Internal Family Systems - Resources and Information
This resource guide can help you discover more about IFS, with links to books, talks, workshops and therapist databases.
What is Internal Family Systems?
You can read my page on Internal Family Systems for a short description.
This video also explains what IFS is.
Derek Scott, who runs an IFS teaching organisation in Canada, has also put together a PDF outlining what IFS is, and how you can use it to understand yourself better.
Can I practice IFS without a therapist?
One of the unique and beautiful things about IFS is that you can practice it alone. You can literally become your own therapist.
Jay Earley has written a series of books dedicated to guiding you through the process of becoming your own IFS therapist. The first one, Self-Therapy, teaches the complete process, and the following books (vol 2 & 3) explore some advanced techniques. He also has books dedicated to working with the inner-critic and working with anger.
The founder of IFS, Richard Schwartz, has produced an audiobook, ‘Greater Than the Sum of Our Parts: Discovering Your True Self Through Internal Family Systems Therapy’ which is available on SoundsTrue, Amazon Audible and Apple audiobooks. The book includes guided meditations, which allow you to experience the process of IFS, as well as information on the model.
Richard Schwartz also has a series of guided meditations on Insight Timer which can you can access for free without an account.
I want to work with an IFS therapist. How do I go about finding one?
Internal Family Systems UK have a database of IFS therapists working in the UK and the IFS Institute have an international therapist database.
IFS Workshops
I run workshops on befriending the Inner Critic, using IFS principles. See details of past and previous events, and contact me if you would like to join a mailing list for future events.
Jay Earley (mentioned above and based in the US) runs a range of workshops and groups in which you can learn and practice IFS with the support of others.
Ruth Culver, based in Brighton in the UK, runs an 8-week course using intuitive drawing to explore IFS, as well as other day courses, and shorter webinars.
Many of these workshops and courses are currently running online.
IFS Podcasts
The official IFS podcast, IFS Talks, has interviews with lead trainers, authors and practitioners, and has episodes on many different topics relating to IFS such as trauma, parenting and grieving. Some episodes may be of most interest to practitioners.
IFS therapist Tammy Sollenberger interviews a range of members of the IFS community in her podcast The One Inside which is suitable for anyone with an interest in IFS.
IFS coach Beth Rodgers, aims to support people to use the principles of IFS to boost their mental health and wellbeing in her podcast The Therapy Spot.
IFS community
There is a private Facebook group you can join with many active members sharing heartfelt experiences about their own IFS practice.
Joining a workshop (see above) is also an excellent way to connect with like-minded people who have an interest in IFS.
IFS, sexuality, sex and relationships
Contact me if you are seeking IFS therapy for issues around sex, sexuality and relationships, or if you have questions in this area.
Toni Herbine Blank has developed an IFS couples therapy model called Intimacy from the Inside Out. You can find out more on her website.
If you are an IFS practitioner you may be interested in my workshop Working with Sex and Sexuality Using an Internal Family Systems Framework.
Using IFS to understand the Inner Critic
IFS is a great model for helping you understand and transform your inner critic (e.g. the voices or thoughts in your head which put you down).
I run workshops on befriending your inner critic. See details of upcoming and previous events and contact me if you would like to be added to a mailing list for these.
Chris Burris, a lead IFS trainer, speaks about the inner critic in this fantastic interview.
Jay Earley has information on his website about the inner critic, as well as online quizzes you can take to understand yourself better in this regard.
IFS and psychedelics
As interest and research in psychedelic therapy increases, so does interest in using IFS in this way. Have a listen to the following podcasts on MDMA assisted IFS therapy to hear more:
https://internalfamilysystems.pt/multimedia/webinars/mdma-assisted-therapy-michael-mithoefer
https://www.mayahealth.com/podcast/richard-c-schwartz
Professionals Training
You can train as an IFS practitioner whether or not you are already a therapist. If you are a qualified therapist, then you will become a qualified IFS Therapist after the training. If you are not already a therapist, you can train to become an IFS practitioner or coach.
There are three levels of IFS training that are approved by the IFS institute. The first level qualifies you to practice, and the second two allow you to deepen your skills. You can also take a one-day introductory course before committing to the full training.
https://internalfamilysystemstraining.co.uk/training/ifs-training (UK training)
https://ifs-institute.com/trainings (International training including online)
In addition to the full practitioner training PESI run numerous IFS training courses of varying lengths, on different introductory and specialist subjects (put IFS into the search or join their mailing list for updates). The IFS Institute also have a library of online courses that can be purchased and taken in your own time.