Book Review: The IFS Workbook by Dr. Richard Schwartz
A Step-by-Step Guide to Healing Through Self-Compassion and Inner Connection
Author: Dr. Richard Schwartz, with Martha Sweezy
Published: 2023
Focus: A practical, self-guided exploration of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy
Affiliate Link to Get the Book: Amazon, Bookshop.org
What’s The IFS Workbook About?
The IFS Workbook is a hands-on companion to the Internal Family Systems approach introduced in No Bad Parts. While the earlier book explains the theory behind IFS, this workbook guides you through the process of actually doing parts work—with structure, reflection, and clarity.
Designed for personal exploration or to use alongside therapy, this workbook helps you:
Identify your inner “parts”
Understand the roles they play (and why they play them)
Build a relationship with your Self—the calm, compassionate core of who you are
Gently help your parts unburden and heal
Each chapter includes prompts, writing exercises, guided meditations, and gentle questions to help you connect with your inner world at your own pace.
Why Is This Workbook So Helpful?
1. It Makes IFS Accessible
Even if you’re brand new to parts work, this workbook walks you through the process with kindness and clarity. No prior IFS knowledge is needed—just a willingness to be curious and compassionate with yourself.
2. It Offers Structure for Inner Work
Self-exploration can feel overwhelming without a roadmap. This workbook offers a clear, progressive path that helps you go deep while staying grounded and resourced.
3. It Encourages Self-Led Healing
You don’t have to wait until you’re in crisis to begin healing. This workbook helps you access your inner wisdom—your Self—and guides you to show up for your parts with presence and care.
4. It’s Gentle and Trauma-Aware
The exercises are invitational and paced in a way that respects your nervous system. You’ll never be asked to dive into trauma—just to get curious about what your parts want you to know.
Who Should Use The IFS Workbook?
Individuals Seeking Self-Understanding
If you’ve ever felt stuck in patterns or confused by your own emotional reactions, this workbook can help you untangle your inner dynamics in a deeply compassionate way.
Therapy Clients Doing Parts Work
If you're already doing IFS therapy (or are IFS-curious), this is a beautiful supplement to deepen your work between sessions or clarify what you're feeling.
People Healing from Trauma or Burnout
IFS is especially gentle for those with trauma histories, because it centers safety, respect for internal boundaries, and the idea that all your parts have good intentions.
Highly Reflective or Spiritually-Oriented Individuals
This workbook resonates with people who value emotional honesty, inner peace, and healing from the inside out.
What You’ll Work Through Inside
Mapping your inner system
Getting to know protectors (like inner critics, controllers, avoiders)
Understanding and soothing exiles (the parts carrying pain, shame, or fear)
Learning to stay grounded in Self
Creating healing dialogues with your parts
Unburdening and reintegrating your system
Final Thoughts: Why I Recommend It
The IFS Workbook is a generous, loving guide for anyone ready to explore their inner world with curiosity and care. It’s not about “fixing” yourself—it’s about becoming the compassionate witness and leader your parts have always longed for.
Whether you're doing deep healing work or just beginning to explore your emotional life, this workbook offers a beautiful blend of structure, softness, and self-leadership. And the best part? You don’t need to do it alone—your Self is with you every step of the way.
Want to bring this inner work into therapy? I’d love to support you. IFS can help you reclaim balance, clarity, and compassion—within and in your relationships.