Frequently Asked Questions

IFS is a unique approach because it aims to connect bodily sensations with narrative or logical ‘storytelling.’ It is unique in its approach because it does not pathologize — there is no diagnosis. It is also unique in that it is client-centered, as opposed to other modalities that prioritize the psychologist's opinion over the client's own subjective experience.

Internal Family Systems — or IFS, or ‘parts work’ — is a therapeutic model created by Richard Schwartz. It is based on the idea that all of us are composed of parts. These ‘parts’ are created within us as we grow up, as a way to help us navigate the world. Many of us can identify that we have an ‘inner critic’ part, a ‘perfectionist’ part, a ‘people-pleasing’ part. Schwartz's model is based on the idea that there are no bad parts. This helps us to remove judgement and understand what these parts are trying to achieve. This type of therapy is helpful because it helps us separate our ‘true essence’ — one of compassion, curiosity, and calm — from the parts of us that are working to help us achieve some goal.