
WAs a Level 3 Certified IFS psychotherapist, I help you focus on the Self, the essence of who you
are, and healing and leading your parts. Our minds are naturally subdivided into three
storytellers or parts: head, heart, and body. Conflicts and extremes in our parts are where
problems arise. In order to heal, these must be brought into collaboration with your Self.
Dr. Richard Schwartz, the developer of the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, groups our
parts into three types:
● Managers – This type of protectors rule individuals as they attempt to control
relationships and situations in an effort to prevent emotional pain. Examples of
managers are, inner critics, helpers, perfectionist, task master, people pleaser, etc.,Many
of these protectors live in the head trying to racionalize, figure out, questioning.
● Firefighters – When this type of parts emerges, it tries to control and numb your
feelings. They usually use your body through impulsive behaviors such as This is seen in
self-destructive behaviors such as substance use, binge-eating, and other
counterproductive behaviors.
● Exiles – these parts are our neglected inner children who carries the burden or our
shame become isolated and exiled by the protectors, leaving you feeling vulnerable and
fragile. Exiles carry the burdens and belief such as, "I am not good enough," "I do not
belong," "I am worthless," etc.
Above our protectors and exiles, we have what Dr. Schwartz defines Self as our core self that
has the 8 C's: Compassion, Confident, Calm, Clarity, Creativity, Connectedness, Curiosity,
Courage and i personally add love and light.
To learn more, please visit: Evolution of The Internal Family Systems Model By Dr. Richard
Schwartz, Ph. D. | IFS Institute (ifs-institute.com)