Internal Family Systems (IFS) has never spoken on BDSM… until today. On this episode of You Like It, Dick Schwartz, founder and head honcho of the popular psychotherapy technique weighs in on kink while Madeline and Eamon get a little free therapy of their own.
On the show, Madeline, Eamon, and Dick discuss the foundational principles of IFS, explore why sexual parts are often exiled, and examine how legacy burdens and ancestral trauma can influence relationships and personal growth. They also explore the liberation found in role play and address the dark elephant in the room, whether healing parts means healing kinks. During the conversation Dick generously invites both Eamon and Madeline to do a little impromptu IFS.
Dick Schwartz is a renowned family therapist, systems thinker, and the originator of the IFS model. Since its development in the 1980s, Internal Family Systems has gained international recognition for its unique approach to understanding and harmonizing the various sub-personalities that exist within an individual. Schwartz is also the author of multiple books, including his latest release, No Bad Parts, and continues to expand IFS to address a wide range of therapeutic and personal growth contexts.
Links
- Richard C. Schwartz, Ph.D. - The Founder of Internal Family Systems
- IFS Institute: What is Internal Family Systems?
- No Bad Parts: Schwartz, Richard
- Patricia Rich: No Bad Sex Parts
Timestamps
- (02:33) Dick Schwartz explains Internal Family Systems
- (16:36) Exiling Sexual Parts
- (21:59) Legacy Burdens and Ancestral Trauma
- (27:26) The Liberation of Role Play
- (39:01) Live IFS Session: Eamon
- (51:27) Does Healing Parts Mean Healing Kinks?
- (56:33) Masculinity and Cultural Legacy Burdens
- (01:02:48) Integrating IFS into Group and Sexual Healing Work
- (01:10:07) Live IFS Session: Madeline