Description
Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) provides a revolutionary treatment plan for PTSD, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, eating disorders and more.
Using a non-pathologizing, accelerated approach — rooted in neuroscience — IFS applies inner resources and self-compassion for healing emotional wounding at its core. This new manual offers straight-forward explanations and illustrates a wide variety of applications. Easy to read and highly practical.
– Step-by-step techniques
– Annotated case examples
– Unique meditations
– Downloadable exercises, worksheets
IFS is Evidence-Based
Thirty years ago, IFS creator Richard Schwartz, PhD, listened to his clients describing the behaviors and fears of their most extreme parts. he found that the inner world of all his clients was characterized by parts who have a positive intent for the client but had taken on extreme roles in an effort to be safe. He also discovered that these extreme parts would become less disruptive and more cooperative once their concerns were addressed and they felt safer.
IFS views psychic multiplicity as the norm: we all have parts. In addition, every part has a good intention for the client, and every part has value. When clients listen to all their parts, they can heal their wounded parts.
Today, IFS, which has established a legacy of efficiency and effectiveness in treating many mental health issues, is being heralded by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk as a treatment that all clinicians should know.
I replaced my dog eared copy which I used regularly in my first several years of practicing IFS therapy and coaching. This manual concisely reiterates the essential steps of my ten month long training and is a great reference book. If you’ve done the training or are waiting for the training, buy this book.
As a therapist working primarily with folks in early addiction recovery, this workbook is timely and sorely needed! Chapter II on ‘Attachment Wounds, Trauma, and the Addictive System’ provide clients with psychoeducation to help them better understand why it’s so hard to stop the cycle despite how painful it is to stay in it, and the ‘Client Exercises’ have also proved quite beneficial in helping my folks ‘unblend’ from their ‘fire fighters’ thereby enabling them to make wiser choices. I’m also finding the dialogues between therapist and client very helpful in showing how to engage the addictive system whether it be a manager or a firefighter etc. Very excited to have this resource! May it continue to be of great benefit!
This manual is incomplete, as it does not teach you the unburdening process (perhaps the most important step in IFS therapy). Instead the author encourages you to “sign up for their training course” to learn more.
This book is pivotal in learning grace toward self and others — grace that helps one with closure when getting out of abuse and helps one learn healthy bonds in safe-enough relationships. Both essential for healing. It offers a true North on the long road toward relief of unbearable inner pain.
This workbook is super helpful!