IFS is a way of working with various parts of a person, thus, Parts Work is the name that IFS therapy is often referred to. We think of 'parts' when we experience shifting states of mind that each have unique thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, which then in turn create patterns that recur within us and that we begin to recognise as parts of ourselves. These parts can at times be quite different from each other. 

IFS aims to assist individuals to gain a perspective that allows the state of mind we call "self" to be in charge and orchestrate a more balanced life.

"The underlying premise of IFS is that all people have a calm, compassionate core 'self' and that heling the wounded parts restores balance to the self." - Richard C. Schwartz

In 2015, IFS was listed in the National Registry for Evidence-based Programs and Practices and has been shown to be effective for the improvement of general emotional and mental well-being; rated as one of the most promising techniques to improve symptoms of phobia, panic, generalised anxiety, depression, and certain physical ailments. 

IFS may be applied in family, couple, and individual therapy to target trauma, abuse (physical, emotional, sexual), compulsive behaviours, depression, bi-polar, anxiety, body image issues, phobias, and substance dependency.