Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy for Children: Healing Through Art and Play
- erica smalla
- Sep 21, 2025
- 3 min read
Discover how Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy helps children heal through art and play. Inclusive, trauma-informed therapy for kids and families.
What Is Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy for Children?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is an evidence-based model created by Dr. Richard Schwartz to help people understand and heal their inner world of “parts.” While IFS is well known in adult therapy, it is increasingly being adapted for children. Especially kids who struggle with anxiety, depression, ADHD and Autism.
Because kids naturally express themselves through art, play, and imagination, IFS therapy blends seamlessly with these tools, making it developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed, and deeply effective for young clients.
Why IFS Therapy Works for Kids
Children often lack the vocabulary to explain complex emotions, but they intuitively understand the concept of “parts.” A child may say, “A part of me feels mad, but another part still wants to play.” IFS validates this natural way of seeing themselves.
Key Benefits of IFS for Children
Developmentally Appropriate: “Parts” language matches how children already make sense of their feelings.
Externalization: Kids learn to see emotions as separate from their core Self, reducing guilt and shame.
Self-Leadership: Children discover their calm, compassionate “Self” that can comfort and guide them.
Research suggests IFS therapy supports emotional regulation, trauma recovery, and stress management. Play and art therapies also confirm that symbolic expression helps children process difficult experiences in safe, creative ways.
The Role of Art in IFS Play Therapy
Art therapy offers children a safe way to explore their inner world. In IFS-informed art therapy sessions:
Children draw, paint, or sculpt parts (e.g., a scared part might be a small animal, while an angry part might look like a storm cloud).
Each part is given a name, color, or texture to make it easier to talk about.
Children learn to ask their parts questions like:
What does this part need?
What is it protecting me from?
Benefits of Using Art in IFS Therapy
Encourages self-expression without needing the “right words.”
Helps therapists and caregivers visualize the child’s inner system.
Creates a tangible record of healing that can be revisited as the child grows.
The Role of Play in IFS Therapy for Children
Play therapy is a natural fit with IFS. Using toys, puppets, and role-play, children can safely externalize their parts and experiment with new ways of relating to them.
Examples of IFS Play Therapy
Puppet Play: Children assign puppets to parts, such as “the shy one” or “the brave one.”
Sand Tray Therapy: Kids build scenes that show relationships between their parts, revealing fears or protectors.
Storytelling: Children create stories where characters represent their parts, and therapists guide them to notice patterns and practice Self-leadership.
Research in child psychology shows play therapy fosters emotional resilience, trauma recovery, and self-regulation. Paired with IFS, play becomes a structured, empowering pathway toward healing.
Practical Tips for Parents and Therapists
Safety First: Create a safe, supportive space before introducing parts work.
Model Curiosity and Compassion: Demonstrate qualities of Self (calm, compassion, curiosity) in and out of sessions.
Include Families: Parents can learn to honor and validate their child’s parts at home.
Stay Flexible: Some children prefer art, others imaginative play—IFS adapts to both.
Inclusive & Trauma-Informed Care
Many children from neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+, or culturally diverse families face barriers to mental health support. IFS-informed art and play therapy provides an inclusive, culturally responsive, and affirming approach, giving every child the chance to feel safe, seen, and supported in their healing journey.
Heartbeat Therapy & Wellness: Supporting Kids and Families
At Heartbeat Therapy & Wellness, we believe every child carries an inner wisdom worth honoring. Our IFS-informed, trauma-sensitive approach uses art, play, and imagination to help children safely explore their inner world, strengthen resilience, and build lifelong emotional health.
We proudly support LGBTQIA+ families, and neurodivergent children, ensuring therapy is accessible, inclusive, and deeply healing.
👉 Ready to see how IFS play therapy can help your child thrive? Schedule a consultation today.
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