The recent story published in New York Magazine’s lifestyle and fashion website, “The Cut”, has raised many questions about the IFS model and the Castlewood Treatment Center. We want to make sure that the facts are clear and questions are answered.
At IFS Institute, we take seriously any concerns about the misuse of therapeutic methods or potential client harm. Our commitment remains unwavering: to ensure that the IFS model is taught, practiced, and represented with the highest standards of safety, integrity, and compassion.
A few basic facts:
- Over the last three decades, thousands of practitioners have been trained in IFS, and those thousands of practitioners have worked with tens of thousands of clients. IFS is recognized around the world as an effective model of psychotherapy with a growing evidence base, helping people access and heal their protective and wounded inner parts.
- The New York Magazine story suggests that what happened at Castlewood is representative or emblematic of IFS therapy. In actuality, the allegations at Castlewood – bullying behavior, hypersexualized interactions, imposing the therapists’ agenda, competition for therapists’ attention, and more – are contrary to the principles and practices of IFS. Moreover, IFS does not accept previously unknown, unrealized, or “recovered” memories as fact until corroborated by evidence.
- Castlewood was operated by Mark Schwartz. The IFS model was created by Richard Schwartz. They are not related and have not been in contact for many years. Richard Schwartz served as a consultant and a staff trainer at Castlewood. As a consultant, he was included in some patient sessions, but never worked as a therapist for the clients of Castlewood.
- Richard Schwartz was never named in any of the lawsuits related to Castlewood.
A personal statement from Richard Schwartz:
“I am deeply saddened by the confusion and pain caused by the story published by New York Magazine. I have compassion for anyone who has been affected by the events alleged. I am grateful to the hundreds of people in our community who have shared heartfelt public comments and testimonials of support of the IFS model.”
We welcome thoughts and feedback from the community here.