IFS Resources

IFS helps us respond to life’s challenges from an innate source of wisdom, compassion and calm. This framework helps us be less reactive, more patient and loving towards ourselves and one another.

What is IFS?

“Neuroscience research shows that the only way we can change the way we feel is by becoming aware of our inner experience and learning to befriend what is going on inside ourselves.”

– Bessel van der Kolk, MD, psychiatrist, PTSD researcher, IFS advocate and author of The Body Keeps the Score

IFS helps us respond to life’s challenges from an innate source of wisdom, compassion and calm. This framework helps us be less reactive, more patient and loving towards ourselves and one another. IFS teaches us how to build relationships with parts of ourselves that may be overwhelming or out of control, parts we may dislike, be afraid or ashamed of. This non-pathologizing approach teaches us that all parts truly are welcome and

have a positive intent. Our responses and behaviors are just trying to help us, in their not-so-perfect way. It’s a life-changing journey I can’t wait to share with you!

The Internal Family Systems (IFS) model of psychotherapy offers an empowering method of understanding human problems, as well as an innovative and enriching philosophy of practice that invites both therapist and client to enter into a transformational relationship in which healing can occur. IFS is an evidenced, attachment, systems and mindfulness-based framework and approach to self-awareness, acceptance and long-lasting healing.

IFS was developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, LMFT, in the 1980s during his work with families of bulimic, self-harming clients. The model evolved as he listened to the inner workings of his clients’ protective systems of parts (i.e., traits, sub-personalities, thoughts, behaviors, and feelings). IFS is now taught and practiced worldwide in a wide variety of contexts (mental health practices, schools, medical settings, legal and corporate sectors, in reconciliation efforts in the Middle East, by spiritual leaders, bodyworkers, yoga, and mindfulness teachers). IFS is an effective, efficient, and empowering framework for working with issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, eating disorders, dissociation, personality disorders, anger, relationship challenges, perfectionism, and self-criticism. IFS offers a central catalyst for healing present within everyone, regardless of circumstance or history.

Please visit the IFS website for more information https://ifs-institute.com

Click here to read Dr. Schwartz’s article “The Larger Self,” his inspiring first-hand account of how he developed and used the IFS Model and the extraordinary, transformative effect it had on him and his clients.

    • Search on YouTube for IFS videos galore–teaching, demos, workshops, etc.

    • 6 Fs of Befriending a Part

    • Click here to read Dr. Schwartz’s article “The Larger Self,” his inspiring first-hand account of how he developed and used the IFS Model and the extraordinary, transformative effect it had on him and his clients.

    • Facebook Group IFS Readings and Links

    • “How IFS Could Save Your Life Right Now”, written by a dynamic physician, NY Times best-selling author, teacher, and healer, Dr. Lissa Rankin. Lissa incorporates IFS into her skilled, heartfelt teaching, healing, and writing workshops. She often collaborates with Dick Schwartz, IFS Founder, and other IFS therapists. Click here to read.

    • Working with Borderline clients can be difficult, here is a great resource to find success through these challenges.

    • Here’s an article celebrating black therapists in the Family Therapy Networker by Deran Young, LCSW, Founder of Black Therapists Rock, and IFS Ambassador.

    • Psychologist, Dr. Ryan Howes’ interview with Dr. Richard Schwartz (IFS Founder). https://www.self.com/story/moments-of-joy-in-pandemic

    • Listen to Dick Schwartz’s Overview of IFS with Guided Meditations, Greater than the Sum of Our Parts from Sounds True. Highly Recommended! Dick’s latest book, “No Bad Parts” pulled from this material and is his most spiritual application of IFS in a book yet.

    • It’s always a treat to hear the insatiably curious, friendly, and engaging IFS Therapist, Tammy Sollenberger, host of The One Inside podcast. I shared my Brain Injury story for the first time publicly on October 16, 2020, on my 50th birthday! The first half wasn’t what I prepared to discuss, but I’m learning in an interview I just have to trust the process and release control–imperfections, vulnerabilities and all. We hope you’ll take a listen.

    • Hear another informative, IFS podcast, IFS Talks.

    • The UnBurdened Leader, hosted by IFS Therapist and Coach, Rebecca Ching, LMFT

    • So many more since posting this. Google IFS!

    • Molly Kellogg, CEDRD-S, LCSW helps us understand how she uses Internal Family Systems (IFS) as her primary treatment model as a nutrition therapist in this podcast interview. Molly is the author of Counseling Tips for Nutrition Therapists: Practice Workbook series and a nationally recognized trainer on health behavior change based in Philadelphia, PA

    • Dick Schwartz was a guest on the GOOP podcast (Gwyneth Paltrow’s company) discussing The Mini Minds Inside of us. Listen to his informative interview here, which covers lots of good stuff! “We don’t fight with resistance–we honor it.”

    • On the Be Here Now Network, Dr. Richard Schwartz speaks with Francesca on her ReRooted podcast and discusses legacy burdens, implicit racism, privilege, social activism, and healing the planet. Click here to listen.

    • Richard C. Schwartz speaks about how psychedelic-assisted therapy can help to harmonize the mind’s discrete subpersonalities on The Psychedelic Therapy Podcast.

    • System Speak.

    • You Are Your Best Thing - Tarana Burke & Brene Brown (with a chapter by Black Therapists Rock Founder, IFS Therapist, Deran Young!)

    • IFS Therapist, Natalie Gutiérriz, LMFT, The Pain We Carry: Healing from Complex PTSD for People of Color

    • White Fragility- Robin DiAngelo

    • How To Be An Anti-Racist & Stamped From The Beginning- Ibram Kendi

    • On the Be Here Now Network, Dr. Richard Schwartz speaks with Francesca on her ReRooted podcast and discusses legacy burdens, implicit racism, privilege, social activism, and healing the planet. Click here to listen.

    • Ta-Nehisi Coates’ reading of his 2015 memoir to his son, Between the World and Me is especially moving.

    • My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending our Hearts and Bodies, by a body-oriented therapist, Resmaa Menakem MSW LICSW SEP.

    • Black Therapists Rock online FB group founded by IFS’s amazing Ambassador, Deran Young, LCSW.

    • Join IFSLA for numerous IFS Trainings.

    • Visit MeandWhiteSupremacy.com, Layla F. Saad’s website, and NY Times bestseller, which 100K people initially downloaded in 6 months in 2018.

    • Beloved writer, cancer survivor, and all-around amazing human, Suleika Jaouad, NY Times Bestselling Author of “Between Two Kingdoms” and her Isolation Journal Community.

    • HeatherHoustonMusic.com for chants, soulful music, and online singing opportunities. Heather is a gifted songwriter, songleader, and choral director. Singing with her and her community during long hours at the computer has been my lifeline for the past few years!

    • Supportive Online Community for Highly Sensitive Therapists (HSPs)

    • Laura’s Blog for the first three years following her bike accident and TBI can be found on CaringBridge.org (search lauraschmidt) here.

    • How to Be Sick, by Toni Bernhard became like a Bible to Laura in her long recovery road. She has recommended this book more than any other–for those suffering from chronic illness, injury, or their caregivers.

    • https://www.theconcussioncommunity.com/ infinitely helpful online community! Check it out.