive, Proactive, Future oriented

Managers

Managers are proactive protective parts that work to maintain control and prevent the activation of exiled pain. They are focused on planning, controlling, achieving, and keeping things going. They tend to to be great organizers and stern taskmasters, both encouraging and critical, or even people pleasing. Managers are often mistaken for Self energy.

*The Manager’s motto is: Never Again!

3

Reactive, Responsive,

Present oriented,

Firefighters

Firefighters respond reactively to overwhelming emotions (a triggered Exile) by engaging in distracting or numbing behaviours. They are impulsive, and compulsive, and possess addictive behaviours, from nail biting to substance use, distraction to disassociation, numbing for comfort, or simply checking out. These responses send the Exile back to the basement. Their extreme roles don't match their true natures.

*The Firefighter’s philosophy is: Do Whatever it Takes.