internal family systems (IFS)

what is internal family systems (IFS)?

The Internal Family Systems model of talk therapy believes that within each individual mind, there are discreet yet interconnected subpersonalities, all overlapping a true “Self”. These subpersonalities are not distinct people, but rather elements of a single person that form, develop, and become dominant in response to different stressors, often as a coping mechanism.

For example, within the concept of IFS, we might take on a different persona when faced with a stressful situation at work than we would at home, or when facing down something deeply personal or traumatic. Each subpersonality belongs to one of three categories established by the IFS model: the Exiles, the Managers, and the Firefighters.

Happiness is having a loving and caring family

Internal Family Systems therapy is usually a form of individual talk therapy, and not a form of family therapy or group therapy. The use of the word “family” refers to how the different subpersonalities are part of a large, related group.

Key Principles of IFS Therapy

There are multiple key elements within the IFS model. The model begins with the Self. The Self is the core of a person. It is the part that might be most “true” to who someone is. Each part overlaps the Self and exists to hide it or protect it in some way. Parts can be Exiles, Managers, or Firefighters.

Exiles are parts, personas, or behaviors characterized by trauma and pain. They are polarizing within the system. Managers and Firefighters work to protect the conscious self from the pain carried by Exiles.
Managers are preemptive protectors. They are the aspects of a person that work to avoid letting Exiles resurface, preventing or avoiding pain, or triggers for pain.
Firefighters are for crisis control. They emerge when an Exile resurfaces, in the form of distraction or diversion, including maladaptive coping mechanisms such as substance abuse.

The use of different subpersonalities, or “parts” within the IFS terminology, is meant to help recontextualize and better understand different triggers for anxiety, as well as different forms of coping behavior. As such, IFS is to be seen as an evidence-based psychotherapy rather than a humanistic philosophy.

Because it utilizes the concept of parts, IFS is not usually used in the treatment of psychosis, such as schizophrenia or paranoid personality disorders, because these concepts may induce anxiety and even contribute to existing delusions.

Techniques Used in IFS Therapy

The IFS model aims to address negative coping mechanisms, symptoms of avoidance and dissociation, and other forms of trauma-related mental health problems by attributing or categorizing different behaviors as protective (Managers and Firefighters) or reactionary (Exiles).

Once these feelings are identified and separated from the true Self, a person can begin to explore their emotions without attributing negative feelings, thoughts, and events to themselves.

Within IFS therapy, a therapist works on healing Exiles through the Self, with the permission and cooperation of Managers and Firefighters. Only once all Exiles have been unburdened can Managers and Firefighters give up their own mantles as protectors.

Internal Family Systems Therapy at Resolutions

Internal Family Systems therapy aims to help clients with internalized conflict that is often a result of adverse childhood experiences, come to terms with the painful memories and emotions, and lead a better, healthier, and more fulfilling life.