As an evidence-informed practitioner, I believe it is essential to acknowledge where IFS is powerful, where it is promising, and where caution is warranted. Below are key critiques and safety considerations summarised from recent scientific and journalistic analyses.

1. The Research Base Is Still Emerging

While early studies show promise, the current empirical foundation for IFS remains limited. A 2025 review highlighted that IFS has very few randomized controlled trials and most existing research relies on small samples or medical populations.

Source: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13284207.2025.25331272.

Not Appropriate for All Clinical Populations

Leading clinicians warn that IFS may be destabilising for clients with complex neuro-psychiatric presentations in which internal multiplicity is already overwhelming. Extra caution, supervision, or alternative modalities are recommended in:

Active psychosis
Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders
Severe dissociative disorders
Unmanaged suicidality or self-harm
Severe eating disorders with medical instability
Significant cognitive impairment or neurodevelopmental disorders

Source: Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy — “Internal Family Systems: Exploring Its Problematic Popularity”https://societyforpsychotherapy.org/internal-family-systems-exploring-its-problematic-popularity/

3. Risk of False or Distorted Memories

When exploring inner experiences, imagery, or part-voices, therapists must take great care not to imply that these represent literal historical events. Intense parts work can increase suggestibility, especially in vulnerable clients, and may inadvertently contribute to false memories when not handled with caution.

Source: The Cut — “The Truth About IFS, the Therapy That Can Break You”https://www.thecut.com/article/truth-about-ifs-therapy-internal-family-systems-trauma-treatment.html

4. Importance of Stabilisation, Pacing & Embodiment

Experts emphasise that prematurely diving into trauma-laden parts, especially without stabilisation, grounding, and nervous-system regulation, can retraumatise or overwhelm some clients. IFS should be embedded within a wider set of stabilising practices, including breathwork, grounding, relational attunement, and pacing.Source: Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy review (above).

5. Training Quality and Professional Standards Vary Widely

Because IFS has grown rapidly, training and supervision can be inconsistent. Some practitioners use IFS techniques without adequate trauma training, increasing risk for clients with complex presentations.Sources:Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy (as above)

The Cut article (as above)

My Clinical Position

To ensure safety and integrity in my work with IFS:I do not treat inner experiences or images as literal memory unless corroborated.I ensure stabilisation, grounding, and nervous-system regulation before processing deeper material.

I avoid using IFS as a primary intervention for conditions where it may be destabilising.

I use IFS as part of a broader mind–body framework, integrated with yoga, breathwork, embodiment, and behavioural science.I stay aligned with the evidence base as it develops and welcome more rigorous research on both outcomes and harm.

IFS can be transformative, but it is not a universal fit. Responsible, trauma-informed practice means using it thoughtfully, with scientific humility and clear boundaries.

Inge Wolsink

Inge Wolsink

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