The 5 P’s of IFS

A watercolor-style illustration titled "The 5 P's" promoting inner qualities for healing and growth, featuring a woman with her back turned, butterflies, lotus flowers, a mountain landscape, and a stack of balanced stones.

In Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy, the Self is characterised by five important qualities that support healing, growth and compassionate self-leadership. Together, these qualities are known as the 5 P's:

  • Patience

  • Presence

  • Persistence

  • Perspective

  • Playfulness

The 5 P's help us approach our internal world with greater understanding, curiosity and compassion. They support us in building healthy relationships with our Parts, navigating challenges and staying connected to the healing process.

Below you'll find more information about each of these qualities and how they can support your journey towards greater self-awareness, recovery and wellbeing.

Image describing the qualities of patience in IFS
Image describing the qualities of persistence in IFS
Image describing the qualities of presence in IFS
Image describing the qualities of perspective in IFS
Image describing the qualities of playfulness in IFS
The 8 C's Button Image
6 F's Button Image