IFS offers a gentle, reliable map for navigating the complexity of the human mind. It helps you:

• Understand why you react the way you do
• Meet emotions with compassion instead of criticism
• See that even difficult parts of you are trying to help

For therapists, IFS provides a respectful and powerful way of working with clients, opening the door to deep, lasting change. Whether for personal growth or professional development, IFS isn’t just another tool—it’s a fresh, transformative way of seeing yourself and others.

From the IFS introductory Manual by Karen Reid

Therapists have long had access to numerous parts-based models acknowledging the complexity of the human psyche. These approaches recognise multiple inner components, often with a central organising core, alongside Protectors and deeper parts that carry neglect, abuse, distress, or trauma.

Freud was among the first to propose such a framework with the Id, Ego, and Superego. Other notable models include Object Relations, Jungian therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy, Ego State Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Structural Dissociation.

Despite the usefulness of these models, many therapists — myself included — found it challenging to work effectively with parts through traditional approaches. It was through the insights of trauma specialists that I discovered Internal Family Systems (IFS).

Janina Fisher (2017), in Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors, highlighted the need for a dedicated language of parts. Drawing heavily on Richard Schwartz’s IFS model, she emphasised the importance of therapists becoming fluent in this language, particularly in her work with clients with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID).

Bessel van der Kolk (2015), in The Body Keeps the Score, underscored the value of IFS in understanding dissociation. He observed that trauma can fracture the Self system, leading to polarisation and internal conflict among parts. Extreme dynamics such as self-loathing versus grandiosity, care versus hatred, or numbing versus rage emerge, each bearing the imprint of trauma.

Further support for Schwartz’s approach comes from Steele et al. (2017), in Treating Trauma-Related Dissociation. They praised IFS for offering a systemic framework for working with parts, noting its effectiveness in complex trauma work.

Collectively, these contributions underscore IFS as a powerful framework for addressing the complexity of trauma and dissociation. These references became a beacon for me after struggling with other parts models so helpful with complex presentations.

Personally, IFS offers a comprehensive roadmap for navigating these challenges and roadblocks that surface in therapy. For example, when Protectors shut down access to the system, IFS provides clear methods for negotiation or direct access to build trust with the clients parts. This will be explored further in training.

The IFS framework is characterised by respect and a clear structure for:

• Tracking parts
• Mapping relationships
• Understanding the roles and needs of each component

When clients become fused or overwhelmed by fear or any other strong emotion, IFS provides a stabilising anchor, allowing therapist and client to pause and explore the client’s inner world together. Following this structured approach helps therapists maintain calm perspective despite fears expressed by client or the therapist own parts. Importantly, IFS also supports therapists in remaining attuned to their own inner world, preventing unintentional blocks that could occur in the therapeutic process.