IFS / Parts Work Members

Inner Team Meeting

An IFS decision worksheet imagining an inner meeting where each part's wants, worries and reassurance needs are heard before Self decides.

1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Internal Family Systems

Key facts

Approach / concern
IFS / Parts Work
Technique
Internal Family Systems
Format
Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
Access
Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
For
Licensed clinicians to use with clients
Updated
October 2026

What is the Inner Team Meeting?

IFS views the internal system like a family. Holding an inner meeting with Self as leader allows each part to be heard, reducing internal conflict around decisions.

Why it works

IFS holds that all parts have positive intentions and that Self can lead the internal system with curiosity and compassion (Schwartz & Sweezy, 2020; Schwartz, 2021).

When to use it

  • IFS and parts-informed therapy
  • Self-criticism and inner conflict
  • Trauma (with pacing)
  • Between-session practice

How to use it in session

  1. Name the issue.
  2. Invite parts to speak.
  3. Record wants and worries.
  4. Offer reassurance.
  5. Let Self decide.

Clinician tips

  • Check Self is present (calm, curious).
  • Notice parts that dominate.
  • Revisit after the decision.

Worked example

Decision: new job offer. Adventurer: wants growth. Safety part: worried about money; reassured by a 6-month buffer.

Sharing with clients

Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.

Frequently asked questions

What if one part takes over the meeting?

Ask it to step back so others can speak, and reassure it it’ll be heard.

Who makes the final decision?

Self, informed by all the parts.

References

Schwartz, R. C., & Sweezy, M. (2020). Internal family systems therapy (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.

Schwartz, R. C. (2021). No bad parts: Healing trauma and restoring wholeness with the internal family systems model. Sounds True.

This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.