Thinking About Parts (IFS)
Have you ever said "part of me wants to go, but part of me doesn't"? Internal Family Systems (IFS), developed by Richard Schwartz, takes that seriously: the mind is naturally made up of different parts, each trying to help in its own way.
The main ideas
- Protectors work hard to keep us safe — some plan and control, others jump in to numb or distract when pain gets close.
- Exiles carry old hurt, fear or shame, often from younger years.
- Self is the calm, curious, compassionate core that everyone has, even if it feels hidden.
No bad parts
Even parts that cause problems — the inner critic, the urge to shut down — are usually trying to protect you. Getting curious about what a part is afraid of tends to soften it far more than fighting it.
Deep parts work with painful memories is best done with a trained therapist.
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