IFS Resource Guide

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

The Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy model was first developed in the 1980’s by Dr. Richard Schwartz. Read more here. Used primarily by therapists for many years, today, the key principles and tools of IFS are being successfully brought into the work of Christ-centered spiritual direction.

Is IFS Therapy ‘Christian-based’?

The short answer is, at its core, NO. Yet, when carefully brought into our Christ-centered ministry environments, many spiritual directors believe IFS tools can be used quite effectively, when combined with God-honoring, Christ-centered, Spirit-led, and Biblically-sound ministry to others.

For those who want to explore IFS more deeply, this page offers many great resources that we’ve found helpful.

This short 7-minute video from IFS therapist Teresa Lewis (above) can give you a brief intro to IFS.

Julie Honeycutt is a certified IFS therapist and completed Level 3 IFS training in 2008 under the teaching of the founder and creator of IFS, Dr. Schwartz. Julie’s integration of IFS and the Judeo-Christian worldview began in 2004 while finishing her integration of faith & counseling degree at Reformed Theological Seminary. She had the unique experience of going through Levels 1 & 2 IFS training solely with other like-minded Christians, including spiritual directors, pastors, professors, and theologians. Together with the IFS trainers and founder, Dick Schwartz, space was given to wrestle with where the IFS model of therapy does and doesn't align with a Christian worldview and discover the aspects of the model that complement and enhance one’s Christian faith. We highly recommend Julie's ministry and suggest you visit her website by clicking on the pic above...

A Warning: Your journey into the study of IFS Therapy and how you adapt it for use in Christ-centered, Compassion-based spiritual direction will expose you to books and resources that are written by secular authors. Thus, as you read, you will find statements that don’t necessarily align with our understanding of the Christian faith. We ask you to be aware of your feelings (your parts) that arise as you read, work with them, and choose to discern wisely. We suggest that you invite the Holy Spirit to read along with you, asking Him to bring His Truth forward. It’s much like eating fish. Throw out the bones. Eat the meat. Trusting all along the way that Jesus will lead us on His path throughout our journey together.

Compassion In Practice – The Way of Jesus (Revised Edition), Dr. Frank Rogers Jr.

Introduction To Internal Family Systems,(Second Edition), Richard Schwartz

Boundaries for Your Soul: How to Turn Your Overwhelming Thoughts and Feelings into Your Greatest Allies, Alison Cook, Kimberley Miller

The Spirit-Led Life: A Christian Encounter with Internal Family Systems, Mary Steege

No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model, Richard Schwartz

Altogether You: Experiencing personal and spiritual transformation with Internal Family Systems therapy, Jenna Riemersma

The Inner Voice of Love: A Journey Through Anguish to Freedom, Henri J.M. Nouwen

Journey to Shalom: Finding Healing, Wholeness, and Freedom In Sacred Stories, Molly LaCroix

Litanies of the Heart, Gerry Ken Crete

Parts Work & Inner Active Cards for Parts Work – 3^rd edition, Tom Holmes

The IFS Flip Chart – A Psycho-educational Tool for Unlocking the Incredible Healing Potential of the Multiple Mind, Colleen West

Internal Family Systems – Skills Training Manual, Frank Anderson, Martha Sweezy, Richard Schwartz

There’s a Part of Me…, Jon Schwartz, Bill Brennan

We All Have Parts: An Illustrated Guide to Healing Trauma with Internal Family Systems, Colleen West

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma, Bessel van der Kolk, M.D

So, is TCA-SSD training spiritual directors to become IFS therapists?

Absolutely not. That job goes to the IFS Institute. Our goal here with TCA-SSD is to encourage, equip and support a network of Christ-centered, Compassion-based spiritual directors who 1) use IFS as a tool of self-awareness for ourselves, and 2) bring the insights and tools of IFS into our work as spiritual directors.

Just as some directors are trained to use the Enneagram or the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius as tools in their practice, so we believe there is great potential for those of us who bring the tools of IFS into our work as well.

We have two options for you to explore…

Our TCA-School of Spiritual Direction (TCA-SSD) cohort: A Two-Year Training Intensive in Christ-Centered, Compassion-Based Spiritual Direction with an IFS Twist. Read more here.

Our TCA-School of Spiritual Direction (TCA-SSD) cohort: A One-Year IFS Training Intensive for Christ-Centered, Compassion-Based Spiritual Directors. Read more here.