The Internal Family Systems Model (IFS) is an approach to individual psychotherapy that was developed by Richard C. Schwartz in the 1980s. It combines systems thinking with the view that the mind is made up of relatively discrete subpersonalities. Each of the sub personalities have their own unique viewpoint and qualities. The sub-personalities consist of wounded parts and painful emotions such as anger and shame, and parts that try to control and protect the person from the pain of the wounded parts. It focuses on healing the wounded parts and restoring mental balance and harmony. It achieves this by changing the dynamics that create discord among the sub-personalities and the Self.

IFS is talk therapy in which patients work with a therapist to identify and understand the specific sub-personalities or families that make up your internal mental system. As soon as the parts are identified, therapist help individuals to acknowledge their feelings about these suppressed emotions, learn how to release these feelings, and find more positive ways to manage conflicts on their own. This may be achieved through relaxation exercises, visualization, and keeping a journal. FS therapy can treat individuals, couples, and families. The approach is used to manage conditions such as depression, anxiety, panic, phobias, trauma, substance use, and general well-being. However, IFS may not be appropriate for patients with severe mental illnesses that involve psychosis or paranoia. Also, the IFS lack a strong evidence base as other forms of therapy.

Therapists can help patients identify their parts and release the burdens that these parts carry. This is done by following a six step process begining with Find, then Focus, followed by Flesh, then Feel, then BeFriend, and ends with Fear. A person’s parts can be healed, transformed, and better managed by the Self.