Dr. Beth Forhman

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an innovative psychotherapeutic approach developed by Richard Schwartz in the 1980s, rooted in the concept that the mind is naturally multiple and that it is composed of various subpersonalities or parts, each with its own viewpoint and qualities. These parts are seen as an internal system that can become unbalanced by traumatic experiences or emotional injuries, leading to psychological distress. IFS focuses on healing by achieving harmony and balance within this internal system. The therapy recognizes that these parts can play valuable roles but may take on extreme functions due to past experiences, leading to internal conflict and emotional suffering. IFS aims to access the self—a core aspect of an individual that is compassionate, curious, and calm—to lead the internal system and restore balance by transforming troubled parts.

At the heart of IFS therapy is the belief in the self’s capacity to heal, emphasizing that all parts are welcome and none are pathologized. The process involves identifying and engaging with the various parts, understanding their intentions, and healing them through the self’s guidance, thereby reducing internal conflict and promoting integration. This approach is non-pathologizing and considers the person’s mental ecosystem with empathy and without judgment. By fostering self-leadership, IFS facilitates a path toward self-awareness and self-compassion, allowing individuals to become more unified internally and more capable of engaging in the external world in healthy and adaptive ways. The ultimate goal is to create a more cohesive and harmonious internal environment, leading to greater psychological flexibility and resilience.