Internal Family Systems Skills Training Manual: Trauma-Informed Treatment for Anxiety, Depression, PTSD & Substance Abuse

by Frank Anderson, Richard C. Schwartz, Martha Sweezy

Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) provides a revolutionary treatment plan for PTSD, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, eating disorders and more.

Using a non-pathologizing, accelerated approach -- rooted in neuroscience -- IFS applies inner resources and self-compassion for healing emotional wounding at its core. This new manual offers straight-forward explanations and illustrates a wide variety of applications. Easy to read and highly practical.

- Step-by-step techniques
- Annotated case examples
- Unique meditations
- Downloadable exercises, worksheets

IFS is Evidence-Based

Thirty years ago, IFS creator Richard Schwartz, PhD, listened to his clients describing the behaviors and fears of their most extreme parts. He found that the inner world of all his clients was characterized by parts who had a positive intent for the client but had taken on extreme roles in an effort to be safe. He also discovered that these extreme parts would become less disruptive and more cooperative once their concerns were addressed and they felt safer.

IFS views psychic multiplicity as the norm: we all have parts. In addition, every part has a good intention for the client, and every part has value. When clients listen to all their parts, they can heal their wounded parts.

Today, IFS, which has established a legacy of efficiency and effectiveness in treating many mental health issues, is being heralded by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk as a treatment that all clinicians should know.

Genres: Psychology, Mental Health, Counselling, Nonfiction, Self Help, Social Work, Personal Development

160 pages, Paperback

Published November 6, 2017

Reviews

[Morgan Blackledge · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was underwhelmed by this book.

I’m listening to No Bad Parts by Richard C. Schwartz right now and it’s BLOWING MY FUCKIN MIND!!!

As such.

I think my experience of this book was unfairly diminished.

So take all this with a grain of salt.

Given that.

I am NUTS about internal family systems (IFS).

I have read several other IFS titles and didn’t catch the bug.

But based on the persistent recommendations of lots of other people that I respect, I picked up No Bad Parts and…

IT!

IS!

RAD!

I’m agog.

This book however…

Meh 🫤

3/5

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently read Schwartz' 1995 groundbreaking book "Internal Family Systems Therapy" and was very intrigued. Schwartz' book is excellent, but I was left feeling that I needed to learn more if I was going to effectively integrate this technique into my practice. So I ordered this 2017 workbook and I was absolutely delighted with the product. In fact, it far exceeded my expectations. This workbook has dozens of clinical examples that flesh out each step of the IFS process and details the most critical techniques that make this therapy so powerful. It also includes segments reviewing the neuroscience of trauma and healing traumatic memories and how the science applies to IFS. In addition there are meditation exercises which allow the reader to explore the model experientially which I found very moving and powerful. Overall this is one of the most effective workbooks that I have encountered. It is easy to engage with and has a great layout and format. I recommend it to anyone who is considering applying IFS to their psychotherapy practice.

[Lore LongSoulSystem · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt it kinda short and I don't agree with some aspects or how they handle them.
It's problematic to talk about "shamanism" for instance...

I need to read more about IFS, because I do think it can be useful, however, it seem it lacks depth when dealing with complex trauma survivors. At least in this book.

-
Edit
I'm more inclined to the works of "the language of parts" of Janina Fisher

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't say enough great things about this book. Dick Schwartz developed this theory in the 1980's but I am just now learning about it. Basically he normalizes the fact that we all have voices in our head ie: the voice that tells us we better not speak up or we'll sound stupid, or the other voice that says we need to say yes to the PTA because the world will stop spinning if we say no, or how about the other one that says we might as well have a second piece of cake since we're already fat? He developed a system of accessing those voices to help us heal emotionally and move past stuck places. It sounds woo woo to some people, but for me it is very hopeful and encouraging.

[Lance Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been one of the most helpful books I’ve read on therapy since graduating with a degree in counseling. I suspect the material presented in this book will impact my work with clients for years to come.

[Sabastian Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a really good walk through IFS Therapy. The main idea of IFS is that each person is composed of parts (exiles, managers, firefighters and the self). When an individual stops being self led, the other 3 parts can take over and war with one another which wreaks havoc in the life of the individual. This book walks through how to discover these parts and negotiate with them to find something more productive to do.

I’m not sure how much of this book is actually true bc this method has been around 40 years and only a handful of studies were cited in the research chapter.

Nonetheless, this book was captivating and I hope to apply these concepts in my own life.

[Degan Walters · Rating 2 out of 5]

I bought this book to support my work with clients and for use in my workshop on parts therapy. Some of the exercises are ok but the layout is frustrating - hard to tell when one section stops or switches to sample dialogue or context. So mostly it took a long time yo get through and wasn’t much use.

[lex joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for actual logistics of going in depth using IFS therapy. Provided the break down of the approach and how it can be used lived in therapy sessions - how to be with the part, not overwhelmed by it.

[Chris Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

IFS has been a game changer for me. This book was a wealth of information without all the exercises breaking it up. Was nice to read an IFS book geared at practitioners. I have done plenty of experiential IFS books geared toward the general public and recommend them. It was nice to read an IFS book that focused on expanding my understanding of the IFS model. Great addition to my collection, and will find this a helpful reference.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

really helpful IFS manual. breaks things down into steps and makes the theories really accessible.

