Definitionv1

Internal Family Systems (IFS): a therapeutic framework that

Internal Family Systems (IFS): a therapeutic framework that conceptualizes the psyche as organized like a family system, with multiple sub-personalities (managers, exiles, firefighters) that interact, conflict, and protect each other according to an internal logic, where every part has a positive intent.

Why This Is a Definition

This definition precisely captures the essential characteristics of IFS by identifying its genus (therapeutic framework) and differentia (family system organization, multiple sub-personalities with protective roles, positive intent principle), distinguishing it from other psychological models while establishing its core operational characteristics.

Source Lessons

L-0763

Each drive has legitimate needs

Even drives that seem counterproductive are usually trying to protect something real.

Connections

Defines (20)

AxiomExtended Cognition Thesis AxiomTwo-Level Metacognitive Architecture AxiomEmotion as Systematic Cognitive Modulator AxiomScientific Paradigms Are Incommensurable AxiomCognition Operates Through Dual Processing Systems AxiomAutomatic Pattern Perception AxiomAbstraction Requires Grounding AxiomBasic-Level Category Privilege AxiomFlexible Context-Dependent Categorization AxiomPeople interpret failure as either evidence about their AxiomYou necessarily trust your own cognitive faculties as a AxiomWhen organisms are repeatedly exposed to aversive situations AxiomPsychological flexibility (the ability to adapt behavior to AxiomWhen estimating future task duration, people naturally adopt AxiomThe three basic psychological needs are autonomy,AxiomThe brain constructs emotions by predicting what bodily AxiomEmotions prepare the body for specific physical actions AxiomRegulatory flexibility—the ability to shift between AxiomThere exists a meaningful distinction between meaning (what AxiomHuman cognition operates through schemas — structured

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