What is “Internal Family Systems” therapy?
Internal Family Systems Psychotherapy (IFS) is a therapeutic approach that has gained increasing popularity in recent years. Developed in the 1980s by Dr. Richard C. Schwartz, IFS is a type of psychotherapy that helps clients explore and address their internal conflicts in a supportive, non-pathologizing and collaborative environment. IFS has been found to be highly effective in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, and many experts (us included) consider it to be the most effective therapy available.
IFS therapy is based on the idea that individuals have multiple “parts” within themselves, each with its own unique beliefs, emotions, and behaviors. This is not a new or novel idea – it has been known for many centuries that we have ‘many minds,’ but only one Self. Some of our parts are more dominant than others and can influence our thoughts and actions in significant ways. IFS therapy aims to help clients identify and understand their various parts, including their “protector” parts that help them cope with stress and difficult emotions, and “exiled” parts that hold onto painful memories and emotions.
What Does an IFS Therapy Session Look Like?
During an IFS therapy session, our Denver IFS therapist will work with a client to explore their internal parts and understand how they interact with one another. By doing this, clients can gain insight into their own thought processes and emotional reactions, and learn to recognize when their parts are influencing their behavior in unhelpful ways.
One of the key strengths of IFS therapy is its focus on building a strong therapeutic relationship between the client and therapist. The therapist serves as a guide and collaborator, helping the client explore their inner world with curiosity and compassion. By creating a safe and supportive environment, IFS therapy allows clients to engage in deep self-reflection and make meaningful changes in their lives.
Research Strongly Supports the Internal Family Systems model
Research has shown that IFS therapy is highly effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and addictions, among many other issues. One study found that IFS therapy was more effective than traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in reducing symptoms of PTSD in veterans. Another study found that IFS therapy was highly effective in treating binge eating disorder, with clients experiencing significant improvements in binge eating episodes, weight, and body image. When engaging in psychedelic-assisted therapies, such as Denver Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, it has been established clinically and anecdotally that IFS is one of the most effective therapies methods to be utilized.
Overall, the evidence suggests that IFS therapy is a highly effective approach to treating a wide range of mental health conditions. Its focus on building a strong therapeutic relationship, exploring internal conflicts and emotions, and fostering self-compassion makes it a valuable tool for anyone seeking to improve their emotional well-being.