The Internal Family Systems Model was developed by Richard Schwartz in the 1980s. 

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapeutic approach that identifies and addresses multiple sub-personalities or “parts” within each person’s mental system. Each part has its own viewpoints, feelings, opinions, behaviors, etc. Most parts fall into one of three categories - protectors, firefighters and exiles. The different parts that show up in one’s system are often in conflict with each other and with one’s core Self. The core Self is a concept within IFS that describes the confident, compassionate and curious whole person that is at the core of every individual.

 

IFS focuses on helping one identify the many different parts inside of them, get to know them and how they interact with the other parts, build a relationship to these parts from one’s whole Self, and help heal the parts that are holding onto burdens from the past.