Is IFS Therapy Effective? What Are The Criticisms of IFS?

As it is an emerging therapeutic approach capturing the interest of many experts and therapists, IFS has also faced various controversies and criticism.

Here we will explore some of them.

Understanding Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Dr. Richard Schwartz, the founder of IFS, developed a system to help individuals heal by addressing their internal parts. In his work as a family therapist, he observed that individuals often refer to their inner selves as parts.

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 parts are classified into three main types:

• Managers are responsible for maintaining a healthy mental state every day by preventing any external distractions that may trigger negative emotions and feelings.

• Firefighters try to divert attention from the emotional pain carried by exiles by encouraging impulsive behaviours and engaging in activities that are indulgent and addictive.
• Exiles are usually the carriers of early life traumas and emotional pain. Managers and firefighters work to keep these parts out of our conscious mind to help us maintain our daily routines and emotional balance.

IFS focuses on achieving balance among these parts with the support of our core “Self”. To learn more read our what is internal family systems ifs therapy 

What is Self in IFS?

At the heart of IFS is the Self, which represents the core aspect of a person. It is characterized by positive qualities such as compassion, confidence, calmness, leadership, and acceptance.

The Self is different from the other internal parts and it is the part of the person that does the observing and brings a balanced and compassionate perspective to the individual’s internal system.

In IFS, reaching a state of Self helps people understand and connect with their inner parts, leading to better harmony and stability. The therapist guides them to this Self state, allowing them to become their own internal counsellors. This inner balance results in more positive thoughts and behaviours in their daily life.

What are the criticisms of IFS Therapy?

• Oversimplifying Mental Health Conditions

IFS has been criticized for oversimplifying the human mind by breaking it down into internal “parts.” Some believe that mental health conditions like schizophrenia or dementia are more complicated and IFS’s focus on internal conflict may not always capture the full picture of it. 

Some people criticize the model of IFS because parts are similar to aspects of multiple personality disorder. However, this explanation is oversimplified. Parts in IFS can be a simple way to discuss and understand our various unique reactions to our lived experiences. Parts descriptions can often be an indicator of ways we naturally want to protect ourselves when we feel vulnerable.

While parts work can be very effective for some clients, others may feel that their emotional or psychological challenges may go beyond the scope of IFS. In conditions that don’t have a good sense of self, like personality disorders, IFS may not be effective.

• 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.

It can be challenging for some individuals to identify their internal parts and figure out their specific roles, which can cause confusion and frustration. Because of this, some problems might stay hidden, or be difficult to find, which would make therapy progress more difficult. However, a skilled IFS therapist can help facilitate the client in finding and fleshing out their various parts.

• Dependence on Therapeutic Guidance

As IFS therapy involves a close collaboration between the client and the therapist. At times clients may have difficulty managing their emotions on their own. When their needs are complex, they may lack the necessary skills to control their inner parts. They may need ongoing professional support. However, this is an issue with most types of therapy and complex cases.

• Inconsistency in IFS Therapy Training

One of the emerging issues is the variability in the quality of IFS therapy training. Therapist training with the IFS creator, Richard Schwartz, is difficult to get into and cost-prohibitive for some. Some of the online IFS courses may be too basic for a therapist to be proficient. However, there are many excellent training courses in IFS offered by seasoned IFS practitioners, online and in person.

As this approach is not as well established and formalized as compared to popular therapy programs like CBT and DBT, some critics think that more people are using IFS therapy than there are skilled professionals available to train them properly.

You can also read this article : The role of cbt for depression in emotional wellness.

Conclusion

Whether you find IFS to be a valuable approach or prefer an alternative therapy, it’s essential to choose a therapy that aligns with your personal needs and goals.

Art therapy may be a way to build a strong mental state. Whether you’re dealing with depression, trauma, or everyday stress, at Art Therapy Guelph, we provide a safe and supportive environment for self-exploration. Contact us today and see for yourself how this form of therapy may boost self-confidence and give you peace and contentment.