A Dozen Reasons to Love IFS –  Jan Mullen

1. Its foundation is compassion: it is respectful of a person’s inner ecology as well as
larger social systems.

2. It is empowering: the client’s Self becomes the co-therapist; the Self is seen as
inherently capable and undamaged, and skills learned become part of the person’s healthy
coping repertoire.

3. “Resistance” can be valued as the doorway to the core issues— and the IFS language
makes it easier to own our feelings or behavior—to say, “a part of me. . . ” rather than “I.
. .”

4. It can be as concrete and practical as cognitive-behavioral therapy, yet it can be as
spiritual as Zen or Christian mysticism, leading to transcendent experience; and it
integrates well with other models.

5. It can be danced, painted, blended with movement and psychodrama.

6. It helps in staying centered, even with difficult people; gives people a new perspective
on themselves and others.

7. It can be applied on all levels, from the individual to international issues.

8. Clients find it easy to use, intuitive—it can be used by people of all ages, all
educational levels and cultures; it works with all kinds of presenting problems.

9. It is less likely to re-traumatize a person when dealing with painful memories.

10. It’s efficient—it gives us an internal “map” and access to the core issues; the therapist
doesn’t need to know all the answers but can trust the inherent wisdom of the internal
system.

11. It offers an effective method for modulating affect and mood.

12. It’s juicy—organic, ecological, and intuitive, it brings us into contact with the deepest
realities of our lives.

Reprinted from Self to Self 2001