What is Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)?

Internal family systems therapy, or IFS, is a therapeutic technique created in the 1980s to help people comprehend psychological difficulties and inconsistencies. IFS argues that the mind is made up of several pieces, much like a family system. No portion of the mind is harmful, but various ones may start acting out. This severe conduct can have serious consequences if not monitored and managed.

When thinking of several components, it's simple to mistake them for different personalities. According to the IFS hypothesis, all the pieces are not independent people, but rather the total of one whole person. Different experiences and life circumstances may bring different aspects to the forefront.

The Self

The Self is your primary component. It is the part that comprises your fundamental identity, your most true form. This portion of you is fundamentally good and symbolizes the wonderful aspects of life. It houses your creativity, compassion, and confidence. The Self exists deep inside you and cannot be torn down. Your Self is the sole aspect of the IFS system that can provide you with a sense of balance.

The Exiles

The Exile group is made up of people who have experienced trauma or pain. They are considered younger portions, with feelings and chronic weaknesses. As is common with trauma, the Exiles are frequently driven out of your awareness and then suppressed. Repressing the Exiles can be an arduous procedure to go through every day. As a result, the other sections do not want them to disrupt your day.

Exiles can occasionally become extreme, attempting to fit in with or take over the Self. They devise coping techniques to deal with the pain and powerful emotions that caused them. Such coping activities as drinking, alcohol addiction, gambling, and other extreme behaviors are not always beneficial.

The Managers

Managers, as the name indicates, are in charge of supervising others. Your life experiences might promote polarization in specific areas. These polarized sections are referred to be your Managers. They work to keep you away from discomfort and potentially triggering events. Their mission is to keep the Exiles away as much as possible.

Managers behave from a position of love, which might be misconstrued with the Self. They excel in imitating the Self by running the show. Allowing them to continuously take charge will result in suppressing creativity, emotion, and personal development.

The Firefighters

The Firefighter parts frequently engage with the Exile parts, attempting to extinguish their flames. Interactions with one another might result in the development of similarly harmful coping methods such as self-harm or avoidance. Firefighters develop when Managers fail. The

Exiles find their way into your awareness and cause trouble. The firefighters attempt to tackle the problem by generating distractions that draw your attention away from the upsetting situation. Sadly, diversions can have negative consequences over time. They work without a strategy but do so out of love and compassion. On the bright side, they usually assist you get through whatever difficult moment you're having.

The larger context

Internal systems may be very complicated. Any person, at any moment, might have up to 17 pieces that fit into one of the categories listed above. During the investigation phase of treatment, under the supervision of a skilled expert, you might discover what your roles are and how they came to be in those positions.

If you want to understand more about IFS treatment and what your role is, please contact us for a consultation.