Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson

Internal Family Systems: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with Dr. Richard Schwartz

Jan 15, 2024

01:20:43

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Dr. Richard Schwartz, creator of the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model of therapy, joins Dr. Rick and Forrest to discuss how to integrate all aspects of who we are. They explain the IFS model, the nature of parts, and how we can use this knowledge to increase self-awareness. They also delve into the nature of the "Self" and ways to strengthen it. This wide-ranging conversation covers topics such as becoming your own attachment figure and the non-pathologizing nature of IFS.

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Quick takeaways

The Internal Family Systems (IFS) model proposes that the mind is composed of multiple parts, each with different roles and functions, and by engaging with these parts individuals can find healing and integration.

Individuals who are highly sensitive or emotionally vulnerable may struggle with emotional regulation and experience difficulties in relationships, and IFS therapy aims to help them develop a secure internal attachment by focusing on self-leadership and self-compassion.

IFS therapy recognizes that certain conditions, like depression, may have both genetic and psychological components, and by approaching these conditions with curiosity and compassion, individuals can develop a relationship with their parts and experience relief and healing.

Deep dives

Understanding the Internal Family Systems Model

The Internal Family Systems (IFS) model proposes that the mind is composed of multiple parts, each with different roles and functions. These parts can become burdened by extreme beliefs and emotions as a result of past traumas or attachment injuries. The goal of IFS therapy is to help these parts unburden and transform by developing a trusting relationship with the self, which acts as a compassionate and curious inner leader. By engaging with and getting to know these parts, individuals can find healing and integration, ultimately experiencing a greater sense of wholeness.

Understanding Internal Motivations and Exiles

00:57

Embrace Self-Reliance for Better Relationships

00:32

Understanding the Function of Defensive Behaviors

01:05

Reframing Negative Traits as Internal Parts in IFS Therapy

01:28

Introduction

2min

Understanding the Internal Family Systems (IFS) Model

25min

Resolving Issues and Becoming Internally Resourced: Exploring the IFS Framework

5min

The Importance of Kindness in Internal Family Systems (IFS)

21min

The Relationship Between Mindfulness, Pain, and Self-Criticism

2min

Exploring the First and Second Art of Life in Buddhist Psychology

23min

Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness: Working with Overwhelm and Applying IFS to Larger Systems

2min

Dr. Rick and Forrest are joined by Dr. Richard Schwartz, creator of the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model of therapy, to explore how we can integrate all the aspects of who we are. They explain the IFS model, the nature of parts and their roles, and how we can use this knowledge to increase self-awareness and deal with common problems. Then Rick and Dr. Schwartz dive deep into the nature of the “Self,” where it comes from, and how we can tune into and strengthen it.

This was a wide-ranging conversation, and we were thrilled to have Dr. Schwartz on the podcast again. You won’t want to miss this one.

About our Guest: Dr. Richard “Dick” Schwartz is the creator of the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model of therapy, and has authored a number of books and over fifty articles focused on IFS. His newest book is No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model.

Forrest is now writing on Substack, check out his work there.

Key Topics:

0:00: Introduction

2:15: Quick explanation of the IFS Model

6:45: Releasing the “Self”

11:10: Where does the Self come from?

16:00: How the practical side of IFS connects to the spiritual

23:20: The four goals of IFS, and parts of parts

26:15: Becoming your own attachment figure

32:15: Richard’s experience integrating his exiled parts

37:25: Personification in IFS. Why think in terms of “parts”?

46:15: Why befriend our “bad” parts?

49:55: The non-pathologizing nature of IFS in a clinical framework

55:25: First and second darts

57:15: Identifying parts with curiosity, courage, and physical awareness

1:03:25: How asking yourself questions gets you in touch with your intuition

1:12:45: Recap

You can watch this episode on YouTube.

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Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson

Internal Family Systems: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with Dr. Richard Schwartz

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Understanding the Internal Family Systems Model

Working with Emotional Vulnerability and Attachment Patterns

Exploring Pain, Depression, and Self-Blame

Understanding the Inner Parts of the Mind

The Value of Personifying Internal Parts

Understanding Internal Motivations and Exiles

Embrace Self-Reliance for Better Relationships

Understanding the Function of Defensive Behaviors

Reframing Negative Traits as Internal Parts in IFS Therapy

Get the Snipd
podcast app

AI-powered
podcast player

Discover
highlights

Save any
moment

Share
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Discover
highlights

Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson

Internal Family Systems: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with Dr. Richard Schwartz

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Understanding the Internal Family Systems Model

Working with Emotional Vulnerability and Attachment Patterns

Exploring Pain, Depression, and Self-Blame

Understanding the Inner Parts of the Mind

The Value of Personifying Internal Parts

Understanding Internal Motivations and Exiles

Embrace Self-Reliance for Better Relationships

Understanding the Function of Defensive Behaviors

Reframing Negative Traits as Internal Parts in IFS Therapy

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