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IFS Reading List

Ten titles we recommend, from foundation to specialised practice.

IFS Foundational

No Bad Parts

Richard C. Schwartz · Sounds True, 2021

The definitive accessible introduction to IFS from the model's founder. Written for general readers and practitioners alike.

IFS Clinical

Internal Family Systems Therapy

Richard C. Schwartz · Guilford, 1995

The original clinical text. Rigorous, foundational, and still the core reference for IFS practice.

Self-Help

Self-Therapy

Jay Earley · Pattern System Books, 2009

The clearest step-by-step guide to doing IFS work on yourself, without a therapist.

IFS Clinical

IFS Skills Training Manual

Anderson, Sweezy & Schwartz · PESI Publishing, 2017

The 6 Fs framework in clinical detail. Essential for practitioners and advanced students.

Introductory

Parts Work

Tom Holmes · Winged Heart Press, 2007

Illustrated introduction to parts-based healing. Warm, accessible, and widely recommended for beginners.

Trauma

The Body Keeps the Score

Bessel van der Kolk · Penguin, 2014

Essential reading on trauma and its somatic manifestations. Frequently referenced alongside IFS.

Somatic

Somatic IFS Therapy

Susan McConnell · North Atlantic, 2020

Body-centred IFS practice from a leading somatic practitioner. Grounds the Body-Map feature.

Trauma

Transcending Trauma

Frank Anderson · PESI, 2021

IFS for complex PTSD. One of the field's most respected clinical applications.

IFS Applied

You Are the One You've Been Waiting For

Richard C. Schwartz · Trailheads, 2008

IFS applied to intimate relationships and the path to Self-leadership in partnerships.

IFS Applied

Altogether: The Family IFS Model

Schwartz & Falconer · Sounds True, 2017

Applying IFS to couples, families, and group dynamics.

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