The IFS model looks at the mind as a collection of “parts” within an internal system.

Richard Schwartz, the founder of IFS, discovered in the 1980s during his work with clients that they would spontaneously refer to their“parts”, as “ A part of me feels…. and another part of me wants to….”, showing that no person is just “one” mind  but a collection of many parts.

We might not be aware of a particular part of us and those parts might not be aware of each other and/ or can even be in conflict with each other.

 

This can, for example, lead to internal misalignment, indecisiveness, confusion, depression and issues in personal and work relationships.

Those “parts” can take on different roles  (Firefighters, Managers, Exiles),  which, while residing in the unconscious, can take over the system, drive decision making and greatly influence our self perceptions.

 

Becoming aware of those parts, getting to know them and “befriending” them can lead to increased clarity, self compassion and a more integrated internal and external life.

The client centered IFS model guides the client to discover those parts of the individual's internal system or landscape by inviting awareness of body sensations, feelings and thoughts.

Those can become "trailheads” of discovery, which the client will be gently invited to follow.

Eventually the client will get to know and befriend individual parts and learn about their place in the overall system.

​

All parts are seen as having good intentions towards the individual, but the roles they have taken on, often in response to life events, can have outgrown their usefulness.

During the work the parts are gently invited to show themselves, heal and eventually transform.

Each person has a “Self", a center, a core that can not be destroyed. It is the seat of the compassionate witness from which the clients can explore the different parts of the system.

The Self’s attributes are clarity, calmness, compassion, creativity, connectedness, confidence, courage and curiosity.

Those qualities are inherently healing.

When we are connected to and led by “Self” we are more connected, confident, clear, compassionate and curious towards ourselves and the world around us. We arrive at a place of “Self Leadership”. All IFS exploration starts with feeling curious towards a part, getting to know it to a point where it can be acknowledged, understood in its intentions, and  compassionately appreciated.

Following this path will lead to “unburdening”and healing, allowing the client the experience of "Self-Leadership".​​​​