[[Marriage & Family Therapy]] [[Richard C. Schwartz]] Not a post-modern theory IFS is very similar to mindfulness (observing thoughts pass by, but in IFS it's observing the different parts of us without judgement) The Self in IFS shows a lot of compassion to each part, recognizing how each part is playing a protective function, even if they aren't "good" ## Basic Assumptions of IFS - It is the nature of the m ind to be subdivided into subpersonalities (or parts) - Everyone has a Self, and the Self can/should lead the individual's internal system - The non extreme intention of each part is something positive for the individual - There are no "bad" parts - The goal of therapy is not to eliminate parts - Systems theory can be applied to the internal system of parts; when the system is reorganized, parts can change rapidly (structural theory aspect) - Changes in the internal system will affect changes in the external system and vice versa ## Goals of IFS Therapy - To achieve balance and harmony within the internal system - To differentiate and elevate the Self so it can be an effective leader in the system - When the Self is in the lead, the parts will provide input to the Self but will respect the leadership and ultimate decision making of the Self ## What are parts? - While experiences affect parts, parts are not created by experiences. They are always in existence, either as potential or actuality. We are all born with them. - Parts that become extreme are carrying "burdens", the goal of therapy is then to unburden these parts - Parts that have lost trust in the leadership of the Self, they will blend with or take over the Self ## What is the Self? - A different level of entity than the parts, often in the center of the "you" - The parts are talking to the Self - When differentiated, the Self is competent, secure, self-assured, relaxed, and able to listen and respond to feedback - The Self can and should lead the internal system - An empowering aspect of the model is that everyone has a Self # Parts ## Managers - Protects: Proactive resistance, control and judgement - Main Job: - Runs daily life and is most "Acceptable" part because of similarity to core Self - Creates illusion of safety with inner critic. Uses self sufficiency to prevent humiliation and abandonment - Attempt to keep the individual in control of every situation in an effort to protect parts from feeling hurt or rejection - Group of parts that react when exiles are activated in an effort to control extinguish their feelings when triggered externally - Ex: People pleasing, perfectionism, self sabotage, anxiety, procrastination, overachiever, caretaking ## Firefighters - Protects: Automatic reacting, attacking and creating diversions - Main job: - First responder called into service when anything hits too close to home - Creates illusion of stability by numbing and distancing from exiles' pain with distractions - Ex: Anger issues, overspending, eating disorders, addictions, obsessions, TV/video game and social media binges ## Exiles - Young parts that have experienced trauma and often become isolated from the rest of the system - Hides rejected, wounded, and traumatized parts - Wants to be seen but feels exposing and vulnerable. Protectors believe they will destabilize the system. - Ex: Not good enough, too much, bad, abandonment, dependency, and shame Cycle: Managers shame activating exiles -> Energizes the firefighters -> Alarms managers Key question: What do you feel toward that part? (this activates the Self) 1. Identify the part (exile) 2. Have client identify where it is in their body 3. How do they feel toward it? 4. Ask them to ask the protector to step aside 5. What does the exile want to say? 6. What does the part look like? Visualize it. How old are they? (usually a younger version of them) 7. How do you feel toward them? (differentiate the Self and show compassion to the exile) # Beginning to use the model - Assess client's parts and sequences around the problem - Look for polarizations - Within individuals - Among family members - Look for parallel dynamics: the way you relate to your own parts parallels the way you relate to those parts of others - Introduce language of the model - Check for individual's awareness of parts Mindfulness = letting your thoughts pass by without engaging. The philosophy is that by not engaging, they don't have power over us. We show compassion to all thoughts as they pass by. IFS = the thoughts are actually "parts" aka like several different individual people with a purpose. EFT = Secondary emotions are like the protectors, primary emotions are like the exiles parts don't talk to each other, they talk to the Self