About IFS: Internal Family System
What is IFS?
IFS (Internal Family Systems) starts from a simple but profound idea: we're not one unified self, but a whole ensemble of inner "parts" — on one side, "protective" parts (proactive or reactive), and on the other, wounded, vulnerable parts, often "child" parts. And we all also have a part of us that isn't really a part at all — what IFS calls the "Self," which, in polyvagal theory, corresponds to our "regulated" state — calm, curious, compassionate, open to others, in social engagement — our natural healing agent.
Someone mentioned it to me one day, almost by chance, and I loved the concept so much I couldn't stop: I read everything, watched everything, before training seriously. Having completed the IFS Online Circle and the IFIO Online Circle (for couples therapy) through the official IFS Institute, I can rightfully call myself "IFS informed." I've also trained extensively with Frank Anderson, as well as with Alexia Rothman (on IFS & polyvagal theory) and Sarah Bergenfield on IFS & autism.
IFS is an integral part of RI®.
I like those videos by the creators of the IFS Guide app. They have others, don't hesitate to check their youtube channel.
And what about memory reconsolidation?
This is one of the recent discoveries that struck me the most. In short (and I'm no neuroscientist!): when an emotionally charged memory is reactivated in a context of safety, alongside a new experience that contradicts it, it can literally be re-stored differently in the brain — not just "covered over" by something positive, but transformed at the root. This mechanism is thought to explain why certain therapies, including IFS, can produce changes this profound and lasting, rather than just surface-level relief.
This video explains it far better than I can:
Some books which have really helped me and that I recommend:
SELF-THERAPY, by Jay Earley
Clear, simple, with lots of drawings: ideal to work on your own system.
WE ALL HAVE PARTS, by Colleen West
Short and clear, with lots of illustrations. A very brief introduction to IFS.
Books by Frank Anderson:
IFS SKILLS TRAINING MANUAL, a step by step clear guide.
TRANSCENDING TRAUMA
To go one step further.
