Internal Family Systems

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an evidence-based therapy that focuses on improving our capacity to become more self-led and to regulate our emotions. Developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, a family-systems and addiction counselor, it draws from developmental and systems theories and places emotions, thoughts, defenses, and coping mechanisms under the umbrella of ‘parts’ — the assumption being that since all living things are part of a larger system, so too are our internal and emotional worlds.

This self-empowering approach focuses on internal attachment relationships and emphasizes the role of the therapist as a guide or coach, rather than a medical professional treating pathology. It is highly interactive and works directly to help people connect what they know with what they feel. Clients often turn to IFS when they grow weary of talking about problems, because intellect can become a barrier to new discoveries (I know the problem. I can see it from 100 different angles. But I just can’t seem to do anything about it.)

IFS is effective because its success depends less on the language surrounding past emotional injury and more on the immediate experience conjured when recalling events — or even just feelings — of the past. Defense mechanisms are no longer seen merely as hindrances, but as outdated adaptations that once allowed us to navigate difficult situations. At 1A Wellness, clients often report both relief and surprise when they begin IFS, learning that with self-leadership, the wounded and polarized parts of their internal system can become powerful allies.