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Writer's pictureTyler Phillipson

Understanding Internal Family Systems: A Path to Self-Understanding and Confidence


Have you ever felt like different parts of you were at odds with each other, pulling you in various directions? Maybe one part of you is eager to take on new challenges, while another part is holding back, filled with self-doubt. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. Many people experience internal conflicts that can impact their self-confidence and overall well-being. This is where Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) comes in—a powerful tool for understanding yourself better and boosting your self-confidence.


What is IFS?


Internal Family Systems Therapy, often abbreviated as IFS, is a unique approach to psychotherapy that views the mind as a complex system of parts, each with its own perspective and feelings. Developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz in the 1980s, IFS helps individuals understand and harmonize these internal parts to achieve a sense of balance and self-leadership.


In IFS, the core concept revolves around the Self and the Parts. The Self represents our true essence—calm, compassionate, and confident. The Parts, on the other hand, are the various sub-personalities or aspects within us that develop through our experiences. These parts can be anything from the inner critic that pushes us to improve to the vulnerable child that holds our deepest fears.


Understanding the 'Parts'


To dive deeper, let's explore some of the different types of Parts identified in IFS:


  • Exiles: These are parts that carry our deep-seated emotional pain, fear, and shame. They are often hidden away because they feel too overwhelming to face directly.

  • Managers: These parts attempt to keep our Exiles in check by managing our day-to-day life and behaviours. They aim to maintain control and prevent us from getting hurt.

  • Firefighters: When the Exiles' emotions break through despite the Managers' efforts, Firefighters step in. They often engage in impulsive or distracting behaviours to quench the emotional fire, sometimes in unhealthy ways.


Understanding these parts and their roles can help us see why we react the way we do in certain situations. For example, if you have a part that’s highly critical of your performance at work, it might be a Manager trying to protect an Exile that fears failure.


How IFS Can Help with Self-Understanding


The first step in IFS is to identify and understand your parts. This involves tuning into your internal dialogue and recognizing the different voices or feelings that emerge. Here are a few common parts and their roles:


  • The Critic: Often tries to push you to do better but can be harsh and relentless.

  • The Caretaker: Wants to ensure everyone around you is happy and taken care of, sometimes at your own expense.

  • The Rebel: Resists authority and seeks freedom, often leading to conflict.


By acknowledging these parts without judgment, you can begin to understand their motivations and how they’ve developed to protect you. This awareness is the foundation for creating a more harmonious internal environment.


Building Self-Confidence Through IFS


Self-confidence is closely linked to self-awareness. When you understand the parts within you and their roles, you can start to address the insecurities and fears that undermine your confidence. Here’s how IFS can help:


  • Recognize and Validate: By identifying your parts and understanding their origins, you can validate their feelings and experiences. This process reduces the internal conflict and promotes self-acceptance.

  • Self-Leadership: Engaging with your "Self," the core of your being, allows you to lead your internal family with compassion and confidence. When your Self is in charge, you can make decisions that align with your true values and desires.

  • Empowerment: Understanding that your critical and fearful parts are just trying to protect you can be empowering. Instead of battling these parts, you can work with them to find healthier ways of coping and thriving.


For instance, someone struggling with a fear of public speaking might discover that this fear stems from an Exile part that experienced ridicule in the past. By addressing this part with compassion and reassurance, they can reduce the fear’s intensity and build confidence in their abilities.


Practical Steps to Start Using IFS


If you’re interested in exploring IFS, here are some practical steps to get started:


  1. Mindfulness and Meditation: Spend a few minutes each day in quiet reflection, observing your thoughts and emotions without judgment. This can help you identify different parts and their voices.

  2. Journaling: Write down your thoughts and feelings, noting any internal conflicts or recurring themes. This can provide insights into the parts at play.

  3. Dialogue with Parts: Once you’ve identified a part, try having a mental conversation with it. Ask it what it needs and how you can help.

  4. Seek Professional Help: Working with a trained IFS therapist can provide deeper insights and personalized guidance.



Internal Family Systems Therapy offers a powerful framework for understanding yourself and improving self-confidence. By recognizing and harmonizing the different parts within you, you can lead a more balanced, fulfilling life. If this approach intrigues you, our clinical counsellors are here to guide you through the process. They can help you explore your internal family system, address the root causes of your insecurities, and build lasting self-confidence.


If you’re ready to explore IFS further, our clinic is here to support you on this journey. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a session with one of our experienced counsellors. Take the first step towards a more confident and self-aware you!




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