Where Does It Begin? Healing and Connection in IFS/IFIO & EFT
‘The Self is like an orchestra conductor who helps all the parts to function harmoniously as a symphony rather than a cacophony.’ – Dr Bessel van der Kolk
Both EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) by Dr S. Johnson (the 1980s) and IFS as in Internal Family Systems (Intimacy From Inside Out, IFIO for couples) by Dr R. Schwartz (early 1990s), arguably are the two of the fastest growing therapy approaches in the world. Both are powerful evidence-based experiential therapeutic models focusing on intrapsychic and interpersonal processes in individuals and couples, and allow for relational and personal healing and growth. Briefly, IFS outlines that we each contain a central Self (Core Self, My Self, Spiritual Self, Soul) and many Protector parts (Managers and Firefighters).
It appears that these two modalities, EFT & IFS, present two perspectives on the most intriguing dilemma in psychotherapy – where does change come from and begin with, what is primary? Is it internal resourcefulness, self-regulating ability that does the trick and lets one find a good satisfying relationship – or is it developing of a secure attachment and co-regulation in your relationship first that then helps get rid of one’s own defences and reactivity?
Dr R. Schwartz suggests that in IFS ‘attachment theory is taken inside’, where client’s core undamaged Self becomes a ‘good attachment figure’ to client’s own parts. It feels that these two compelling models can be complementary for some clients or couples, and there is a scope for integrating both approaches in a creative way in your clinical practice.
This brief seminar will give a concise introduction to key elements of IFS/IFIO framework, and will compare and contrast EFT and IFIO for couples therapy with relevant case examples.
Workshop objectives:
Resources and references:
Brief description – https://theweekenduniversity.com/internal-family-systems-therapy-an-introduction/
Becoming Whole (R. Schwartz) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNtussFaYC0
Internal Family Systems Couple Therapy (Skills Manual), Toni Herbine-Blank, Martha Sweeze, 2021,
Internal Family Systems (Skills Training Manual, F. Anderson, M. Sweeze, R. Schwartz, 2017
‘The Self is like an orchestra conductor who helps all the parts to function harmoniously as a symphony rather than a cacophony.’ – Dr Bessel van der Kolk
Both EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) by Dr S. Johnson (the 1980s) and IFS as in Internal Family Systems (Intimacy From Inside Out, IFIO for couples) by Dr R. Schwartz (early 1990s), arguably are the two of the fastest growing therapy approaches in the world. Both are powerful evidence-based experiential therapeutic models focusing on intrapsychic and interpersonal processes in individuals and couples, and allow for relational and personal healing and growth. Briefly, IFS outlines that we each contain a central Self (Core Self, My Self, Spiritual Self, Soul) and many Protector parts (Managers and Firefighters).
It appears that these two modalities, EFT & IFS, present two perspectives on the most intriguing dilemma in psychotherapy – where does change come from and begin with, what is primary? Is it internal resourcefulness, self-regulating ability that does the trick and lets one find a good satisfying relationship – or is it developing of a secure attachment and co-regulation in your relationship first that then helps get rid of one’s own defences and reactivity?
Dr R. Schwartz suggests that in IFS ‘attachment theory is taken inside’, where client’s core undamaged Self becomes a ‘good attachment figure’ to client’s own parts. It feels that these two compelling models can be complementary for some clients or couples, and there is a scope for integrating both approaches in a creative way in your clinical practice.
This brief seminar will give a concise introduction to key elements of IFS/IFIO framework, and will compare and contrast EFT and IFIO for couples therapy with relevant case examples.
Workshop objectives:
- Outline the IFS/IFIO protocol and framework for couples therapy.
- Who is in conflict and who is fighting?
- “From self-protection to safe connection” (L. Phillips) in IFIO
- EFT and IFIO: commonalities and differences.
- Where the connection comes from? Attachment and Self-leadership.
Resources and references:
Brief description – https://theweekenduniversity.com/internal-family-systems-therapy-an-introduction/
Becoming Whole (R. Schwartz) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNtussFaYC0
Internal Family Systems Couple Therapy (Skills Manual), Toni Herbine-Blank, Martha Sweeze, 2021,
Internal Family Systems (Skills Training Manual, F. Anderson, M. Sweeze, R. Schwartz, 2017
