Dr. Richard Schwartz, creator of Internal Family Systems (IFS), discusses the framework of IFS and its application to intimate relationships. They explore the connection between spirituality and psychology, the need for a new language to navigate life, the contagious awakening, and express gratitude for 'Dick' and his work on relationships.
Internal Family Systems therapy (IFS) offers a framework to focus on different parts of our personalities, enabling a shift towards curiosity, calm, confidence, and compassion.
Dick Schwartz's exploration of spirituality through therapy led him to discover the 'capital S' self, emphasizing the transformative power of creating space within oneself to access this essence.
Deep dives
The Journey of Dick Schwartz: From Therapy Maverick to Respected Innovator
Dick Schwartz shares his journey of creating and teaching internal family systems therapy, a revolutionary approach to therapy. He discusses the challenges he faced in the early days and how his work gained recognition over time. Schwartz highlights the importance of personal growth and healing in becoming an effective therapist. His humility and generosity in sharing his ideas and techniques are recognized and praised.
Exploring Spirituality in IFS: Science and Personal Experience
Dick Schwartz discusses his shift in perspective towards spirituality through his work in therapy. He shares his observations of an essence in people that traditional psychological thinking couldn't account for, leading him to explore different spiritual traditions. Schwartz highlights the concept of the 'capital S' self, which can be accessed by creating space within oneself. He emphasizes the contagious nature of self and the transformative power it carries.
The Core Principles of IFS and Healing Relationships
Dick Schwartz explains the core principles of internal family systems therapy (IFS) and its application in healing relationships. He discusses the concept of 'exile parts' and 'protector parts' that affect our relationships. Schwartz emphasizes the importance of becoming our own primary caretaker and creating space for vulnerable parts to be seen and healed. He describes the shift from seeking external validation to finding self-love and compassion within ourselves. Schwartz highlights the transformative potential of IFS in improving romantic relationships and all other connections in our lives.
Gatherers—I'm thrilled to be joined by Dr. Richard Schwartz, the brilliant creator of Internal Family Systems (IFS), a wonderful therapeutic model that you may have heard me talk about before because I love using it!
IFS provides an optimistic, empowering framework to help us focus on the different “parts” of our personalities so that we can shift into a state characterized by curiosity, calm, confidence, and compassion.
I hope you’ll tune in for our conversation about his latest book, YOU ARE THE ONE YOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR: APPLYING INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS TO INTIMATE RELATIONSHIPS, which is available at all major retailers.
You can follow Dr. Richard Schwartz on: Twitter @ifs_model Instagram @internalfamilysystems Facebook at InternalFamilySystems LinkedIn at InternalFamilySystems