internal family systems therapy worksheets

Creating worksheets for internal family systems (IFS) therapy sessions can be a helpful way to guide clients through the therapeutic process. These worksheets are specifically designed to assist therapists in working with clients on their internal family system, which consists of multiple parts or 'parts' that interact with one another. Each part has its own beliefs, feelings, and characteristics, and plays a unique role in the overall health and well-being of the individual.

Here are some common internal family system (IFS) worksheets and activities that can be used in therapy sessions:

1. Introduction to IFS: This worksheet provides an overview of the IFS model, including its core concepts and principles. It helps clients become familiar with the idea of having multiple parts within ourselves and how these parts can affect our behavior and emotions.

2. All Parts Are Welcome: This worksheet encourages clients to recognize and welcome all parts of their self, including any wounded areas or 'exiles' that may be causing distress. The worksheet helps clients become more aware of their internal world and starts the process of making connections between their different parts.

3. Recognizing Parts of Yourself Through Drawing: This activity provides a visual way for clients to explore and recognize the different parts of their self. By drawing or doodling, clients can better understand the connections between their parts and how they function together.

4. Identifying Managers and Firefighters: This worksheet helps clients identify which parts of their self are 'managers' that attempt to keep them safe and organized, and which are 'firefighters' that may actively try to solve problems. Understanding these parts can help clients develop a deeper understanding of their own psychology.

5. Understanding Our Relationship With a Part: This worksheet is used to help clients explore their relationship with a specific part of their self. It asks questions to help clients gain insight into the role and intent of the part, as well as their feelings toward it.

6. The 8Cs: This worksheet introduces the eight 'Cs' that are part of the IFS model, including curiosity, connectedness, calmness, courage, confidence, creativity, clarity, and compassion. clients can use this worksheet to explore these aspects of their self and gain a greater sense of self-awareness.

7. Exploring Your Exiles: This worksheet focuses on exploring the different parts of the self that clients have experienced as 'exiles' or injured parts. This can be a challenging process, but it helps clients process and release negative emotions and experiences related to these parts.

8. Working With the Exiles: This worksheet is used to help clients work with their 'exiles', which are the parts of the self that have been separated from the manager and are in a 'locked closet'. It guides clients through a process of recognizing and connecting with their exiles, which can help them start the process of healing.

9. Connecting to Vulnerable Parts and Unburdening: This worksheet is used to help clients create a connection with their more vulnerable parts of self, such as those that carry trauma or other negative emotions. The worksheet helps clients release these burdens and traumas, allowing them to access more of their self-energy.

10. Understanding My Exile Part: This worksheet is specifically designed to help clients understand and work with the part of themselves that protects them from feelings of pain, fear, and sorrow. It allows clients to recognize the purpose of these emotions being locked away and to work towards releasing these negative aspects of themselves.

11. Final Thoughts on Choosing IFS Exercises & Activities: This final thought highlights the importance of choosing suitable IFS exercises and activities for your clients, based on their individual needs and preferences. It also emphasizes the need for clients to have a safe and supportive environment within the therapeutic relationship to fully engage in these activities., internal family systems therapy worksheets offer a valuable tool for therapists to help clients explore their internal world, heal emotional wounds, and develop greater self-compassion and self-awareness. By introducing IFS concepts in a digestible way, clinicians can effectively guide clients through the therapeutic process and help them achieve a more balanced and harmonious relationship with their internal parts.