Richard Schwartz: Unpacking Internal Family Systems for Healing
When we get to these exiles, these inner children, we start the healing process by what we call the witnessing stage, where I would have you ask this vulnerable part what it wants you to know about what happened in the past and where it's stuck in the past.
Have you ever felt like different parts of you are constantly at odds? In this episode of 'The One You Feed', Eric Zimmer sits down with Dr. Richard Schwartz, the creator of Internal Family Systems (IFS). Schwartz, who started as a systemic family therapist, developed IFS after noticing patterns in how his clients described their inner lives.
He found that when these internal parts felt safe and were allowed to relax, people naturally experienced qualities like confidence, openness, and compassion—what he calls the Self. In this engaging conversation, Eric and Richard dive into the core principles of IFS, exploring the roles of protectors and exiles within us. They discuss how understanding these parts can lead to profound healing and a more integrated sense of self.
Richard also shares a five-step process for healing that can be applied by anyone seeking emotional balance and wholeness. Whether you're new to IFS or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode offers valuable insights into how to harmonize your internal world. Perfect for anyone interested in psychology, emotional intelligence, or spiritual growth, this conversation sheds light on how to heal the parts of you that hurt and discover your true self.