Internal Family Systems
What is Internal Family Systems (IFS)?
The Internal Family Systems (IFS) approach to psychotherapy helps understand your inner world and in turn brings about transformation and healing. The IFS model was developed by Dr Richard C. Schwartz PhD in the 1980s and is evidence-based method for treating depression, anxiety, PTSD and chronic pain. IFS is based on the principle that there is an undamaged, resourceful Self at the core of every person and that accessing and working with that Self is a safe, effective way to heal body, mind & spirit.
How does an IFS session work?
Typically we start with how your feeling and what issues you would like to discuss. I gently guide you to go inside and get to know a part or parts. This process can often be illuminating and create space and healing. At times you may release burdens and heal wounds in your inner psyche. This can impact your whole being in a positive way.
Is IFS evidence based?
IFS is an evidence-based therapeutic modality (Shadick et al., 2013) which has been used for individuals, couples and families for a variety of conditions including phobias, panic, anxiety, depression and physical health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. It is rated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) as ‘effective’ for improving general functioning and wellbeing on the National Registry for Evidence-Based Programs and Practices (NREPP). More recently Hodgdon, Anderson, Southwell, Hrubec and Schwartz (2021) conducted a pilot study on a population of adults with PTSD and a history of exposure to numerous forms of childhood trauma.
Participants received 16 weekly individual 90-minute outpatient sessions with a certified IFS therapist. Results showed a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms, depressive symptoms and associated symptoms related to affect dysregulation, somatisation and dissociation. Additionally, participants reported an increase in self-compassion and interoceptive awareness. Notably, at the one-month follow-up assessment, 92% of participants no longer met criteria for PTSD.
Hodgdon, H.B., Anderson, F.G., Southwell, E., Hrubec, W. & Schwartz, R.C. (2021). Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among Survivors of Multiple Childhood Trauma: A Pilot Effectiveness Study. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma, DOI: 10.1080/10926771.2021.2013375
Shadick, N.A., Sowell, N.F, Frits, M.L., Hoffman, S.M., Hartz, S.A., Booth, F.D., … Schwartz, R.C. (2013). A randomized controlled trial of an Internal Family Systems-based psychotherapeutic intervention on outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis: A proof of concept study. The Journal of Rheumatology, 40 (11), 1831-1841.