Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a non-pathologizing way to look inward to the different parts of us that protect us. IFS was developed by Richard Scwartz, PhD. All of us have different parts within us. These parts are there to protect us but sometimes they are opposing each other in the best way to accomplish that goal of protection. So, this might look like “I think I want to leave my current relationship, but there is a part of me that wants to stay and make it work.” This is an example of how opposing protective parts might show up. This is a powerful modality that my clients really seem to be benefiting from.

With IFS, we look at various parts using the 6 F’s of IFS theory. Karen walks each client slowly through the Parts mapping phase, into the 6F’s to aide in connected the resources self- led being to connect with the Internal Parts they may not have been aware of.

The Six F’s are -Find the part; Focus on the part; Find out how the client Feels toward the part; BeFriend the part; Find out about the part; Find the part’s Fears.

IFS can be incorporated into EMDR work and with Polyvagal work but in these Intensives, we focus solely on IFS and Parts work. IFS works for all clients but using these concentrations helps us hear from the different parts of us that might be preventing other therapeutic approaches from working.

A concentration is a 2 to 4 hour block of time where we start by Parts mapping whatever is coming up for the client that day. We can decide together on the length of time that feels best for the client. We will work together towards unburdening using the 6F’s of IFS.

This is a very helpful modality to help clients who struggle with negative self- talk that holds them back from accomplishing their goals. Often times those negative self talk comes from what we call legacy burdens in IFS. Legacy burdens come from others in our past and the messages we received from them that we carry with us as adults.