Developed by Richard Schwartz Ph.D, Internal Family Systems or IFS, is a powerful way of mapping our inner world and the relational fabric of our families and communities. It also provides simple and powerful tools for working with that inner world and all aspects of the relational fabric of our world.
SSP Map= Maps the dimensions of reality and the relational field. It prescribes a general mode of conduct and intentionality relative to how we approach and treat all that arises within that field.
IFS Map= IFS provides a key to that map. The key describes the different kinds of bio-psycho-spiritual denizens that occupy our inner world. Falling into two broad categories, protectors and exiles, IFS helps us to understand the basic nature of these “parts” of ourself and how they are wont to interact. IFS’ description of these parts feels strangely familiar and natural and also wonderfully accurate. Further, because these parts have particular functions relative to one another and relative to the functioning of the self-system, IFS helps us to understand and track the basic dynamics of that system. Our inner world becomes intelligible and navigable. WOW! That is huge.
Further, and beyond SSP’s more generally prescribed modes of conduct and intention, IFS prescribes what I think of as basic and WILDLY powerful and utterly transformative relationally hygienic practices with our parts. In various wisdom traditions, it is said that nothing stands before love. The mapping and relational practices of IFS demonstrate what I call the reliable and transformative magic of the physics of love.
If SSP awakens the field, reveals it’s many dimensions, making way for that which calls for healing and providing a luscious healing milieu, IFS provides simple and accurate tools for more structurally clear mapping of our inner world, and for the reliable and wholesome transmutation of wounded or extreme aspects of our inner world.
IFS offers a simple love-arithmetic. It is an essential tool for healing ourselves, our communities and our planet.
For more information on IFS, check out these links:
