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Neuroqueering Internal Family Systems 

Queering means gently challenging the norms and assumptions that limit how we understand ourselves, others, and the world. It’s about making space for complexity, fluidity, and ways of being that don’t fit the mainstream, and never needed to.

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Neuroqeering is “the practice of queering (subverting, defying, disrupting, liberating oneself from) neuronormativity and heteronormativity simultaneously.” Nick Walker 

How are we Neuroqueering IFS?

To neuroqueer our therapeutic work means gently and consistently challenging the neuronormative and heteronormative assumptions that often shape how therapy is taught and practised.

 

It’s about asking how we can adapt our ways of working, not just for, but with fellow queer and neurodivergent folk, in ways that honour difference, complexity, and authenticity.

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The term “neuroqueer” was coined by Nick Walker, whose website offers a wealth of free, thoughtful resources on this evolving and exciting concept.

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Together with Alessio RIzzo, I’ve been exploring how these ideas intersect with Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. In October 2024, Alessio and I presented a workshop at the IFS Conference called Neuroqueering IFS, inviting others in the IFS community to begin this important process with us. We explore this more in our Podcast: Queering IFS.

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Our hope is to keep growing this conversation, here and on our podcast, encouraging IFS practitioners to reflect on how normative standards (especially around neurotype, gender, and relationships) can subtly shape our practice and unintentionally marginalise the very people we aim to support.

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As part of this work, Alessio and I developed Ten Principles of Neuroqueering IFS, a document to support practitioners in this reflective journey. You can download a PDF copy of the principles, with notes and further context, here.

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An image of a human brain surrounded by Pride rainbow colours
An image of the top of a PDF list of the principles of neuroqueering

The 10 Principles of Neuroqueering IFS
 

  1. To Neuroqueer all these principles!

  2. Engage in Neuroqueering as a Process

  3. Commit to Continuous Education

    When practising IFS with others:

  4. Use Identity-First Language as a default, adapting it to where the client is at

  5. Respect for self-diagnosis and self-determination

  6. Acknowledge the subjectivity of experience of Self

  7. Empower Clients as Self-Led Ambassadors

  8. Who is labelling who?

  9. Awareness of normative burdens

  10. Recognise Intersectionality

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