Introduction to the Internal Family Systems therapeutic approach

by Dr. François Le Doze

Thursday, October 9, 2014 in Mouvaux

Practical information and registration

IFS (Internal Family Systems) therapy is a psychotherapy and support model developed by R. Schwartz, who discovered new ways of reducing psychic conflicts. The person being coached is led to work on his or her own systems of beliefs and emotions, carried by sub-personalities called "parts", organized into microsystems that have become fixed following an experience or trauma.

The originality of this approach lies in (re)creating an inner dialogue between the coachee's parts, as well as between his parts and his "Self", the central instance of the psyche, which has the resources to clarify, welcome and support. It is also based on collaboration between the self of the support worker and the self of the person being supported, and emphasizes and values the intuitive wisdom of the person being supported as a guide to resolving his or her problems.

The ultimate aim of therapeutic work is to restore "Self leadership", a state in which the psychic life is once again harmoniously guided by the Self, and thus gradually release the painful burdens and burdens carried by the parties.

This model has many applications in the conventional fields of psychotherapy, psychosomatics, personal accompaniment and development, the life of institutions and organizations, social and family life... IFS practice is one of the psychotherapeutic approaches that bring into play the brain's neuroplastic capacities.