Introduction to Internal Family Systems

By: Richard C. Schwartz PhD

Narrated by: Wollman Craig, Katherine Allee, Emily Pike Stewart, Brock D. Vickers

Length: 4 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

A highly accessible introduction to a therapeutic approach that brings our inner “parts” into harmony and allows our core Self to lead

We’re all familiar with self-talk, self-doubt, self-judgment—yet most of us still view ourselves as if we have one uniform mind. Dr. Richard Schwartz’s breakthrough was recognizing that we each contain an “internal family” of distinct parts—and that treating these parts with curiosity, respect, and empathy vastly expands our capacity to heal.

Over the past two decades, Internal Family Systems (IFS) has transformed the practice of psychotherapy. With Introduction to Internal Family Systems, the creator of IFS presents the ideal layperson’s guide for understanding this empowering, effective, and non-pathologizing approach to self-discovery and healing. Here, Dr. Schwartz shares evidence, case studies, and self-care tools to help you:

• Shift from the limiting “mono-mind” paradigm into an appreciation of your marvelous, multidimensional nature
• Unburden your wounded parts from extreme beliefs, emotions, and addictions
• Demystify the most commonly misunderstood parts—the Exiles, Managers, and Firefighters
• Transform your most challenging parts from inner obstacles to invaluable allies
• Embrace the existence of innate human goodness—in yourself and others
• Connect with the true Self that is greater than the sum of your parts

“The most wonderful discovery I have made is that as you do this work, you release, or liberate, what I call your Self or your True Self—the calm, compassionate essence of who you are,” says Dr. Schwartz. “When the Self becomes the leading intelligence in our lives, we create more harmony—both within ourselves and in our external lives.” For therapists, their clients, and anyone interested in understanding and healing themselves, here is an essential guide to a revolutionary approach to self-realization, mental wellness, and transformation.

©2023 Richard C. Schwartz, PhD (P)2023 Sounds True

Critic reviews

“Rich in illuminating case examples and written with elegant simplicity and wit, this book is an ideal introduction for the general public to Richard Schwartz’s groundbreaking IFS therapy—a unique way of getting to know, befriend, and learn to lead all parts of ourselves.” —Gabor Maté, MD, author of The Myth of Normal

“Introduction to Internal Family Systems lays the foundation for how to learn to love even the most difficult parts of yourself, which opens you to a revolutionary kind of love for others in need of more self-compassion at a time when our world is in desperate need of more kindness.” —Lissa Rankin, MD, New York Times bestselling author of Mind Over Medicine and Sacred Medicine

“Internal Family Systems has helped me in my healing process and opened me up to vast modalities of healing.” —Jonathan Van Ness, Emmy®-nominated television personality, comedian, New York Times bestselling author, podcaster, hairstylist, and hair-care innovator

Life changing

Wonderful intro into IFS for someone who is brand new to the theory and concepts. Recommend. Also, high quality recording and good narrator.

My journey to healing

This was recommended by a coworker and I am so thankful. This is my journey to a balanced life.

A great IFS read

This is a well-written book that provides a very thorough introduction to IFS. I read this as I was reading No Bad Parts and I thought the two books worked well together.

understanding IFS

i Loved it. it was extremely helpful for my journey!! very grateful for this work.

Beautiful

A beautiful path through some troubled waters, thank you. Great place to start my healing journey.

Helpful

This is a great summary and introduction of the revolutionary IFS therapy. Recommended reading if you like psychology or are looking for ways to mitigate suffering

Clear, simple introduction to IFS

Dr. Richard Schwartz does a fantastic job in clearly and simple explaining IFS. I highly recommend it without reservation.

From a grateful learner,
Rivka Edery

Great intro to IFS !

This is a good place to start your knowledge journey with IFS. Easy to follow.

super helpful overview

This book gave me a better overall understanding of how IFS works and what to expect when beginning an I. F. S journey. I was unfamiliar with what kind of parts I might encounter on this journey but this book clearly outlines some of the parts we might encounter & what their roles are. Since I am a survivor of a religious cult, I found the references to biblical verses somewhat triggering. If not for this, I might bump this book to a 4 star.