Internal Family Systems Therapy

"This book illustrates how the parts who populate our clients' inner worlds are trying to manage an underlying threat that others may not see. The only credible offer of help is one that can resolve this threat. IFS guides us to offer deep understanding and meaningful assistance to clients who long to transform but are stuck in extreme, destructive roles."--Leslie S. Greenberg, PhD, Distinguished Research Professor Emeritus, Department of Psychology, York University, Canada

"We are indeed the sum of our parts, and, for over 25 years, Schwartz has been acquainting us with the exiles, managers, and firefighters battling within our psyches. In the second edition of this seminal book, Schwartz and Sweezy provide a more extensive overview of IFS therapy. New chapters address individual and systemic work with each component of the internal family system, as well as research attesting to the model’s effectiveness. This is an invaluable resource for both beginning and experienced practitioners who seek self-integration for their clients--and themselves."--Michael C. LaSala, PhD, LCSW, School of Social Work, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

"Since this book was originally published, the thoroughly innovative principles and practices of IFS therapy have been studied, applied, and advanced by thousands of psychotherapists. The second edition is extensively revised and updated--effective clinical strategies are illustrated with engaging therapist–client dialogues; cutting-edge research reveals the promise of IFS for conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder; and IFS concepts are applied at and between multiple levels, from the individual to the whole society. Psychotherapists at any stage of their careers will find stimulating concepts and carefully designed tools that will enrich their thinking and improve their practices."--Richard Chasin, MD, former president, American Family Therapy Academy

“The outstanding second edition of this classic book presents the preeminent research-supported, integrative family systems approach to working with individuals as well as their couple and family relationships in their larger cultural contexts. The book is beautifully written, the theory is sophisticated and nuanced, and the clinical vignettes demonstrate the details of putting IFS into practice. IFS therapy dovetails wonderfully with the emerging emphasis on body-based psychotherapies, mindfulness practices, and the role of spirituality in mental health and well-being. This book should be read by all therapists--not just those who align with family systems--and should be a core text for graduate programs in all forms of psychotherapy. I will use it in my graduate courses!”--Peter Fraenkel, PhD, Department of Psychology, The City College of the City University of New York

“In this updated second edition, Schwartz candidly shares how his work with clients has helped him expand his original thoughts regarding IFS and embrace a more client-led process. Schwartz and Sweezy define the concepts of IFS well, and the book is easy to read. I appreciate the addition of updated IFS research and the way the authors promote healing beyond the individual and family by extending IFS concepts to communities. Master’s- and doctoral-level students may further their ability to address self-of-the-therapist issues by reflecting on how their ‘parts’ interact with the ‘parts’ of clients, thus promoting better therapy outcomes.”--Jenene Case Pease, PhD, LMFT, Department of Human Development and Family Science, Virginia Tech; Clinical Director, The Family Therapy Center of Virginia Tech