Multiplicity of the Mind

This is the foundation of IFS, which posits that our mind is composed of multiple, distinct parts, or sub-personalities, each with its own perspective, interests, memories, and viewpoints

All Parts are Good

IFS holds that every part has a positive intention and a valuable role, even if its methods can be problematic.
Parts may be forced into extreme roles due to life experiences, but at their core, they're trying to help. 

The Self

The Self is the core or essence of an individual. Unlike the parts, it isn't shaped by experience.
It's characterized by qualities like calmness, curiosity, compassion, courage, confidence, creativity, clarity, and connectedness—the 8 Cs.
IFS believes that everyone has a Self, and it can't be damaged or lost. 

Self-Leadership:

In IFS, the goal is to help the individual's Self to take on a leadership role. This means that the Self is the one making decisions and leading the individual's internal system, rather than the parts.

Healing through Relationship

Healing happens through the relationship between the Self and the parts. When parts trust the Self, they can let go of their extreme roles and transform. This is achieved through the steps of getting to know the part, unblending from it, developing a trusting relationship with it, and unburdening it.

Non-pathologizing

IFS does not label or pathologize parts. Even parts that engage in problematic behaviors are not viewed as "bad" or "disordered." They're seen as doing their best to protect the individual, even if their methods are extreme or unhelpful.

The Pleaser

The Pleaser tries to make everyone happy and avoid conflict. This might involve agreeing with others even when the individual doesn't really feel the same way or doing things they don't want to do to keep others happy.

The Critic

The Critic constantly judges and criticizes the individual to push them to do better or avoid mistakes. For example, a person with a strong Critic manager might constantly feel like they're not good enough or that they could have done better.

The Caretaker

The Caretaker prioritizes the needs of others over the individual's own needs in order to maintain harmony and avoid conflict. A person with a Caretaker manager might constantly care for others, neglecting their own needs and desires in the process. 

The Planner

This manager part is constantly thinking ahead, planning for every possibility to avoid unexpected outcomes. A person with a dominant Planner manager might spend a lot of time worrying about the future and making contingency plans for every possible scenario.

The Perfectionist

This manager part pushes individuals to meet high or even impossible standards in an attempt to avoid criticism, failure, or rejection. For example, a person with a strong Perfectionist manager might spend excessive time reviewing and revising their work, fearing that any mistake could lead to criticism.

The workaholic

The Workaholic drives individuals to constantly stay busy with work, often at the expense of personal relationships and self-care. It tries to avoid feelings of inadequacy or failure. For instance, a person driven by this manager might consistently stay late at work, sacrifice leisure time, and struggle with work-life balance.

The Controller

This manager part tries to maintain control over situations and people to prevent unexpected or uncomfortable outcomes. Someone with a dominant Controller part might always plan every detail of trips, meetings, and events, or they might try to control the behavior of their family members or friends to keep situations predictable and comfortable.

The Addictive Firefighter

This part uses addictive behaviors as a way to numb or distract from feelings of pain, discomfort, or vulnerability.

For example, a person with an Addictive firefighter might resort to excessive drinking, drug use, or overeating when they start feeling upset or overwhelmed.

The Blaming Firefighter

This part projects discomfort onto others by blaming them. Instead of the person feeling their own discomfort, the Blaming firefighter may cause them to find fault with others.

For instance, if they feel inadequate at work, they might blame their colleagues for not supporting them enough.

The Impulsive Firefighter

This part engages in impulsive behaviors to distract from feelings of pain or vulnerability. This could be impulsive shopping, reckless driving, or risky sexual behavior.

For instance, a person with this firefighter might go on a shopping spree after a stressful day at work to avoid feeling their stress and discomfort.

The Self-Harming Firefighter

This part uses self-harm as a way to distract from emotional pain. For instance, a person with this firefighter might engage in cutting, burning, or other forms of self-harm when they feel overwhelmed by emotional pain.

The Dissociative Firefighter

This part causes the individual to dissociate or disconnect from reality as a way to escape feelings of pain or discomfort.

For example, a person with a Dissociative firefighter might feel detached from their body or their surroundings when they start feeling upset or overwhelmed.

The Rageful Firefighter

This part uses anger and rage as a way to shield the individual from feeling vulnerable or hurt.

A person with a Rageful firefighter might become suddenly and intensely angry in response to perceived criticism or rejection.