IFS Basics
This therapy model views the mind as made up of multiple inner parts, guided by a core Self.
What is Internal Family Systems (IFS)?
These protector parts try to keep life controlled and prevent emotional pain.
What are managers?
These protector parts react quickly when emotional pain breaks through.
What are firefighters?
The core, undamaged essence that exists in everyone.
What is Self?
In IFS, some parts are bad and need to be eliminated.
What is false?
In IFS, ________ and behaviors are understood as meaningful attempts to protect the system.
What are symptoms?
Common manager strategies include perfectionism, people-pleasing, or overthinking.
What are controlling behaviors?
Firefighters focus on stopping pain immediately, often without concern for long-term consequences, this is called...
What is crisis-driven behavior?
One of the 8 Cs that means wanting to learn about a part rather than judge it.
What is curiosity?
Protector parts often work very hard to prevent pain.
What is true?
IFS assumes there are no “bad” parts — every part has this underlying intention of ________.
What is a protective or positive intention?
Managers often believe that if they don’t do their job, this will happen.
What is “something bad will happen / we’ll be overwhelmed”?
Examples include substance use, bingeing, dissociation, or impulsive behaviors.
What are firefighter coping strategies?
This Self quality helps parts feel understood and accepted.
What is compassion?
Firefighter parts are focused on immediate relief, not long-term consequences.
What is true?
This is the idea that all parts belong and deserve respect and understanding.
What is “all parts are welcome”?
A manager part might show up strongly in these moments.
What are times of stress or perceived failure?
Firefighters often show up when this type of part is activated.
What is an exile?
When Self is present, parts tend to do this naturally.
What is soften, relax, or step back?.. etc
Feeling overwhelmed means you’re failing at IFS.
What is false?
The internal state that can lead the system with calm, clarity, and compassion.
What is Self-leadership?
In IFS, managers are not trying to harm.... they are trying to ________.
What is protect the system?
Firefighters and managers often have this shared goal.
What is keeping the system safe?
Name two of the 8 Cs of Self.
What are any two of: Calm, Curiosity, Compassion, Clarity, Confidence, Courage, Creativity, Connectedness?
You can have more than one part active at the same time.
What is true?