Haven’t we all heard the saying, ‘Do not judge a book by its cover’? The same applies to the closer view of our inner self and more general perception of the world.
We are all the three layers of the onion, our thoughts, feelings, and actions, and the input or output in the identity mask we wear every day. It’s easy to imagine what it would be like to live in a house where each room is taken over by its unique problem or issue.
Suppose you are living in a house, and every room is a part of your personality. At other times, they are noisy, quarreling, or intentionally ignoring one another. However, if these rooms could talk without labeling some as “bad” or some as “good,” you would actually see the difference in the everyday conflict and dealing with ifs therapy criticism.
This is where Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy steps in, offering a compassionate lens to view the self. It invites us to understand that the inner rooms within us can listen and meet the other parts of ourselves.
Understanding Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Dr. Richard Schwartz, the founder of IFS therapy, learned the way to address and heal the inner parts of a person. This observation helped him to create a model that sees these parts as sub-personalities within us that carry wounds, protect us, or serve other roles based on our life experiences.
In IFS, these three parts are identified as below:
Managers hold the responsibility of ensuring a stable mental state every day by actively avoiding external distractions that might provoke negative emotions and feelings.
Firefighters try to reduce the amount of emotional pain that exiles bear by encouraging impulsive behaviors and engaging in activities that are desirable and addictive.
Exiles carry emotional pain and trauma from early life. Managers and firefighters try to keep these feelings buried and keep us focused on our daily emotions.
What is the Self in IFS Therapy?
In IFS, the core is called the “self,” which represents a person’s core identity. This includes, for example, being caring, assured, calm, assertive, and receptive.
The self does not belong to the inner, and its role is to observe everything in balance and with kindness as the person himself.
In this therapy, the goal is to help individuals access and strengthen themselves, allowing them to navigate their inner conflicts with greater awareness and understanding.
The self is composed of what are known as the eight C’s and the 5 P’s. The eight C’s are:
- Confidence
- Calmness
- Creativity
- Clarity
- Curiosity
- Courage
- Compassion
- Connectedness
The five P’s are:
- Presence
- Patience
- Perspective
- Persistence
- Playfulness
IFS suggests that it is your core self that is who you truly are. The therapy process promotes healing, trust in the self, and the coordination of all C’s and P’s that make up the self.
What Are the Benefits of Internal Family Systems?
It is based on an ideology that a person contains lots of different parts or subpersonalities, and this might be perceived differently based upon individual perspective, belief systems, and emotions of beliefs. IFS is being applied as therapy, for it helps one realize those parts and understand a pathway that brings transformation with healing.
- IFS therapy helps individuals gain a deeper understanding of their own thoughts.
- This therapy helps individuals improve relationships by teaching effective communication and conflict resolution.
- It helps individuals to reduce symptoms of mental health disorders.
- It can help people be more focused and grounded in themselves.
What are the most common criticisms of IFS Therapy?
While Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy has gained popularity for its unique approach to healing, it is not without its criticisms. Some common concerns include:
Oversimplifying Mental Health Conditions
Few of them assume that IFS therapy splits the mind into individual parts and is not effective for patients with disorders such as schizophrenia or dementia. So, it is doubtful that IFS is helpful for those who have severe emotional or psychological problems, particularly when their problems are related to personality disorders or identity disorders.
Complexities in Finding the Internal Parts
One of the core components of IFS therapy is identifying and working with your internal “parts.” While this concept can be a powerful tool for awareness and healing, it’s not always easy to identify and engage with these parts.
Reliance on Therapeutic Support
IFS therapy requires close collaboration between the client and the therapist. I have dealt with many cases where clients cannot manage their emotions independently, especially when dealing with complex needs.
They may not have the skills to regulate their internal parts and require continuous professional support. However, this challenge is common in many types of therapy, especially with complex cases.
Inconsistency in IFS Therapy Training
Inconsistency in IFS therapy training can lead to confusion and fragmented understanding among trainees.
Variations in structure and approach across programs may hinder the effective application of IFS concepts in practice, resulting in less effective client interventions.
This lack of uniformity can also disrupt the development of a strong therapeutic identity, affecting the consistency and quality of support therapists provide to their clients.
Navigating the Maze of IFS Therapy Challenges
The process of practicing Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy involves an intensive process of exploring oneself, and this can be challenging and fascinating at the same time.
It’s important to understand that while IFS therapy has helped many, it also requires a commitment to self-reflection and facing difficult emotions.
This therapy model helps to resolve issues of past traumas, which can be challenging for individuals to confront.
Responding to IFS Therapy on a Positive Note
Whether you feel IFS therapy criticism is beneficial or needs a different approach, it is very important to decide on a therapy that is compatible with your personal needs and personal goals. Taking the step to enter therapy is a bold and caring choice. It’s a reflection of your strength and commitment to healing.
Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation so we can explore the many benefits of individual therapy. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and that support is always available. All it takes is reaching out and breaking that strain of silence. What if we could care about the chaos in ourselves?’ could be asked.
