Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy, developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, is a transformative approach to psychotherapy that identifies and addresses multiple "parts" within each individual. Like family members, a person's inner parts can take on extreme roles or subpersonalities. These parts often consist of wounded emotions, such as anger and shame, and protective aspects that try to control and shield the person from pain. IFS focuses on healing these parts and restoring mental harmony by aligning them with one's core Self—a concept representing every person's confident, compassionate essence.
IFS posits that the mind comprises multiple parts; underlying these parts is a person's core or true Self. Each part has its perspective, interests, memories, and viewpoint:
The three primary types of parts are:
Managers: Protect the individual by controlling interactions and suppressing emotions.
Exiles: Carry the burden of painful experiences and emotions, often hidden to avoid distress.
Firefighters: Act out impulsively to distract from or numb painful emotions, sometimes through harmful behaviours like substance abuse.
These parts often interact in ways that perpetuate internal conflict and emotional pain. Through IFS, individuals learn to recognise, understand, and harmonise these parts. IFS therapy emphasises creating a safe, non-judgmental space where individuals can explore their inner worlds. This safety is crucial for individuals dealing with trauma, as it allows them to face and process painful experiences without fear of re-traumatisation.
IFS therapy offers significant benefits for trauma survivors by fostering empowerment, reducing symptoms, and improving self-compassion. Through IFS, clients gain a deeper understanding of their internal parts and learn to harmonise them, which leads to a heightened sense of control and empowerment over their emotional responses and behaviours. This approach addresses the root causes of emotional pain, effectively reducing symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Furthermore, IFS helps clients develop a more compassionate and accepting relationship with themselves, which promotes overall mental well-being and resilience.
Restoring Peace is a private mental health centre which provides counselling and
psychotherapy services for children, adolescents, youths, adult individuals, couples
and groups with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and various mental health and
relationship challenges. For more information, please visit www.restoringpeace.com.sg or WhatsApp at +65 8889 1848. For periodic updates, we invite you to join our telegram group: https://t.me/restoringpeace.
Keywords: IFS, trauma, survivors, PTSD, depression, therapy, counselling, self
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