Transforming Trauma

Internal Family Systems (IFS) and NARM with Richard Schwartz and Laurence Heller

Sep 2, 2020

Listen to Richard Schwartz, founder of Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Laurence Heller, founder of NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM), discuss the focus on the 'Self' in their models despite trauma. They emphasize the undamaged state of the Self and how both IFS and NARM support individuals in returning to their authentic selves for healing. The conversation delves into the similarities between the two models and their approach to addressing complex trauma.

49:03

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Episode guests

Richard Schwartz

Laurence Heller

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Quick takeaways

The undamaged state of the Self is inherent in everyone, despite the complexity of wounding and traumas experienced.

Both IFS and NARM models focus on supporting individuals in returning to their authentic selves, facilitating healing from complex trauma.

Deep dives

Understanding the Internal Family Systems (IFS) Model by Richard Schwartz

Richard Schwartz developed the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model after realizing that family therapy alone did not fully alleviate symptoms. Patients described having 'parts' influencing their behaviors and emotions, resembling family dynamics. By focusing on and detaching from these parts, individuals accessed a state characterized by curiosity, calm, confidence, and compassion called the self. This approach, created in the early 1980s, has become evidence-based and widely used in psychotherapy, especially for trauma, offering non-pathologizing perspectives and practical techniques.

Healing and Integration in Therapy

01:22

Introduction

3min

Exploring Internal Family Systems and NARM Models

28min

Exploring the Eight C's of IFS and Their Healing Influence on Clients

6min

Exploring Models and Pathology in Human Behavior

2min

Exploring the Healing Process through Internal Family Systems Therapy

5min

Exploring Early Trauma and Healing through IFS

5min

“We can safely say that that Self in its undamaged state is in everybody.” ~ Dr. Richard Schwartz, Founder of Internal Family Systems

“There's a part of us that always remains undamaged.” ~ Dr. Laurence Heller, Founder of NeuroAffective Relational Model

A ground-breaking discussion between Richard Schwartz, PhD, founder of the Internal Family Systems model (IFS) and Laurence Heller, PhD, founder of the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM). Pioneers in the mental health and trauma fields, Drs. Schwartz and Heller discuss each other’s work and reflect on the intersections of the IFS and NARM models.

While many think of IFS and NARM as being models for trauma, Drs. Schwartz and Heller acknowledge that the similar focus of both IFS and NARM is truly on the Self, that internal place within us all that provides the foundation for our lives despite the complexity of wounding and traumas that one has experienced.

Although aspects of ourselves can become damaged and distorted by trauma, Drs. Schwartz and Heller both agree with a non-Western perspective that the Self “in its undamaged state is in everybody” (Schwartz) and “always remains undamaged.” (Heller).

Both IFS and NARM are oriented around supporting the organic process of individuals returning to their authentic selves; in this way, they are also models for healing complex trauma.

Dr. Heller shares with Dr. Schwartz that throughout the years of teaching NARM, many people have remarked on the similarities between the IFS and NARM models. This feedback fueled the intention for bringing Drs. Schwartz onto the Transforming Trauma podcast to give an opportunity for the two to reflect on these important therapeutic models.

There is a feeling of an important coming together as these two pioneers in their field reflect on their 40+ year careers, find common ground and mutual appreciation. At the end of their discussion, Dr. Schwartz shares: “It’s great for me to find kindred spirits. There aren’t that many of us that think this way.”

What might the future hold for IFS and NARM working together for bringing healing to our world?

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

IFS Institute

Ron Kurtz / The Hakomi Institute

The Gestalt Institute Of The Rockies

Alexander Lowen / The Alexander Lowen Foundation

Conversations with Alanis Morissette - Episode 9

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NARM Online Basics Training begins November 13, 2020.

Online NARM Basics Training: http://www.narmtraining.com/onlinebasics

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NARM Training Institute

http://www.NARMtraining.com

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The NARM Training Institute provides tools for transforming complex trauma through: in-person and online trainings for mental health care professionals; in-person and online workshops on complex trauma and how it interplays with areas like addiction, parenting, and cultural trauma; an online self-paced learning program, the NARM Inner Circle; and other trauma-informed learning resources.

For the full show notes including references, podcast episodes mentioned, and a quick glossary of terms, visit us at http://www.narmtraining.com/transformingtrauma

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