Praise for the Book

“Internal Family Systems therapy is an extremely effective approach for therapy with children and adolescents but, until Lisa’s book, not much had been written about applying the model to this population. Lisa’s skill and compassion are apparent in the book and she does a masterful job describing the ways to use IFS with a younger population. Her book gives the reader a clear framework for the therapy and I highly recommend it to anyone who works with children and adolescents. In fact, I encourage any IFS practitioner to read this book because it will expand your understanding of the model and enrich your practice.”

— Pam Krause, MSW, LCSW, IFS Senior Lead Trainer

“IFS Therapy with Children is a wonderful book. In it Lisa Spiegel applies her formidable knowledge of child development and effectively weaves this into the powerfully experiential aspects of the Internal Family Systems model. It is especially strong in applying IFS Parts thinking to the natural creativity of play therapy as a process for emotional healing with young children. This is an invaluable book that will guide child/family clinicians to remain clear and confident as they work with the challenges of children. Parents will also benefit from reading thIs compassionate approach to helping
their kids. I highly recommend it.”

— Arthur G. Mones, Ph.D., ABPP Diplomate in Clinical Psychology Clinical Faculty, Postgraduate Program, Adelphi University. Author, Treating Troubled Children, Teens and their Families: An Internal Family Systems Model for Healing

“Lisa Spiegel is a recognized, seasoned expert in the field of psychotherapy and in the IFS community who puts theory into practice in her latest book, IFS Internal Family Systems Therapy with Children; this is my go-to resource for effectively engaging and working with children, as we explore their parts. This book outlines a creative way to reach children in processing what they are feeling inside, and teaches them how to slow down and balance their energy in a restorative way. Through real session examples, this brilliantly laid out book is an exceptional clinical tool that is practical for therapists who are looking to start or expand their work with children using IFS, as it explicitly models and walks you through the key concepts of the IFS model and how these interventions can be used most proficiently.”

— Shelly Johnson, MA LMHC, psychotherapist and author of The Parts Inside of Me

“Lisa Spiegel’s book guides the reader toward understanding children’s inner world, with all its complexity and uniqueness. Using IFS as a therapist and parent teaches us how to have mindful, empathic dialogue with other human beings regardless of age. The use of IFS with children guides children to understand their own inner system and to live more mindfully. I send a heartfelt recommendation for any parent or therapist to read this book.”

— Sylwia Śliwocka – Psychologue, Familylab Poland certified trainer, mother of four kids

“I’m always pleased to see new books authored on various applications of the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, making it accessible both as a self-discovery process and as a personal mindfulness practice. The adaptation of the IFS paradigm and clinical protocol to a guide for children and parents is an important contribution. By writing about IFS for and with children, with step-by-step instructions and through client examples, Lisa Spiegel, MA, LMHC, is in effect empowering adults to empower children to (1) understand from an early age their own inner systems and others’; and (2) navigate adversity they are bound to face. Even more importantly, when parents or therapists learn about concepts of parts and Self, they might start using the language of compassion and curiosity with their children or family clients, changing in the process their relationship and deepening their emotional connection. Given how intuitive IFS is and how users are often driven to meet and draw their parts, one can imagine how children will relate to these notions... and get to know themselves. What a gift to last a lifetime!”

— Toufic Hakim, Executive Director of the Foundation for Self Leadership

“This book lays out the foundations of IFS and its applications with children in a straightforward and simple manner that is surprising enjoyable to read. I’m a therapist who recently transitioned from working primarily with adults to working with children and adolescents, and I have found this book immeasurably helpful in translating the IFS model into a format that is easy and effective to use with children.”

— PP, psychotherapist, USA

“Lisa Spiegel’s book is my first encounter with the concepts of Internal Family Systems Therapy. I am so deeply glad that we have this inspiring publication on the Polish market. It revolutionizes the perspective of looking at and understanding the inner worlds of children and adults. Since I have read the book, I am bringing its mindset into my therapeutic practice and to everyday life as well. The book has helped me to bring empathy to my own parts and therefore to others. I believe this internal empathy is the key to psychological change.”

— Joanna Steinke-Kalembka – Psychologue, Creator of the blog www.edukowisko.pl, mother of two daughters

“I highly recommend this book. I’m not a clinician, but a yoga teacher and musician with a keen interest in the IFS system. It’s both a very good introduction to key concepts of IFS, and a clear description of the authors extensive experience working with children using IFS. It’s well written, concise, and easy to read.”

— JH, yoga teacher, UK

“I’ve read Lisa’s book on Internal Family Systems Therapy for children, and it really resonated with me. IFS seems to really reach you on a emotional level, rather then constantly battling feelings cognitively.”

— CM, Australia

“What a fascinating, insightful, and readable introduction to use of the IFS modality with child clients! It’s certainly essential reading for people in the field, but also interesting and even (believe it or not) entertaining for the curious lay person (that’s me). A child therapist who uses this approach herself, the author explains how it works through poignant, well-chosen case studies drawn from her own practice and practical exercises to help put you in touch with your own ‘parts.’ With clear, engaging prose and an empathetic tone that reflects the author’s love for her clients and for the work, this book will make therapists want to pursue their IFS education and will make non-therapists want to go back into therapy to get to know all of the characters who populate their internal neighborhood. Read it!”

— BF, USA

“Written for a psychotherapist, but easy enough to read and highly applicable (and useful) for any parent.”

— EV, USA

“This book is a beautiful guide to the work of internal parts with children and teenagers,”

— NC, Mexico

“This book is amazing and a MUST READ for any clinician who wants to understand the Internal Family Systems Model! Although the author writes this book for therapists who are working with children, the concepts can easily be applied to adult clients. Spiegel is a master at breaking down the theory and gives detailed instruction on how to utilize this model in treatment. The case material is invaluable, and uses children’s artwork to clearly demonstrate how to access, externalize, and begin to develop a relationship with ones “parts”. I was truly moved by the success that this author has using IFS therapy with children, and I hope to do the same by following the detailed instruction in this book. From a compassionate, curious, and open hearted space, Spiegel teaches her clients....and all who read it... to do the same, which is where the real healing begins!”

— FP, child therapist, USA