Internal Family Systems Model

The Internal Family Systems (IFS) model is a non-pathologizing approach to individual psychotherapy developed by Richard C. Schwartz. It combines systems thinking with the view that the mind is composed of relatively discrete subpersonalities, or "parts," each with its own unique viewpoint and qualities. The goal of the therapy is to help clients access their "Self"—described as a core state of compassion and clarity that remains undamaged by trauma—to heal and integrate these parts. In 2015, IFS was listed on the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP) as an evidence-based practice. A 2025 scoping review published in Clinical Psychologist identified IFS as a "promising therapeutic approach" for conditions such as PTSD, depression, and chronic pain, noting significant symptom reduction in pilot trials. It is frequently applied in the treatment of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD), anxiety, and depression.