Understanding Self in Plural Communities

I’m so thrilled to welcome Dick Schwartz, the founder of Internal Family Systems (IFS), back to the podcast, as well as my friend Ocean, who brings her voice and lived experience to this important conversation.

Today, we explore the intersection between IFS and the plural community--those living with DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder) and OSDD (Other Specified Dissociative Disorders). What’s the difference between DI parts and the IFS parts many of us talk about? How can we bridge misunderstandings between the IFS community and those living with more distinct parts? 

This conversation was deeply moving and healing. I’m so grateful to both Dick and Ocean for their honesty, wisdom, and compassion.

In this episode, we explore:

• The differences and overlap between DI parts and IFS parts

• Why the plural community has sometimes felt unseen and misunderstood by IFS

• The harm in labeling parts as managers, firefightes and exiles

• The complicated relationship many survivors have with Self Energy

• Strategies for working with systems shaped by deep trauma

• Why trust, patience, and honoring every part is a prerequisite to healing

 

Be sure to watch the extended video interview with Dick and Ocean over on our Substack. 

  Favorite Quotes: “IFS was never meant to pathologize people. It was meant to honor the fact that all of us are multiple, and that those parts aren’t what they seem.” — Dick Schwartz "There’s a huge difference between saying, 'Your parts are managers, firefighters, and exiles,' and saying, 'I’m noticing some of your parts seem to be taking on these roles to protect you.'" — Ocean 

 

About Tiffany "Ocean" Morgan

Tiffany Morgan (Ocean) is a Certified IFS therapist, consultant, and educator with lived experience of OSDD (Otherwise Specified Dissociative Disorder). She specializes in eating disorders, complex PTSD, and dissociative disorders, and brings over 30 years of experience to her work supporting deep healing and system-wide trust.

She is passionate about destigmatizing DID, neurodivergence, and the multiplicity of mind. She creates compassionate, inclusive spaces where all parts are welcome and seen. She also shares resources and reflections through her platform, tidesoftransformation.com, and co-sponsors the podcast A Couple of Multiples.

About Richard "Dick" Schwartz

Dr. Richard Schwartz is the founder of the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model of therapy., He is the author of several books, including No Bad Parts and You Are the One You’ve Been Waiting For, and continues to lead workshops and trainings worldwide through the IFS Institute.

Episode Sponsors: Pisgah Coaching Institute

Founded by IFS trained master coach Brian Jaudon, a pioneer in the integration of IFS and coaching for more than two decades. Brian and his faculty teach a blended methodology for clarifying and living into a vision of any kind. Enrollment is now open for his 2026 training. pisgahcoaching.com

Cape Cod Institute

This summer, deepen your practice with half-day CE courses at the Cape Cod Institute, offered in person on Cape Cod or live online from anywhere. Learn from IFS leaders Jeanne Catanzaro, Richard Schwartz, and Cece Sykes, or explore topics like mindfulness, couples therapy and leadership and many more with experts shaping the field. Celebrating 45 years, the 2025 season runs from June, 30 to August, 22. Start your day with interactive learning, then spend your afternoons applying new insights with clients, connecting with colleagues or exploring the cape. Learn more and register at www.cape.org Use Discount Code: theoneinside for $50 off.

 

About The One Inside:

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Jeff Schrum co-produces The One Inside. He’s a writer and IFS Level 2 practitioner who specializes in helping therapists create with clarity and confidence.

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