

Richard Schwartz on internal family systems.
Oct 1, 2023
In this engaging talk, Richard Schwartz, the creator of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, unpacks the transformative power of recognizing our internal parts. He shares insights on how these distinct aspects influence emotions and behavior. Schwartz emphasizes self-awareness, advocating for therapy as a means to engage with and liberate these internal entities from their extreme roles. Their discussion also touches on the Holistic Recovery Summit, showcasing the integration of IFS principles in real-world addiction solutions.
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Early Experiences
- Richard Schwartz's initial exposure to psychotherapy began with a job on a psych unit.
- Observing patients' severe symptoms and dysfunctional families sparked his interest in therapy.
Internal System
- Richard Schwartz emphasizes understanding the internal system of parts, not just individual parts.
- He focuses on observing the relationships and patterns among these parts.
Discovery of Parts
- Clients' descriptions of internal parts led Schwartz to develop IFS.
- He initially misunderstood this as a metaphor, realizing later these were distinct internal personalities.