Internal Family Systems Theory

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Running head: INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS THEORY 1 Internal Family Systems Theory Scott A. Landry Westfield State University INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS THEORY 2 Descriptive theory of IFS A practice theory that is of interest to me which is used more and more frequently in social work is the Internal Family Systems Theory (IFS), used primarily with individuals, couples and families. IFS describes human thought, emotion, and motives as subpersonalities that are often in conflict with one another (Schwartz, 2013). While IFS is less widely used as other practice theories, it is not unique. Many other theories have talked about the inner being, starting as early as Freud with his idea of the id, ego, and superego (Dolbier, et al., 2001). In terms of being described as a cognitive behavioral approach, it would be labeled as schemata (Mones, et. al., 2007) IFS assumes that the mind is made up an infinite number of these subpersonalities, which it labels as “parts.” Each of these parts represents different aspects of personality. They interact internally in ways that are similar to external social interactions between people. Parts develop their own system of interacting with each other, and become more complex as we age and gain new experiences. This internal “family” of parts is why the theory is named as it is. Most people experience parts as thoughts, feelings, urges, and physical reflexes to name a few (Schwartz, 2013.). A part’s only purpose is to benefit the individual, and each part believes that it is the most important member of the internal family. Parts are not creative; they are each single minded with one goal (Sweezy, 2011). IFS holds that the “Self” is the leader of this internal family. When the Self is

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