Internal Family Systems & Psychedelics

1. What is Internal Family Systems?

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapeutic model developed by Richard Schwartz in the 1980s. It is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on understanding and addressing the various parts or subpersonalities within an individual's internal system.

According to IFS, individuals have multiple subpersonalities or “parts” that make up their internal world. These parts represent different aspects of the person's personality, emotions, beliefs, and behaviors. Some parts may be protective or defensive, while others may be wounded or in need of healing. The goal of IFS therapy is to help individuals develop a harmonious and compassionate relationship with their internal parts.

IFS assumes that each part has positive intentions and that conflicts arise when parts are in conflict with each other. The therapist works with the individual to identify and communicate with these parts, understanding their roles, and helping them to develop a healthier and more balanced relationship. Through this process, individuals can achieve self-understanding, healing, and integration of their parts, leading to increased self-awareness and personal growth.

IFS can be beneficial for a wide range of individuals. It is particularly helpful for those who struggle with internal conflicts, emotional distress, trauma, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. It can also be useful for individuals who want to explore and understand their own internal dynamics, enhance self-care, and cultivate a greater sense of self-compassion.

Overall, IFS therapy is suitable for anyone who is open to exploring their internal world, willing to engage in self-reflection, and interested in developing a deeper understanding of themselves and their emotions. It can be applicable to various age groups, cultural backgrounds, and therapeutic needs. To learn more about IFS visit IFS Institute.

2. What are the parts that make up our internal system?

Within the Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy model, the terms “Managers,” “Firefighters,” and “Exiles” are terms used to describe different parts or subpersonalities that individuals may have.

a) Managers: In IFS, Managers are parts that take on a role of managing and controlling a person's thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to prevent pain and vulnerability from being experienced. They often strive for perfection, workaholism, or control as a way to protect the person from emotional distress. Managers can be proactive in trying to avoid triggers or situations that may lead to emotional pain or vulnerability.

b) Firefighters: Firefighters are parts that emerge when the person experiences emotional distress or triggers. They act impulsively and engage in behaviors aimed at distracting or numbing the person from painful emotions. These behaviors can include substance abuse, self-harm, excessive eating, or other impulsive actions. Firefighters are often activated in response to emotional triggers and may provide a temporary escape from distressing emotions.

c) Exiles: Exiles are parts of individuals that hold emotional pain, trauma, or unresolved experiences. They are typically younger parts that carry memories and emotions associated with past wounds. Exiles are often hidden or suppressed by Managers and Firefighters to protect the person from experiencing emotional pain. However, when these exiled parts are triggered, they can overwhelm the individual with intense emotions, leading to distress or psychological difficulties.

In IFS therapy, the goal is to establish a harmonious relationship with these different parts, promote self-leadership, and facilitate communication and healing among them. By understanding the roles and intentions of these parts, individuals can work towards integration and harmony within their internal system, leading to increased self-awareness, healing, and personal growth.

3. What is Self in IFS?

In Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, the concept of "Self" holds a central position. The Self refers to a core aspect of an individual's being that is characterized by certain qualities and capacities. It is considered the true essence or core of a person.

The Self in IFS is described as having specific qualities that include:

a) Presence: The Self is characterized by a sense of inner calm, clarity, and centeredness. It is a state of being fully present in the here and now.

b) Curiosity and Compassion: The Self embodies a non-judgmental and compassionate attitude towards oneself and others. It is open, understanding, and accepting of all parts of the internal system.

c) Wisdom: The Self possesses a deep inner wisdom and intuitive understanding. It can provide guidance and insight, helping to navigate challenges and conflicts within the internal system.

d) Confidence and Strength: The Self is a source of inner strength, resilience, and confidence. It can provide a secure foundation from which to explore and engage with the various parts of the internal system.

In IFS therapy, the goal is to help individuals establish a connection with their Self and develop a Self-led relationship with their internal parts. The therapist supports clients in accessing and embodying the qualities of the Self, allowing it to guide the therapeutic process.

When individuals are in Self, they can serve as compassionate and curious observers of their internal system, fostering healing and integration among the different parts. By accessing their Self, individuals can provide a safe and nurturing space for their parts to express their needs, emotions, and experiences.

It's important to note that the Self is not considered an external entity separate from the person. Instead, it represents an inherent aspect of the individual's consciousness and inner world. The Self is seen as a resource that individuals can tap into to facilitate healing, growth, and self-discovery.

4. How does IFS blend with psychedelic-assisted therapy?

Here are a few ways in which IFS may blend with psychedelic therapy:

a) Preparation and Integration: IFS can be used as a framework for preparation and integration sessions in psychedelic therapy. IFS can help individuals explore their internal system, identify parts that may arise during a psychedelic experience, and establish a self-led relationship with these parts. It can also support individuals in integrating the insights and experiences gained from the psychedelic journey into their daily lives.

b) Internal Exploration and Self-Compassion: Psychedelic experiences can sometimes bring up intense emotions, memories, or parts of the self. IFS provides a framework for individuals to explore and navigate these internal experiences with self-compassion and curiosity. It can help individuals understand and work with the different parts that emerge during the psychedelic experience, facilitating healing, integration, and self-discovery.

c) Trauma Processing: IFS has been used to support trauma processing in conjunction with psychedelic therapy. The combination of IFS and psychedelics may provide individuals with a supportive and safe environment to access and work with traumatic memories or experiences. IFS can help individuals establish a sense of safety and self-leadership during the psychedelic experience, allowing for deeper healing and integration of traumatic material.

d) Self-Integration and Personal Growth: Psychedelic experiences often offer individuals a sense of expanded consciousness and interconnectedness. IFS can provide a framework for integrating these experiences into one's sense of self and personal growth. The exploration of the Self in IFS can be enhanced by the insights and transformative potential of psychedelic experiences, promoting a deeper understanding of one's core essence and facilitating self-discovery. Integration of psychedelic experiences is a delicate process, and working with a skilled therapist who can provide support and guidance is crucial. Additionally, the use of psychedelics should only be done in legal and safe settings with appropriate oversight and adherence to ethical guidelines.

5. Are pre-integration and post-integration sessions legal?

Yes, all of our work is legal, safe, and confidential. I do not endorse or provide recommendations regarding the use of illicit substances.

6. What qualifies you to do the work?

I am trained and experienced in the use of psychedelic and entheogenic substances. I've received training through Field Trip Health, SoundMind Institute, and other organizations. I've been working and studying the use of the medicines to treat trauma since 2021. I take a social justice, harm-reduction approach with a major focus on healing trauma in people who hold marginalized identities. I have personal experiences with psychedelic-assisted therapy for my own trauma. Stay tuned for more regarding my work with psychedelics!

7. How do I schedule an appointment to discuss IFS and psychedelic and entheogenic medicine further? 

Please email me to schedule a consultation: