Definition reprinted with permission from Schwartz, Richard C., PhD Guilford Publications: Internal Family Systems Therapy (The Guilford Family Therapy Series)
(IFS)
"Internal family systems psychotherapy is an approach that applies systems thinking and family therapy technique to intrapsychic process. It conceives of the mind as an inner family of subpersonalities or "parts" that form alliances and polarizations, just as "external" families do. It helps a client assess his or her Self-- a core of valuable leadership resources-- and work with parts from that kind of compassion and perspective." - Richard C. Schwartz, PhD
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