This week's episode is a rather special one. In fact, I would say this is potentially one of the most important episodes I've ever released on my podcast because today, I am talking to Dr. Richard Schwartz. He's the creator of an incredible treatment modality called internal family systems, also known as IFS.
IFS has had a transformative impact on my own life - I feel calmer, more content and more at peace than I have ever done before. And without question, it has helped me to become a better husband and father. My hope is that this conversation might be the start of something life changing for you as well.
Dick begins by explaining how IFS rejects the idea that we each have one ‘true’ identity. Having multiple parts or personalities is not, as the movies would have us believe, a dangerous pathology. It’s a normal, healthy way for the mind to function. We often want to wish certain parts of ourselves away – if only we could get rid of our destructive streak, or silence the inner critic, say. But in IFS all our parts are welcome. Dick explains that they start out as valuable, but in early life trauma or attachment injuries can force these parts into destructive roles. He calls these ‘legacy burdens’. He explains how IFS works in the moment to help us revisit a trauma, retrieve the ‘stuck’ part of yourself and bring it to safety, thereby rewriting your story. It’s a guided self-healing.
The very best way to understand IFS is to witness a live demonstration. And that is exactly what happens in today’s conversation - I become the patient and Richard takes me through a real-time session.
IFS is an evidence based framework that helps a whole variety of different conditions - PTSD, addictions, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, back pain and so much more. My firm belief is that IFS is a system that can help pretty much anyone whether they have a mental health diagnosis or not.
This really is a powerful conversation. I am so grateful to Dick for creating IFS but also for making time to come and speak to me on my podcast. I really hope that you enjoy listening.
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Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/244
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