Effectiveness & Research
Effects of IFS
Relief and Stability for Therapists
IFS offers therapists noticeable relief in their daily practice. The approach allows them to act from their SELF qualities – such as clarity, compassion, and confidence – making it easier to handle therapeutic challenges.
This positively affects the therapist-client relationship. The therapeutic process becomes smoother, and the risk of burnout and secondary trauma is reduced.
Sustainable Transformation for Clients and Self-Practitioners
Practitioners experience profound change through IFS. By recognizing and relating to their inner parts, they gain clarity on emotional blocks and unconscious patterns.
This process strengthens self-confidence, promotes emotional resilience, and enables the long-term resolution of burdensome issues. IFS is thus a powerful method for self-reflection and self-care.
Effective Self-Care for Self-Users
For self-users, IFS offers an effective method to better understand themselves and take care of their own needs. By recognizing and working with the inner parts, they can address inner conflicts and stressors more specifically. The process promotes self-compassion and serenity, which leads to a more balanced and self-determined life.
Current state of research
Proven Effectiveness
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recognized IFS as an evidence-based practice as early as 2015.
The effectiveness of IFS has been demonstrated in five key areas:
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Reduction of anxiety
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Reduction of depression
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Promotion of physical health
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Improvement of well-being
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Strengthening of personal resilience
Reduction of Trauma Symptoms and PTSD
IFS has proven to be effective in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), especially for individuals who have experienced multiple childhood traumas. The therapy helps reduce symptoms such as dissociation, depression, and emotional dysregulation (source).
Improvement in Depression
IFS has been shown to be as effective as established therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) in treating depression. Clients were able to resolve emotional blockages and reduce depressive symptoms (source).
Relief of Chronic Pain
Studies show that IFS can also be beneficial for physical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. The therapy not only reduces emotional symptoms such as anxiety and depression but also alleviates physical pain and improves functional health (source).
Promoting emotional resilience and self-compassion
IFS strengthens emotional resilience and self-compassion by enabling clients to better understand and integrate their inner parts. This leads to lasting emotional stability and an improved quality of life (source).
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