Internal Family Systems Model
The Internal Family Systems Model (IFS) is an integrative approach to individual psychotherapy developed by Richard C. Schwartz in the 1980s. It combines systems thinking with the view that the mind is made up of relatively discrete subpersonalities, each with its own unique viewpoint and qualities. IFS uses family systems theory to understand how these collections of subpersonalities are organized. Parts. IFS posits that the mind is made up of multiple parts, and underlying them is a person's core or true Self. Like members of a family, a person's inner parts can take on  extreme roles or subpersonalities. Each part has its own perspective, interests, memories, and viewpoint. A core tenet of IFS is that every part has a positive intent, even if its actions are counterproductive and/or cause dysfunction. There is no need to fight with, coerce, or eliminate parts; the IFS method promotes internal connection and harmony to bring the mind back into balance. IFS therapy aims to heal wounded parts and restore mental balance. The first step is to access the core Self and then, from there, understand the different parts in order to heal them. In the IFS model, there  are three general types of parts: The internal system. IFS focuses on the relationships between parts and the core Self. The goal of therapy is to create a cooperative and trusting relationship between the Self and each part. There are three primary types of relationships between parts: protection, polarization, and alliance. IFS method. IFS practitioners report a well-defined therapeutic method for individual therapy based on the following principles. In this description, the term "protector" refers to either a manager or firefighter. The first step is to help the client access the Self. Next, the Self gets to know the  Protector(s), its positive intent, and develops a trusting relationship with it. Then, with the Protector's permission, the client accesses the Exile(s) to uncover the childhood incident or relationship which is the source of the burden(s) it carries. The Exile is retrieved from the past situation and guided to release its burdens. Finally, the Protector can then let go of its protective role and assume a healthy one. Coaching. Some Coaching practitioners have been adapting the IFS method to their Coaching approaches. IFS is now evidence-based and has become widely used. It provides a non-pathologizing, optimistic, and empowering  perspective and a practical and effective set of techniques for working with individuals, couples, families, and more recently, corporations and classrooms. Core markets for Life Coaches as well as business Coaches. Criticisms. Finally, one can foresee that IFS has limitations when it comes to incorporating systems with multiple members involved because of the increased burden in managing exponentially more individual parts. Therapist Sharon A. Deacon and Jonathan C. Davis said that working with one's parts "can be emotional and anxiety-provoking for clients", and that IFS may not work well with delusional, paranoid, or schizophrenic clients who may not  be grounded in reality and therefore misuse the idea of "parts".