In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I sit down with Sydney-based psychotherapist Megan Buys to explore the rich and evolving world of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. Megan recently published a landmark paper, Exploring the Evidence for Internal Family Systems Therapy: A Scoping Review of Current Research, Gaps, and Future Directions, in Clinical Psychologist—the first comprehensive synthesis of the IFS evidence base.

We talk about what drew her to IFS, the model’s theoretical foundations, and the central role of compassion and the “Self” in helping clients understand, relate to, and heal their internal systems. Megan also shares insights from her research on using IFS for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), the importance of rigorous research for wider clinical acceptance, and why IFS continues to resonate with so many people seeking deeper, kinder ways of understanding themselves.

Whether you’re a therapist, a student, or simply curious about personal growth and emotional wellbeing, this conversation offers a thoughtful and accessible look at one of today’s most influential therapeutic models.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Compassion in a T-Shirt

00:32 Meet Megan Buys: Exploring Internal Family Systems

01:39 Megan's Journey with IFS

05:15 The Role of Self and Compassion in IFS

07:00 Megan's Professional Path and IFS Integration

12:54 Challenges and Acceptance of IFS in Therapy

18:52 Understanding Internal Family Systems Theory

21:37 Practical Examples of IFS in Action

25:06 Creative Processes in IFS Therapy

29:12 Exploring Vulnerability and Exhaustion

29:34 Art Therapy and Imagery in Therapy

30:16 Creating a Safe Space for Parts

33:23 The Role of Self in Therapy

37:31 Cultivating Compassion and Self-Awareness

48:14 The Importance of Research in IFS

52:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Links:

Exploring the evidence for Internal Family Systems therapy: a scoping review of current research, gaps, and future directions (Buys, 2025)

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13284207.2025.2533127 

No Bad Parts (Schwartz, 2024)

https://www.amazon.com.au/No-Bad-Parts-Restoring-Wholeness/dp/1785045113/ 

If you would like to learn more about compassion focused therapy, you can find Dr Stan Steindl's book The Gifts of Compassion here: https://www.ausapress.com/p/the-gifts-of-compassion-how-to-understand-and-overcome-suffering/ 

Say hi on social: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drstansteindl 

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/StanSteindl 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_stan_steindl/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stan-steindl-150a5264/ 

Website: https://www.stansteindl.com/ 

YouTube Video URL: https://youtu.be/79xo3djhcSk 

*Affiliate Disclaimer: Note this description contains affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video and support the channel at no cost to you. While this channel may earn minimal sums when the viewer uses the links, the viewer is in no way obligated to use these links. Thank you for your support! 

Video hashtags:

ifs therapy, internal family systems, compassion in a t shirt, psychotherapy australia, self compassion, mental health conversations