A perennial quandary in psychotherapy, as well as spirituality, is whether the goal is to help people come to accept the inevitable pain of the human condition with more equanimity or to actually transform and heal the pain, shame, or terror, so that it’s no longer a problem. Are we seeking acceptance or transformation, passive observation or engaged action, a stronger connection to the here-and-now or an understanding of the past?

Developed by Dick Schwartz in the 80’s, IFS started as a grassroots therapy model and is quickly becoming a sought after treatment. We sat down with Frank Guastella Anderson, M.D., and director of the Center for Self Leadership, to get the scoop on what makes this emerging therapy the hot new kid on the block.

A sequel of a major emotion picture is set to be released on Friday, June 14. You think it's a family-friendly film... but is it?