Internal Family Systems Explained: A Guide to IFS Therapy

Today, Alice Mills Mai, LPCC-S, NCC joins the podcast to talk all about a modality everyone is talking about: Internal Family Systems (IFS). The conversation explores the origins, basic concepts, and therapeutic applications of IFS, including defining parts like managers, firefighters, and exiles. They also delve into the qualities of the self and how practitioners can guide clients through parts work and guided imagery. The experts share insights on integrating IFS with other modalities like EMDR, and discuss the significance of IFS training and certification. 00:00 Introduction to the Therapist Thrival Guide 00:27 Alice's Background and Introduction to IFS 01:23 Understanding Internal Family Systems (IFS) 02:40 The Development and Structure of IFS 05:10 Parts Work in IFS: Managers, Firefighters, and Exiles 14:03 Guided Imagery and Experiential Techniques in IFS 22:57 Introducing IFS to Clients 24:41 Training and Certification in IFS 26:45 Comparing IFS with Other Therapies 28:46 Understanding the Self in IFS 31:37 Applying IFS in Therapy 38:22 Final Thoughts on IFS Our Host: Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for several years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, case manager, and the Director of Brand Content at Ellie Mental Health. Follow her on LinkedIn to see what’s next:   / miranda-barker-msw-licsw   The Therapist Thrival Guide is a podcast by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellie Mental Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We want to move therapists beyond surviving and into the realm of thriving by covering all the things that graduate school didn't teach you! This mental health podcast is hosted by Miranda Barker, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise to help us learn how to thrive as therapists.⁠⁠ The Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Ellie Mental Health⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellie is a national mental health brand organized around community-based outpatient mental health clinics. It all began with a single office in St. Paul, Minnesota back in 2015, and has expanded to an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#therapy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ABOUT OUR GUEST: Alice is both a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC-S) and National Certified Counselor (NCC). Her mission is to create culturally affirming spaces that foster wholeness, accountability, and liberation where people (therapists and clients) can thrive, learn, and grow. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) and Internal family systems (IFS). Alice enjoys working with all of her clients, especially immigrants and children of immigrants, exploring trauma and its implications on our lives.