INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS THERAPY

INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS THERAPY

I will really recommend getting training on internal family systems therapy created by Dr. Richard Schwartz. I actually thought I was getting trained in helping families when I took this training, but I realized that it was actually healing different personalities that live within our minds. And it does work wonders if you are using it properly with proper supervision.

Since this is an experiential therapy, i don’t think this is something that you can just do without any training, So, hopefully, you can use some of these cheat sheets after getting trained on it.

Since I work with children, I try to provide brief psychoeducation on what it is and then use IFS guided cheat sheet next below- going over how exiles, protectors and burdens are created; what is self-energy and how they have inner wisdom and healing capacities.

Then, once I provide psychoeducation, and get permission from the patient and the parents, I go to my next step. Please be aware that, since this is an experiential therapy, you might have to go over the risk and limitations. One time after the IFS-guided eyes closed exercise, the patient started having nightmares and started remembering the traumatic event. Then I use the six F’s- Find, Feel, Focus, Flesh out, beFriend, and Fears.  I use the cheatsheet below to help me remember how to guide the patient with the exercise. 

This website below provides different links to videos where you can listen and practice to find your self, and work through your parts. Not all of them have good quality sound, but you can definitely try it. 

https://nicolasescoffier.com/best-ifs-guided-meditations-self-internal-family-systems/