Internal Family Systems
Dr. Richard Schwartz developed the Internal Family Systems (IFS) Model over 30 years ago. Today, he continues to teach and lead workshops in the U.S. and abroad. I had the privilege of studying with him personally.
IFS is at the forefront of modern psychotherapy, integrating systems thinking, trauma therapy, mindfulness techniques, neuropsychology, and attachment theory. Dr. Schwartz collaborates with leading figures in the field to help clinicians understand the human psyche more fully.
I am a certified IFS therapist, having completed all three levels of IFS training and served as a Program Assistant in an IFS training. I am also the co-author of the Guide to Integrating the Youniverse in Therapy (http://www.youniverse.net/guidebook.html), an instructional book for an IFS therapy tool.
Working with IFS has helped my clients resolve challenges such as:
- Anxiety and panic disorders
- Eating disorders and emotional eating
- Trauma
- OCD
- Relationship issues
- Grief
- Addictions
I love using IFS because it reduces client resistance, offers a compassionate and collaborative approach, and honors each client’s beliefs and experiences. Clients generally engage more fully in therapy and report lasting results. IFS helps build new, adaptive neural networks, effectively “rewiring” the brain in ways that increase self-reliance, internal calm, and resourcefulness.
If you want a brief introduction to IFS, you might enjoy this 5-minute video by Dr. Richard Schwartz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6X45Y74blSg
For therapists interested in deepening their understanding of the IFS model, I offer supervision and personal work sessions. Both enhance clinical skill and a deeper comprehension of the model.
To learn more about IFS, call me or visit www.selfleadership.org.