The Parts Part: Internal Family Systems (IFS)

If you have followed prior posts in this blog, you may have wondered why there are frequent references to "my parts."  An idea that sets IFS a-'part' from other theories of development and treatment is its basis in an awareness of our multiplicity.  In other words, we are not only one element of many systems (i.e., family, community, society, nation,...), but are also made up of many elements.  These elements work together more or less smoothly to assess and respond to our interpersonal environment, generally using past experiences to determine future action.  These response patterns, or parts activities, tend to happen so quickly that we are unaware of the unique design underlying any particular stimulus/response.  However, by slowing down these activities and witnessing the inherent meanings held therein, we gain an opportunity for perspective, and can actively modify our response patterns to better reflect current conditions, instead of triggering old "knee-jerk" reactions.

The beauty of the IFS model, (Schwartz, 1995) is its application of the concepts and practice of "Family Systems Theory" to internal personality structures.  The underlying activities of internal parts are based upon internalized versions of interactions with other (external) people in your life, so application of this interpersonal model to  internal processes makes inherent sense.  For example: if you were bullied by an older sibling during childhood, it is likely that a part developed within your personality structure to predict the likely sources and outcomes of further bullying.  A part may develop to attempt to protect you from the potential negative outcome of further bullying by running a 'script' of bullying commentary, and thus, may help you to avoid actual exposure to your brother's wrath.  A Family Systems therapist who was brought into the (external) situation would likely work with the family as a group to determine what elements of stress are producing such problematic interactions between your brother and you.  Perhaps he is acting out his own sense of vulnerability to external forces (e.g., frustration with school or friends; conflict between parents; fears of failure...). The Family Systems therapist would look beyond the acting-out to its source, and attempt to intervene at that level.  However, most of the time such victimization may have taken place with no reliable witnesses, and no intervention; instead the internal system takes on the job of management of the problem. 
This internal management process can have lasting effect on the way you respond to other perceived "bullies" in your life (the boss?, your spouse?...).  The part's activity may create a lens through which you sense others as persecutors, establishing patterns of continued negative interaction and stress across interpersonal relationships.  In order to see those relationships clearly and without the 'tint' of internally held perspectives and negative expectations, those parts need their own opportunity for acknowledgment.  Taking time to access and witness the internal models held by our parts can free us from such automatic, and perhaps outdated, perspectives.  Calm, non-judgmental awareness and validation of these isolated parts allows them to deliver their burden of expectation, and to be more present. This leads to more grounded interactions and greater self-awareness, a powerful resource and another unkind gift.