Internal Family Systems Therapy: UK Options

Researchers have long been aware of a need for effective therapeutic modalities to treat trauma, especially in those with complex childhood trauma that causes long-term challenges in adulthood. Although therapeutic modalities like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be effective for a wide range of people, some don’t respond as well to these techniques when working through severe trauma or dissociation. For this reason, psychologists created internal family systems therapy (IFS) and similar therapeutic modalities to address the unique challenges of developmental trauma. The IFS model of psychotherapy utilizes psychotherapy concepts such as sensing body awareness and seeking the core self, and offers guidance toward healing. Below, explore the principles of internal system therapy, how to find a therapist in the UK, and what to look for in an IFS therapist. 

Trauma-informed care for mental health

Trauma-informed care is an approach that looks at an individual’s unique experiences in life instead of only viewing mental health from a pathological perspective. Prior to the advent of this therapeutic approach, many therapists were trained to see clients only as a set of symptoms or “bad behaviors” that should be changed. With trauma-informed care, although it may also involve changing unhelpful behaviors and thoughts, the emphasis is on treating the client with respect, not blaming them for their symptoms, and assuming their challenges come from what they’ve been through, not just who they are.

Internal family systems therapy: Development & techniques

Internal family systems therapy was developed in the 1980s by Dr. Richard Schwartz, PhD. He aimed to use the ideas of systems thinking and the multiplicity of the mind theory to create a system that could treat people with complex developmental trauma and dissociative disorders. The idea of the treatment is based on parts theory, which posits that all people have several inner parts to their personality, or an "internal family", that can become fractured, and that some parts may be stronger in certain moments than others. 

Developmental trauma, which is often associated with severe dissociative disorders and trauma-related conditions, is thought to cause this type of splitting of the personality into the family-type parts. Mental health care approaches related to parts theory are not the same as dissociative identity disorder (DID), a mental health condition where each part has its own identity, name, age, and personality. Instead, parts theory posits that all people have parts of their personality and subpersonalities and that these may be more pronounced in some individuals—especially those with past trauma. 

Core concepts of IFS therapy

The core concepts of IFS therapy include the idea that we all have an internal system of different “families” or sub parts within ourselves that are in conflict with each other. The ability to reintegrate the exiled parts of ourselves can help us become managers of a whole and well-balanced self, and to heal from mental health conditions that may be precipitated by complex trauma. IFS can be a helpful form of treatment for individuals who may experience C-PTSD with traumatic jobs, such as soldiers, firefighters, or ER doctors. 

The role of the core self

IFS is a form of compassion-focused therapy that allows the individual to bring the warring sub-groups within themselves into harmony, calm, and rest under the guidance of the “core self”, the confident and compassionate whole person that exists in every individual. A therapist can facilitate this harmony by appealing to the curiosity, courage, creativity, and compassion of the core self. 

Which mental illnesses can IFS help treat? 

Internal family systems therapy was developed to treat trauma- and stressor-related conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (C-PTSD). In addition, the therapeutic modality can be helpful for other disorders commonly formed from trauma, such as dissociative disorders and some personality disorders, like borderline personality disorder (BPD). 

Research on the effectiveness of IFS for trauma- and stressor-related disorders

Several preliminary studies have indicated that IFS can be effective in many cases, and its popularity is growing. Research published on the IFS Institute website can be reviewed by individuals looking for more information.

Internal family systems therapy in the UK 

Finding an IFS therapist may be tricky, as this therapeutic modality is more rare and newer than other popular approaches. However, you may be able to connect with an IFS therapist to identify and heal the family within yourself through the following methods. 

NHS

The National Health Service (NHS) provides free healthcare to eligible UK residents and citizens. You can request a referral to an IFS therapist by talking to your general practitioner or self-referring through the NHS website or self-referral hotline number. 

Independent providers specializing in internal family systems therapy

Independent therapists may be more likely to practice a therapeutic modality like IFS, as they can control their client load and may be more specialized. However, they might not take insurance or work with the NHS, so you may have to pay out of pocket. In these cases, those facing financial barriers might look for sliding-scale therapists.

Online counselling 

Qualifications for an IFS therapist 

When looking for an IFS therapist, you might ensure they are registered with an organization like the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). You might also inquire as to whether the provider has certification through the IFS Institute. This extra credential can help you trust that your therapist has fully studied how internal family systems work and understands what is required to support clients. Therapists can work with Internal Family Systems UK to get certified within the UK. 

Other traits to consider looking for in a therapist include the following: 

• Respect, patience, and empathy 
• Past experience treating clients with your condition, symptoms, or lived experiences 
• Tolerance and understanding of different identities; a lack of bias 
• An understanding of trauma and trauma-informed care 

IFS session overview 

When you’re feeling anxious, it can help to have an idea of what to expect from IFS. Simply making the first appointment can be an important first step to tackling fear and difficulties in your world. If you are curious how to begin, understand that the first session will mainly be a “getting to know you” period. 

The first internal family systems session is generally an intake appointment where the therapist will ask questions about your mental health history and goals for therapy. They may explain the basis of IFS to you and help you start to identify parts within your own mental “system.” 

In following therapy sessions, you and your therapist might discuss the typical roles parts of your internal family can play, such as protection, holding memories, guarding emotional pain, or socializing. You’ll explore and map these parts in more detail at your own pace over time.

Benefits for children, parents, and families

Because IFS is a compassion-forward therapeutic approach, it can be helpful in addressing unhealthy family dynamics, informing parenting practices, and building bridges between children and their parents. A commitment to learning the principles behind this discipline can help to bolster self-awareness and foster personal growth in a way that, for kids, can positively impact the future and lead to generational healing.  

Healing and growth through IFS

IFS can also be helpful in facilitating personal growth. IFS has the ability to build confidence, navigate personal difficulties, cultivate self-trust, and restore balance to individuals who have been impacted by trauma. 

Alternatives and integrations

There are a range of supportive talk therapies that may be more appropriate for the individual, depending on personal preference. Other approaches in psychotherapy that can offer similar techniques and outcomes include compassion focused therapy (CFT), gestalt therapy, and exposure and response therapy (ERP). Therapists often integrate techniques from two or more approaches to meet the personal needs of their client. 

Similar modalities 

If you’re looking for a trauma-informed therapist, there are many options to consider in addition to IFS. For example, you might also look into similar therapeutic modalities that have been around for longer or don’t only focus on parts-related work, such as: 

• Trauma-informed cognitive behavioral therapy (TI-CBT) 
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) 
• Exposure and response prevention (ERP) 
• Ego state therapy
• Existential therapy 
• Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) 
• Attachment-focused therapy 
• Family therapy with a family therapist 

Alternative options 

If you’re looking for a way to find support without having to go to a therapist in your area, you may be able to find an IFS therapist online. Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp offer subscriptions as low as £65, billed every four weeks. Since clients can use these therapeutic platforms to engage in online sessions via phone, video, or live chat from anywhere they have an internet connection, it can be a more convenient option for those with a busy schedule or a lack of nearby therapists. 

Studies indicate that online IFS may be effective in supporting clients who have experienced trauma. For example, findings from a 2024 study suggest that online group IFS therapy significantly reduced PTSD symptoms in 53% of participants, and all participants were reported to have experienced decentering, increased self-compassion, and improved emotion regulation.