Dr. Richard Schwartz, a contemporary psychotherapist and founder of the Internal Family Systems therapy model, shares insights on making peace with our inner demons. He discusses the theory behind IFS and how our mind comprises different 'parts' that interact with one another. Schwartz emphasizes self-compassion and the importance of nurturing these inner voices. He also explores the connection between IFS and psychedelics, highlighting their potential to enhance emotional healing. Tune in for transformative strategies that promote deeper self-awareness.
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insights INSIGHT
IFS Model Overview
The Internal Family Systems (IFS) model views the mind as naturally multiple, not unitary.
IFS suggests "parts" within us have valuable roles, but trauma and attachment injuries can make them destructive.
insights INSIGHT
The Concept of Self in IFS
In IFS, the Self is the core essence of a person, undamaged and capable of healing.
It's accessed by creating space between inner "parts," similar to Buddhist concepts like "no-self" or "Buddha nature."
volunteer_activism ADVICE
High-Fiving Your Demons
Instead of fighting your inner "demons" or parts, try "high-fiving" or "feeding" them with acceptance.
Recognize these parts as the organism's protective mechanisms, even if their methods are unskillful.
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The Internal Family Systems Workbook provides a practical, hands-on approach to understanding and applying the IFS model. It guides readers through a series of exercises designed to help them identify and work with their inner parts. The workbook emphasizes self-compassion and acceptance as key elements in the healing process. It offers a structured approach to exploring the different parts of the self, fostering self-awareness and personal growth. The workbook is designed to be used independently or in conjunction with therapy, providing a valuable resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of IFS.
The Healing Anxiety Workbook
A Guide to Calm Worry and Intrusive Thoughts at the Root
Sheryl Lisa Finn
The Nervous System Workbook
Deb Dana
Self-help
Samuel Smiles
Published in 1859, 'Self-Help' by Samuel Smiles is a landmark in the self-help genre. The book advocates for personal responsibility and the virtues of hard work, industry, and character. It uses numerous biographical examples, including those of George Stephenson and Josiah Wedgwood, to illustrate how individuals can achieve success through their own efforts. The book was highly influential in Victorian Britain and beyond, selling over a quarter of a million copies by the time of Smiles' death in 1904. It has been translated into many languages and remains a significant text in the history of self-help literature.
No Bad Parts
Richard Schwartz
Feeding Your Demons
Tsültrim Allione
In 'Feeding Your Demons,' Tsultrim Allione adapts the revolutionary wisdom of Tibet’s greatest female spiritual master, providing a powerful method for coping with inner enemies. The book outlines a five-step practice for recognizing, giving form to, and feeding your 'demons,' which are negative emotions, relationships, fears, illnesses, and self-defeating patterns. This approach aims to transform these challenges into allies, promoting inner peace and applying to both personal and global issues. The book is enriched with detailed examples of how others have transformed their demons, offering insights and tools for achieving inner peace and resolving inner conflict.
Humankind
A Hopeful History
Rutger Bregman
Humankind: A Hopeful History challenges the idea that humans are inherently selfish by presenting evidence of our altruistic behavior throughout history. The book takes a multi-disciplinary approach, drawing from history, economics, psychology, biology, anthropology, and archaeology to argue that humans are more peaceful and friendly than commonly believed. Bregman sides with Jean-Jacques Rousseau's view of human nature in the state of nature debate, opposing Thomas Hobbes' more pessimistic outlook. He also discusses the concept of 'domestication syndrome' and how humans may have self-domesticated, leading to a more cooperative and empathetic species.
Outshining Trauma
A New Vision of Radical Self-Compassion
Ralph De La Rosa
Make peace with the difficult parts of your personality.
Dr. Richard Schwartz is a contemporary psychotherapist, PhD in marriage and family therapy. He founded the Internal Family Systems Model (IFS) therapy system and has authored many books, most recently: The Internal Family Systems Workbook.
In this episode we talk about:
What Internal Family Systems (IFS) is
The relationship between buddhism and IFS
How to make peace with our parts without a therapist in the room
Dan volunteers as a guinea pig to show what it’s like to work with your parts
10% Happier with Dan Harris 
