A client, once diagnosed as bipolar and psychotic, the author tells her story of the IFS model’s impact on transforming her quality of life. Once a successful high school teacher, and now an independent trainer/ consultant, she has always pursued her interest in the study of psychology. Her natural passion to understand the choreography between ones inner world and outer reality, she is able to describe her own experience in IFS terms. Opening with a brief summary of the model as it relates to single and multiple systems, she uses herself as a case study to emphasize the most crucial aspect of why IFS can heal some severe mental health challenges. The model accurately and compassionately reframes pathological symptoms and labels of mental illness as “extreme parts,” fully capable of healing and transformation.

This 90 minute talk by Flint Sparks integrates core Buddhist concepts with IFS. Flint Sparks, Ph.D., is a Zen priest and Clinical Psychologist with over 35 years of practice as a psychotherapist. He founded the Austin Zen Center and currently teaches at Appamada, a center for contemporary Zen practice and inquiry in Austin, Texas.

In this article I explore the impact of spiritual experiences on the psyche in terms of the brain, the personality system and our response to novel situations that challenge our worldview. I then offer ways to understand and work with our own protective systems that facilitate the integration of emergent spiritual experiences.

In this 50 minute video Liz Brenner, LICSW, talks with Dick Schwartz, Phd, about how he developed the IFS model.

Jan Mullen offers her personal reflection on the model - from its foundation to its "juiciness"

This is a book that uses stories and fun activities teach children about the various concepts of Internal Family Systems (IFS). Each short story uses an experience of a child to demonstrate the concepts and also introduces a parental figure that uses Self-leadership to work with the child. Lois says, "Ideally the book should be read gradually by a child and his or her safe caretaker under the guidance of a professional familiar with IFS."

"I spent some time in study and meditation and discovered some exciting parallels between Taoism and IFS. Insight gained from Taoism has not only increased my understanding of IFS but also helped deepen my spirituality."

"authentic movement is a remarkably effective tool to access the inner voices of our parts through physical expression... When a nonverbal relationship is developed between the Self and parts, parts are more likely to trust and accept the presence, power, and leadership of the Self"

"In IFS and in other models for working with altered states, with the energy body and with the physical body, we find glimpses of antidotes for these recurring reactions to trauma, and healthy ways of preventing further harm."

Susan here describes bringing the IFS model to an ongoing group of people in recovery using the 12 steps model. "The biggest challenge of the weekly group’s “storming” stage seemed to be triggering around members experiences and expectations lingering from former treatments and self help groups."