Schwartz, IFS

Question 1

Internal Family Systems

Answer 1

Schwartz
General Systems Theory, Cybernetics, Buddhist Psychology

Assesses interaction dynamics of parts

No bad parts

Changes to internal system (how we relate to Self) will influence external system (how we relate to others).

GOAL: Self become organizer/leader. Promote managers to have more effective roles, reduce need for firefighters. Internal self-empowerment

Question 2

The Self

Answer 2

IFS, Schwartz

Stable, unchanging, always positive. Capacity to heal, insight, compassion. Governs the rest of our parts. Spirit of Buddha, but no religious connotation.

Question 3

Exiles

Answer 3

IFS, Schwartz

Wounded parts. Trauma, neglect, sadness, complex emotions. Buried. Too painful to acknowledge.

Question 4

Managers

Answer 4

IFS, Schwartz

Managers keep exiles buried. Manage day-to-day living. Help us find comfort but avoid conflict or pain.

Question 5

Firefighters

Answer 5

IFS, Schwartz

Managers fail, firefighters have to step in to prevent/manage crisis. Abuse of alcohol, drugs, self-harm, withdrawal, isolation, etc.

Question 6

IFS Therapeutic Process

Answer 6

Create safe space where Self can give permission to managers and firefighters to step aside, give space for exiles. Create dialogue between parts. Reassign roles to manager/firefighters that are more authentic and fulfilling.