The inner child is often characterized as a subpersonality within the framework of psychosynthesis[1] or may also be seen as a central element surrounded by subpersonalities.[2] Virtually every talk therapy approach acknowledges and ascribes some meaning to the inner child, even if they use a different label. Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) has expanded the concept considerably in recognizing that there isn't just one inner child subpersonality, but many. IFS points to wounded inner child subpersonalities calling them "exiles" because they tend to be excluded from waking thought in order to avoid-defend against the pain and trauma carried in those memories.