The One Inside: An Internal Family Systems (IFS) podcast

An IFS Update with Dick Schwartz

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Dec 20, 2024

Join Dick Schwartz, the founder of the Internal Family Systems model, as he reflects on his legacy and the late Derek Scott’s impact on IFS. Discover the challenges of preserving the model's integrity amid rising training demands. Schwartz opens up about integrating spirituality into his work and explores how IFS can expand beyond therapy into leadership and AI. The conversation concludes with a heartwarming recount of his first date with Jeanne, revealing the personal touch behind his professional journey.

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ANECDOTE

Schwartz and Scott's Friendship

Dick Schwartz reflects on his friendship with Derek Scott, noting their strong initial connection and shared passion for IFS.
Their relationship faced challenges when Scott established IFS trainings in Canada against Schwartz's wishes.

INSIGHT

Reconciliation and Acceptance

Schwartz explains his reconciliation with Scott stemmed from IFS's growing popularity and Scott's respectful approach.
Scott's training program, while not as rigorous, was deemed acceptable, easing Schwartz's concerns.

INSIGHT

IFS Model Integrity Concerns

Schwartz emphasizes the importance of maintaining IFS model integrity and safety amidst growing popularity and spin-offs.
He expresses concern about potential harm from less rigorous training programs.

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Episode Summary: On today's episode I welcome back to the podcast Dick Schwartz, founder of the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model. We had such an important conversation that I'm excited to share with you.

We begin remembering Derek Scott, who passed in February. Dick offers new details on the rupture and repair of their professional relationship over the years, and reflects on the moving final session they shared weeks before Derek's passing. (If you haven't watched the video yet, I highly recommend you do -- it's beautiful). Dick opened up about his concerns and the challenges of maintaining the integrity and safety of the IFS model while balancing the high demand for trainings. He also discussed his personal journey of integrating spirituality more into his writing and work. Dick shared his vision for the future of IFS, including continuing to expand its reach beyond traditional therapy and into leadership, education, politics, and articifical intelligence (AI). We ended on a fun and sweet note: he reminisced about meeting his wife, Jeanne, and the beginning of their relationship.

Key Takeaways:

Derek Scott's passion for making IFS accessible left a lasting legacy.
IFS continues expanding into non-clinical domains, including leadership training, educational systems, and AI-driven tools
How to maintain the "do no harm" ethos of IFS as it grows and evolves
The difficult decision to tighten IFS training admissions requirements
Plans for brinigng IFS more into the public domain
Dick discusses the potential of IFS to address legacy burdens collectively, envisioning a broader cultural impact.
Spirituality in IFS: helping individuals connect to guides and Self Energy in deeper ways.
Dick plans to be much more explicit about IFS in areas like spirituatlity and psychedlics
The IFS model's potential to transform individuals and society--a ripple effect
His version of the first meeting and long-distance courtship with his wife Jeanne (her version is here)

Favorite Quote: "How often do you get a chance to help somebody you care about transition like that?" – Dick Schwartz

About Dr. Richard "Dick" Schwartz: Dick Schwartz is the founder of Internal Family Systems (IFS), a groundbreaking therapeutic model. He continues to innovate and expand the reach of IFS, working with leaders, educators, and therapists to bring its healing potential to a broader audience.

Episode Sponsor: Michelle Glass and the Daily Part Meditation Practice®: a Journey of Embodied Integration for Clients and Therapists

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Jeff Schrum co-produces The One Inside Podcast. He is a writer, counselor, and IFS Level 1 practitioner.

Are you new to IFS or want a simple way to get to know yourself? Tammy's book, "The One Inside: Thirty Days to your Authentic Self" is a PERFECT place to start.

Tammy is grateful for Jack Reardon who created music for the podcast. Jack is a graduate of Derek Scott’s IFS Stepping Stones Program.

If you are interested in sponsoring an episode or two of The One Inside Podcast please contact Tammy at tammysollenberger@comcast.net