Using IFS in Parent Guidance

This chapter shows the different ways that therapists can use the concepts and protocol of IFS in parent guidance. Three families are highlighted. In one, a parent learns about her own Angry part in order to help her son learn to take care of his own Angry Bear part. The parts language helps them have a nonjudgmental and compassionate stance toward their extreme parts. Eden Katz, LCSW, provides their expert advice on using IFS with children grappling with their gender identity and helping family members befriend their own parts around gender expression. The third family uses drawing and charting with their daughter to help her regulate some extreme emotions.