[Stephanie Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent skills building manual for this approach.

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource for clinicians interested in utilizing Internal Family Systems in their practices.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have learned so much from this book. It included so many valuable examples and material. I am hopeful to get to some IFS training in the future

[Sapna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this after watching a few of Dr. Schwartz's IFS Youtube videos. Intriguing theory - looking forward to learning more.

[Tatal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A practical guide to applying IFS in therapy, very well written and easy to read.

[An · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great resource if you're training to be an IFS practitioner. If you're looking to learn more about the methodology for self healing purposes, I recommend reading No Bad Parts instead.

3.5

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Internal Family Systems is my jam. Going to train for a week with Richard Schwartz soon. I think this kind of therapy could lead the way to a paradigm shift for humanity—the recognition of, and dialoguing with, the parts of ourselves we usually ignore, push away, or even bully.

The idea is to also eventually turn that self-compassion outward to other humans, and to unburden ourselves of legacies (transgenerational trauma, racism, misogyny, etc).

The ultimate goal is to be Self led, and even SELF led. Led by our core self and, if open to it, by god/God/Universal energy/Space…or whatever you want to call the stream of energy we are part of. While keeping the other parts of ourselves, acknowledging, listening, and working with them, giving them other, better jobs than bullying you with judgment and perfectionism, or keeping you frozen in trauma or grief—or whatever it is you struggle with.

Ketamine and psilocybin and MDMA -assisted IFS therapy is another frontier I hope to take part in. These medicines help people create change faster and perhaps more permanently in conjunction with the IFS model. So good for Complex PTSD.

This book is a great place to start. The online and in-person trainings are where it’s at though.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very clear, easy to understand, walkthrough of IFS. As a psychotherapist, I don’t see the vast percentage of clients resonating with IFS language. I know even I found it to be a bit niche and, for lack of a better word, “fluffy”. I believe in the concept of our parts, some exiled and some protective. I have always believed in the existence of the core Self (that true is which is whole and longing to be recognized and trusted by our parts). Perhaps it’s my intellectualizing part that feels some resistance to the “fluffiness” of some of the language suggested for therapists to use in this book.

[Heidi Goehmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly useful resources for learning the basics of IFS. This active workbook includes an overview of the theories, examples/case studies in practice situations, exercises to try, and neurobiology and research connections and support. I especially appreciated the suggestion for therapists to work through the exercises to become more aware of their own parts. This has been really helpful as I walk into helping my clients find and spend time with their own parts. Another favorite element was the awareness and information related to recognizing and working through legacy trauma.

[Gabriel Desjardins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely changed my view of mental health. It is life changing and relevant to current world issues. Being from a psychanalytic frame of view, the IFS approach tapped in what I felt was lacking in my training. Can’t wait to read more about it and to be trained in this approach. I even tried it alone with myself and I went into a deep experience that I will always remember. I suggest this book for everyone.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This workbook is mostly for therapists who are trained in Internal Family Systems. The workbook could be a little more organized as it jumps around quite a bit without explanations of the different types of ways to utilize parts in the therapy session. But the scripts used to identify different parts is truly invaluable, as I don't know any other books or workbooks that outline them in this way. It is a great additional to the valuable book "Internal Family Systems Therapy, 2nd Edition".

[Maksym Tkachenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Много полезных техник. Процесс консультирования в подходе разобран до мельчайших деталей. Представлены как медитации, так и упражнения которые можно предлагать клиентам.
Хорошо описана работа с клиентами которым не нравится язык частей. Прописаны многие вопросы, которые могут возникнуть у практикующего специалиста.

[Joshua Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read approach to IFS. This is the first book that I’ve read on IFS, but to me it was a thorough and interesting introduction. I’ve found myself noticing ‘parts’ in myself and others, which has helped me better communicate my emotions.

I’ll need to read or learn more before trying IFS, but this was a good start.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really accessible manual, I loved the neuroscience elements and incorporation of overlapping or helpful theories. I read No Bad Parts first and my brain was making connections at a million miles an hour so it was truly delightful to have my questions answered and links solidified. The flow is a little confusing and choppy at times but I will be referring back to this a LOT.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

An innovative and intriguing approach to counseling. Instructive but first reading an introductory book to IFS might be a better segway into understanding IFS. This is a book not for the novice but for an experienced clinician.

[Danaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a helpful clinical introduction to Internal Family Systems. It isn't a replacement for taking the training program, but it is helpful for brushing up on skills surrounding the different techniques. I will probably read this one again in the future.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this model and applied it to myself during my own visualization and meditation. It has been eye opening as I discover my different "parts" and allow them to interact and talk to each other. Shifting my world quite dramatically.

[Kim Podhorniak · Rating 4 out of 5]

In theory, this practice seems quite useful to address trauma; however, the didactic practices appeared highly unrealistic for clients to quickly realize what their exiles are. Overall, I do like the parts work and will consider implementing some of this work with my clients.

[Corinne Lam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Use this book with a licensed therapist. Diving into these exercises by yourself could put you at risk of retraumaitzation. I am a licensed provider and use this in my practice. Proceed with information and confer with your provider.

[Evan Mestman · Rating 5 out of 5]

thorough understanding of IFS

This approach to healing is a refreshing and hopeful guide. This book is exactly what clinicians need to integrate this practice into their own modalities.