IFS – The Internal Family System
A model of family systemic therapy
Richard Schwartz has been working for 20 years as a systemic family therapist when he came to the conclusion while working with his clients that our personality must consist of more than one part.
And indeed, there seem to be very many different parts that interact with one another and display themselves as a whole. He used this knowledge in his work from then on, and was more and more convinced and learned that the inner system follows certain set patterns.
Another important finding was that, apart from the individual parts, there is still one component that stands above all and, therefore, is responsible for the conduct of the various parts. Richard Schwartz describes this superior part as "the self". This knowledge about the self and its fundamental influence on our inner balance makes the approach very special and is of great importance for the process of lasting change.
The term "self" is meant to describe something that is difficult to describe. It could be compared with a superior authority, which is the core of a personality and is of a different nature from the individual parts. The self is rather experienced/felt than described, more felt by an inner behavior, such as compassion, kindness, wisdom, curiosity and openness. (Interest without judgment)
In this state of consciousness, we have access both to the wisdom of our destiny and to the context of spiritual health. And the beauty is: Every human being has such a core! It is indestructible and contains precisely those qualities that we need to guide our different parts with. We can thus consciously connect and activate it as our guide.
What does an IFS session look like?
We will take a look inside and get to know your different parts of your character. You will see and experience the history and needs of these parts and what they need, to be able to function better.
The focal point is to find the inner core, which lets go of the past and allows you to face your true feelings and accept them with all your heart. This makes it possible for the interaction of the personality parts to be arranged in a new and wholesome way. An exciting process!