Internal Family Systems

Question 1

Theory of Personality

Answer 1

• Dr. Schwartz discovered an internal family system similarly composed of separate components in complex relationships with each other
• the mind is not a singular entity or self, but is multiple, composed of parts
• each of our parts has its own history, outlook and approach, its own idiosyncratic beliefs, characteristic moods and feelings, and its own relationship with other parts
• more important, each part has its own distinct role or function within the internal system

Example: “A part of me wanted to do it. A part of me didn’t.”

Question 2

Multiplicity

Answer 2

• multiplicity is at the core of IFS; IFS views this multiplicity of mind as normal
• the concept of the mind being ‘multiple’ is an old notion and the idea that the self is ‘singular’ is quite modern and Westernized

Other theories have captured the idea of multiplicity in some way, for example

Question 2

Multiplicity

Answer 2

• multiplicity is at the core of IFS; IFS views this multiplicity of mind as normal
• the concept of the mind being ‘multiple’ is an old notion and the idea that the self is ‘singular’ is quite modern and Westernized

Other theories have captured the idea of multiplicity in some way, for example
- Jung’s idea of ‘complexes’

Question 3

The Self and the parts

Answer 3

Managers - parts of us that are more task-oriented, organized, keeps us safe, perfectionism, worry obsessively, tend to inflict more harm

Exiles - parts of us that hold the pain and burdens. This is where the psychodynamic parts come in. They hold fear, shame, trauma. Firefighters and managers will try to exile this part and keep it from coming to the surface.

Firefighters - parts of us. Suicidality, substance use, self-mutiliation.

Self is who we are at our core, our nature.

Question 4

Theory of Psychopathology

Answer 4

• the sub personalities consist of wounded parts and painful emotions such as anger and shame, and parts that try to control and protect the person from the pain of the wounded parts
• the sub personalities are often in conflict

finish card

Question 5

Therapeutic Process

Answer 5

• goal of therapy is not to eliminate parts but to help them transform. When they do transform and change roles, they remain part of the internal family.
• the key to unblending parts is curiosity and disinterested inquiry into their experiences, with no intention to fix, change, or eliminate - this is the essential element for the transformation of parts.
• The process of IFS involves several steps, in this order: unblending, befriending, being curious about, and transforming parts.
• all parts are welcome!

Question 6

Therapeutic Relationship

Answer 6

• the 8 C’s are central in creating safety and acceptance that characterizes the therapeutic relationship.