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The Internal Family Systems Model views the internal system as a whole, considering all aspects of the interrelatedness and dynamics occurring with the various “parts”; inner personalities, that make up our system. With this approach, eating disorders are viewed systemically as “parts” and explored relationally with all other “parts” in a system. Eating disorder “parts” are able to be seen and treated in the same way all other “parts” are, in this model, which allows for healing, reharmonization, and unburdening to occur internally. IFS has discovered our “parts” do not go away and the longer they are misunderstood and lack a relationship with The Self (IFS’s concept of Self has been discussed in a previous article in this series) the longer their maladaptive roles will persist.

The Internal Family Systems model (IFS) is a beneficial therapeutic model for clients, specifically those who suffer from eating disorders. For the purpose of this blog, the area of focus will be exploring the IFS concept of the “Self” in the internal system and how experiencing healing through this approach can be life changing for those in recovery from eating disorders. The concept of “Self” in IFS is unique in the sense that it encourages the healing of attachment wounds and other areas of burdened pain from within one’s internal system. Those who struggle with eating disorders frequently present with hopelessness regarding their ability to recover due to the complexity of the illness and the recovery process. The intensity of struggling with an eating disorder, and its accompanying comorbidities, often times depletes clients of hope for recovery and trust in their capacity for healing. The IFS model, specifically the experience of accessing “Self” through the use of this model provides a shift in reconnecting to a sense of hope for recovery.

The Internal Family Systems model has grown in popularity over the past few decades due to the transformative approach this model uses when treating those who suffer from many disorders, including eating disorders. The purpose of this blog is to expand on the IFS model’s concept of “parts” within the internal system and how eating disorders can be conceptualized through the use of this model. The “parts” perspective not only allows clients and practitioners to take a unique approach toward healing, but also aids in destigmatizing the nature of what it means to struggle with mental illness.

The Internal Family Systems model has grown in popularity over the past few decades as an effective and unique method of psychotherapy for treating various disorders, including eating disorders. The Internal Family Systems model’s “parts” approach takes a unique method toward healing. This model views symptoms and behaviors as “parts” and encourages clients to take on a self-compassion led perspective toward changing their disordered eating behaviors. This therapeutic model welcomes all “parts”, allowing space for clients to achieve holistic healing in their internal systems.