Internal Family Systems Therapy with Children

Internal Family Systems Therapy with Children, Second Edition, offers a new way of understanding and supporting children - building deep, respectful relationships with their inner worlds through the adaptation of Richard C. Schwartz's groundbreaking therapeutic model. With over 50 years of combined experience in child psychotherapy, Lisa Spiegel and Dr. Claire Stubbs weave together theory, step-by-step instruction, and case material to provide child therapists with a clear roadmap for understanding and utilizing the healing power of the IFS modality. The book is enriched with poignant, often humorous vignettes of children's therapy and offers guidance in a variety of settings including mental health clinics and schools. This updated edition sheds light on several new topics such as gender identity, working with families living with persistent disadvantages, and legacy and cultural burdens. This book also explores the intersectionality of IFS and neurodivergent "parts," and illustrates how to apply IFS methodology. This empathetic guide doesn't simply tell therapists what to do - it shows them how to truly be with a child in a way that builds trust, emotional safety, and lasting change. This book is essential reading for IFS therapists looking to deepen their understanding of the theory and practice of Internal Family Systems with children and their families.

Lisa Spiegel, MA, LMHC, is the founder of Soho Parenting in New York City. Lisa is an author and certified IFS therapist and consultant. She teaches therapists around the world. She has worked with children and families for over 40 years. Claire Stubbs, DProf, CPsychol, is a chartered counseling psychologist, author, and IFS therapist specializing in neurodiversity, trauma, and emotionally based school avoidance in the UK.

1. The Authors' Journey and the Magic of IFS 2. Key Concepts in IFS 3. The IFS Protocol 4. Finding and Befriending Parts: Percy, Kathleen, Charlotte, and Mako 5. Externalizing Parts: Hailey and Rain 6. Negotiating with Protectors in Safety: Building Trust Across Differences: Esther, Stacey, and Helping Youth in the Criminal Justice System 7.Polarizations: Hazel, Amelia, and John's Opposing Parts 8. Unburdening Parts: Juliana and Henry 9. Bart's IFS Therapy 10. Using IFS in Parent Guidance: Melanie, Sarah, and Helping Families With Gender Issues 11. IFS and Neurodiversity: Appreciating Biology and Parts Work: Sam, Jeremy, Chief, Abby, AV, and Gracie 12. IFS and School: The PAUSE for Self-Leadership(TM) Model, Parts That Struggle to Go to School, and Garcia 13. Updates: Checking in Ten Years On: Percy, Henry, and Bart