Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapeutic model that views every human being as a system of protective and wounded inner parts guided by a core Self. It teaches that the mind is naturally multiple—and that this multiplicity is healthy—because, like members of a family, inner parts can be pushed into extreme roles but also have valuable inherent qualities. IFS helps people access their undamaged, compassionate Self, which knows how to heal, and from that inner leadership, understand and transform their parts, fostering both inner and outer connectedness. 

The IFS Institute’s mission is to bring more Self leadership to the world. IFS is a non-pathologizing psychotherapy used in clinical settings and was developed by the founder of the IFS Institute, Dr. Richard Schwartz. For decades, the IFS Institute has been the sole provider of training and certification in Internal Family Systems. Our professional training and certification pathway sets a distinguished standard for mental health professionals.    

In addition to being a non-pathologizing psychotherapy, IFS also provides a way of better understanding personal and intimate relationships and stepping into life with the 8 Cs: confidence, calm, compassion, courage, creativity, clarity, curiosity, and connectedness. Professionals from many different backgrounds such as body workers, mediators, school administrators, life coaches, and religious leaders have used IFS as a lens to inform and guide their work.  We continue to expand our programming to provide education to individuals and professionals other than mental health professionals. If you’d like to stay informed about future offerings, you’re warmly invited to join our email list. 

Regarding the research base for IFS. Early randomized trials and quasi-experimental studies suggest that IFS may benefit patients with depression and/or PTSD, including consistent improvements in self-compassion. However, the evidence base remains small, and more condition specific research is needed. For a more detailed description of the current state of the evidence base and our commitment to developing this base, please see this note.  https://ifs-institute.com/resources/research 

We look forward to having you join our growing community of professionals and individuals using IFS to bring more Self leadership to the world.