Internal Family Systems Therapy with Children

Internal Family Systems Therapy with Children is an immensely readable exploration of children’s inner life and how to help when emotional or behavioral issues arise. The weaving together of theory, step-by-step instruction, and case material gives therapists and parents alike, a clear roadmap for understanding and utilizing the healing power of this modality. In addition, any IFS therapist, even one who works with adults, will deepen their understanding of the theory and practice of Internal Family Systems by reading how it is practiced with children. This book also covers the use of IFS in parent guidance, an important aspect of any therapeutic work with families or adult individuals with children. The poignant and humorous vignettes of children's therapy along with their IFS artwork make it an enjoyable and informative read.

Enter Lisa Spiegel. She has over 30 years of experience working with children and has studied and practiced IFS since 2010. She sent me [her] manuscript and I was elated. Not only are her case examples true to IFS theory and technique, they are captivating. This book is an important contribution not only to the growing literature on IFS, but to the field of child therapy in general. I’m very grateful.
— Richard C. Schwartz, PhD
developer of Internal Family Systems Therapy; faculty, Harvard Medical School
 
Internal Family Systems and children go together like PB & J. Children naturally take to the imagination, play, honesty, and heart of this method. And no voice could be better suited to guide us than that of Lisa Spiegel, a gifted clinician, teacher, and storyteller. With warmth, humor, and deep compassion, she has written the definitive text on the subject. A must read for anyone working with either IFS or with children.
— Terry Real
author, The New Rules of Marriage
 

Now also available in audiobook from all major retailers.

 
 

International Translations

Italian translations coming soon.

“I translated and published Lisa Spiegel’s IFS book for children into Korean because the book is beautiful and succinct. I’m instructing Korean therapists with this book via webinars. All of them have been grateful and cheerful for enjoying and grasping the ideas of IFS clearly. Thanks Lisa for this great book!”

— IS, South Korea

“As the publisher of IFS books in Poland I am expressing my hope that the IFS approach presented in “All parts welcome; IFS in practice with children and adults” (this is the word for word translation back into English of the Polish title) will reach not only therapists or school psychologists, but also educators and parents. My dream is that it will support whole families, inspire them, and strengthen in difficult moments of life.

I count, that the ability to name parts arriving at the breakfast table, after a school test and when a parent leaves on a business trip for a few days, will allow a milder look on some of kids` choices and motivate to search of professional help, especially when we recognize that us – adults, also have parts and their reactions don`t really serve the relationship in the family.

I am filled with gratitude towards the author, Lisa Spiegel, for having written the book and her enthusiasm she expressed when hearing that we were planning to spread her experience with parts and SELF energy of kids and their families in Poland.”

— Agnieszka Pietlicka – IFS enthusiast since 2010, certified trainer in Nonviolent Communication, mother of two boys, owner of many parts