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- Discover strategies for working with the key parts in the IFS Model—Managers, Firefighters, Exiles, and Self—and how trauma shapes their development and behavior.
- Explore how unburdening trauma responses through IFS allows both you and your clients to reconnect with core qualities like compassion and curiosity.
- Learn to identify and overcome common challenges in trauma-focused IFS work, such as rushing the process or confusing parts, to ensure effective healing.
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I am intrigued but also confused. It sounds like your clients have DID, but maybe this is just my take. I was severely abused growing up and in my 70’s I am still struggling to be okay. I have a lot of anxiety. This model gives me hope, although I do not expect any changes in my parent that is still alive.
I loved how acknowledging the exiles gave them room to be seen, heard or otherwise validated as parts needing to be healed. This beautiful approach strikes me as being deeply authentic to the client and, in fact an opportunity for the client to grow in their own authority, autonomy and agency over their lives and their healing.
I’m so grateful for this excellent, illuminating discussion. The premature forgiveness area was especially helpful to me at this time. However, the entire conversation was very helpful. Thank you for this and for all that you do.
thank you, very informative
Thx you this was very validating.
I’ve seen many great interviews with Dick Schwartz, and this was the best ever! Thank you!
Thank you for allowing me to listen to these
The adult protecting the inner child. I am on my second video & I feel as if you all have been watching me all my life.
Very enlightening
What are the 5 “P’s”?
Excellent interview. This is the first time I have heard such a full explanation of the IFS model. Thank you.
Magical
Where can I get more information
Waaaaaw this is really educating, compassion has to start from the therapist, curiosity can usher in compassion.
Thank you sir Richard I wish I can have this record to listen to it over again, i am istifanus from northeast Nigeria Gombe state
So interesting in that light. The responsibility of being a therapist, a healer. Lord, bless us all as the Oneness that we are; that everything is.
I followed quite for some time IFS and I don´t think prioritizing the work with the protectors is just suitable for Borderline, as Borderline was trauma caused. Others were also of the opinions, the protectors are the biggest bloquers and saboteurs as they are clever and adapt to society. Typical example:high achievers with 2 selfs, one outside, one inside.
I go to such a IFS supporting group and I informed a lot about it and did it sometimes, it´s very difficult. The positive thing to it, is that it increases the self-awareness more than breathing and meditation and CBT all together and no therapy has ever helped me. althought CBT was helpful with my fears and addictions. CPTSD, heavy depressions, generalized anxiety and triggers as having growing up with 2 narciss. parents, I still attract toxic ppl or projecting ill people, who also blame or call me names for their words and actions, non-accountable ppl always. The 8 y. work in groups with codependence clearly trained me to see the protectors were the first to tackle, all forms of controlling, expectations, rescuers, caretakers and helping syndrom, approval addicted, it´s all managers. Once those are out of the way, true healing comes in, you feel the exiles and very vulnerable, then it´s time to work with the exiles not until! The firefighters also have good intentions- I feel them when they push me to set a boundary, to ask for help, sleeplessness, agitation, the society doesn´t like them, but I learn to accept them.
What he said about old addictions breaking in, it´s so true, I am non-addictive to social media for weeks and then it kicks all in at once with a huge trigger. Addiction, distraction is the firefighters giving that space to digest that a bit, I can´t handle the situation right then. Once you are self-regulated, then you can see the triggers again, then you feel safe at least and not that hurt. Firefighters like anger brought me many times out of dangerous situations, they kind of alarm me, hey this person manipulates you for sex or money etc. don´t fight the intuition. For traumatized ppl with no intuition and safety net or sense at all, they need loud, clear cries for help or I don´t even realise I´m in danger and allowing it. For ppl living in the freeze response, the firefighters are life-savors, the anger, fear in the body speak such a clear language to me.I don´t think all parts are small immature reactive kids, some just want you to listen to them and how many of us can listen to children….see it, feel it -easy, listen to that pain speaking not easy at all.
Thank you
Thank you for sharing space with us!