Dr. Richard Schwartz, the creator of Internal Family Systems (IFS), revolutionizes our understanding of mental wellness by introducing the concept of internal 'parts' or sub-personalities. He explains how these parts, often seen as burdens, can actually be transformed into allies for healing. Schwartz shares insights on how IFS addresses trauma, addiction, and depression by fostering communication within these parts. With practical exercises, he guides listeners to connect with their wise, compassionate essence and embrace every aspect of their inner family.
01:17:51
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
Client Self-Harm Turning Point
A client who self-harmed resisted control but responded when the therapist showed curiosity and appreciation toward that part.
This turning point revealed that parts often have a protective, heroic role rather than being truly harmful.
insights INSIGHT
No Bad Parts Insight
All humans are born with multiple parts, each carrying valuable qualities.
Trauma forces parts into extreme protective roles, but they are not inherently bad.
insights INSIGHT
Manager and Firefighter Roles
Parts take on manager and firefighter roles to protect us from emotional pain or trauma triggers.
Managers try to control life to avoid triggers; firefighters act impulsively to soothe overwhelming emotion.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Is there just one “you”? We’ve been taught to believe we have a single identity and to feel fear or shame when we can’t control the inner voices that don’t match the ideal of who we think we should be. Yet Dr. Richard Schwartz’s research now challenges this “mono-mind” theory. “All of us are born with many sub-minds―or parts,” says Dr. Schwartz. “These parts are not imaginary or symbolic. They are individuals who exist as an internal family within us―and the key to health and happiness is to honor, understand, and love every part.”
Dr. Schwartz’s Internal Family Systems (IFS) model has been transforming psychology for decades. In this session, you’ll explore why IFS has been so effective in areas such as trauma recovery, addiction therapy, and depression treatment―and how this new understanding of consciousness has the potential to radically change our lives.
You’ll learn:
― How honoring and communicating with parts changes our approach to mental wellness
― How to transform your ego, inner critic, and self saboteur into powerful allies
― How IFS demonstrates human goodness by revealing that there are no bad parts
― How to discover your wise, compassionate essence of goodness that is the source of healing and harmony
You’ll also engage in practical exercises for mapping your parts, accessing the Self, and working with a challenging protector.
---
Dr. Richard Schwartz, PhD is the creator of Internal Family Systems, a highly effective, evidence-based therapeutic model that de-pathologizes the multipart personality. His IFS Institute offers training for professionals and the general public. Formerly an associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Illinois at Chicago and later at Northwestern University, he is currently on the faculty of Harvard Medical School. He has published five books and is a sought-after presenter. For more, visit ifs-institute.com.
Interview Links:
- Dr Schwartz’s website: https://ifs-institute.com/
- Dr Schwartz’s books: https://amzn.to/3V9YOtA
The Weekend University 
