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As an autism therapist, I have been asked by clients and other professionals to describe my approach to autism therapy. Throughout my career, I have researched many different therapeutic approaches to determine what would be best for the neurodivergent clients I serve. I have found Internal Family Systems or IFS to be a powerfully effective way to help clients manage anxiety, and improve mood, self-esteem, and interpersonal communication, and treat trauma.
I am passionate about the IFS model and am excited to share with you how I use it to help teens and adults who are neurodivergent. My hope is that understanding the IFS model will provide you with a necessary framework to better understand yourself or a loved one with ASD.
What is Internal Family Systems
The Internal Family Systems model, or IFS for short, recognizes that all people have a Self and parts. Take a moment to think whether you have ever heard someone say something like, “Part of me feels hurt, but another part of me feels angry”. Naturally, we refer to “parts” when describing our own inner experience.
Richard Schwartz developed the IFS approach after listening to many people in his therapy office describe their inner parts. He learned that the inner turmoil people experience is often from parts that are polarized (e.g., part of me feels lonely and wants friends, but another part of me avoids people for fear of rejection). Richard Schwartz also came to realize that all people have a Self, which includes qualities like Self-compassion, non-judgmental curiosity, and calm. The Self, he discovered, can help resolve inner turmoil and bring balance to our inner system. This allows a person to feel more comfortable and confident, less torn about decisions, less anxious and depressed, and more hopeful.
Three Types of Parts
All people have three types of “parts.” These types are: vulnerable parts (exiles), firefighter parts, and manager parts. Below, I will break down the different types of parts and give some examples. As you are reading, I invite you to think about your own parts and how they may be impacting your thoughts and actions.
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