Internal Family Systems
“If we were all fully Self-led, all parts and people would be welcome. One quality of Self is connectedness – not only the desire to connect, but the in-our-bones knowledge that we are all connected, so when one of us suffers, we all suffer.”
—Richard Schwartz, Internal Family Systems Founder.
Internal Family Systems
I trained in the IFS model, a experiential psychotherapy modality. Specifically, I was a part of the first ever cohort joining the IFS model and psychedelics.
What is IFS?
Taken from the IFS website:
“Internal Family Systems is a powerfully transformative, evidence-based model of psychotherapy. We believe the mind is naturally multiple and that is a good thing. Our inner parts contain valuable qualities and our core Self knows how to heal, allowing us to become integrated and whole. In IFS all parts are welcome.
IFS is a movement. A new, empowering paradigm for understanding and harmonizing the mind and, thereby, larger human systems. One that can help people heal and helps the world become a more compassionate place.
IFS Institute welcomes all people of any age, race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, class, ability, language or cultural background into the Internal Family Systems community. You are welcome here, and all of your parts are welcome too.
The mission of IFS Institute is to bring more Self leadership to the world.”
“To me, what the essence of being psychedelic is is a flirtation with detail and multiplicity.”
--Terrence McKenna
The 8 C’s of Self
Through the IFS model and work we will get to know our internal parts and cultivate our innate Self energy. Below are the 8 C’s of Self, one way to define the core elements of this energy.
Calmness
- an embodied state of serenity and being at peace
- being unfazed by whatever comes your way
Clarity
- being able to see things for what they are
- where your perception is unclouded
Curiosity
- a sense of openness to new possibilities
- an inquiring mind and attitude of wonder
Compassion
- the ability to feel, be with and turn toward oneself with kindness
- a sense of openheartedness
Confidence
- being able to stay present
- knowing that you are able to manage what comes your way
Courage
- having the strength to be with and face difficult situations
- an ability to face struggles head on, knowing that things will be OK
Creativity
- using the imagination to access new thoughts, experiences, feelings and embodied states
- entering a flow state
Connectedness
- connection to your mind, your heart and your body
- sensing that your are part – your community, the world around you or in a spiritual sense
