Internal Family Systems Introduction

This is the first in a series of videos integrating ideas from Internal Family Systems with other trauma-informed approaches. It is especially helpful in areas where trauma processing gets "stuck" and offers some ideas for how to move through these struggles.

[Ona]

I was diagnosed with Disassociative Identity Disorder. I embraced it. I embraced and valued every single Identity. I knew that each one came into being to protect me in one way or another. The ones that were the most reactive, held the memories that I had walled off and I felt respect and compassion for them, because they have the greatest burden. Once I established communication with my system, I was able to trust that they were all committed to one healthy goal and work on it, when I wasn't present. I listened to everything that they had to tell me and I did my best to help them heal. Now, that I can remember a lot more of what happened to me, they have gone dormant and I miss them.

[dotinacircle]

I appreciate how you began with the self, then exiles, then protectors.👍

[TheCounsellor]

Nice summary of the model. I was taught that Richard Schwartz discovered and founded this model, not Harvard.

[peterscheer]

I have shared this video many times. and excellent and concise first introduction to the IFS model

[LessThanThree]

Ha! I’ve always been questioning why I’ve never dissociated although I got a traumatic childhood. This is the first time I’ve heard of sleeping as a way to dissociate - and damn have I slept! My dad always said to day care or the school that every time I got an injury, I became sleepy. And as a kid I always asked to go to bed way before my bed time. Now it all makes sense. Thank you! ❤️

[mervyncbarrett]

Thanks Kenny, one of the best descriptions of IFS I have come across!

[mmost]

This is such a succinct primer for IFS ! When will you have the rest of the series? Please make it like this one. Excellent work

[kimlec]

Dissociation is a strategy & a true gift.

[katheren]

Thanks!--'Consciousness comes first; it is the ground of all being. Everything else, including matter, is a possibility of consciousness. And consciousness chooses out of these possibilities all the events we experience.'

Amit Goswami

[geron]

Even the videos of Schwarz itself does not explain the theory better than this, amazing work

[darinsmith]

I am glad that you talked about the Dissociation part. That was the first part that surfaced in my IFS Therapy Session. My second session I backed off. I am not sure if that was the same part or a different part. Still trying to figure this out.

[Poppy-]

I recently read No Bad Parts & it was a lot to take in. This video really helped me to understand the types of parts more. I’m a visual person, so the diagrams here were helpful. Thank you!

[bartleblans]

Wow, after reading No Bad Parts it sure is nice to watch this animation. Very helpful. Thank you!

[OliviaRappel]

Really learning a lot from this and is helping me understand myself, and others, and brings me hope as well as strategies I can put into practice daily. Thank you

[LeaSynefakisPica]

A wonderful resource that I plan to share with my new parts work clients as a primer!

[jenniferbarbera]

Nice overview that could be helpful to clients and introducing IFS to therapists. Thank you!

[kales]

Thank you for breaking it down this way. It was much easier to understand.

[PM-ngte]

Thank you so much. One of the best videos explaining IFS.💯

[eddiegarza.]

Wow! What a thoughtful and informative video. It really helped me understand IFS.
Your clear and concise presentation assisted me in having a fuller understanding of IFS. Blessings, e, ATX

[jenniferbarbera]

Richard Swartz developed the IFS model