ABSTRACT
The Internal Family Systems (IFS) model expands and enhances the effectiveness of parent guidance. Teaching the model and using the IFS protocol in parent guidance sessions has helped families shift away from negative patterns to healthier family functioning. In parent guidance this has been a helpful concept to teach parents, one that they can, in turn, teach to their children. The IFS couples model in parent guidance sessions can change unhealthy parts-led dynamics between parents and children. One very helpful IFS concept is speaking for and not from parts. When we speak from a part we are inhabited by that part and are blended with it. Being able to speak for a part indicates that there is separation from the part; there is meta-cognition, or observing ego, or the presence of Self that can relay what the part's thoughts and feelings are.
