How to Find Yourself | The 'True Self' in IFS Therapy

Welcome to Part 2 of my series: What is IFS? Internal Family Systems Therapy, Explained. In this video, I present IFS's answer to the questions: "Who am I?" and "When I feel lost, how do I find myself again?" I describe how our true self or "big S self" is often hidden by the parts of us that have adapted defenses to deal with our painful or traumatic experiences and how IFS uses parts work to help us to unblend from our parts and reconnect to our real self.

I describe the eight C's of the self and explain why is is so easy to lose connection with our authentic self and become blended with our parts. Discuss the concept of neural integration as way of explaining unblending from a scientific perspective. Finally, I end by arguing that reconnecting with our true self is not only essential for our own personal growth, but is also imperative for successful collaboration in our complex and increasingly polarized society.

#toriolds #partswork #ifs #trueself

00:00 The True Self According to Internal Family Systems
02:55 What Are Parts?
05:55 What Does it Mean to “Unblend” From Parts?
07:02 What is the Big S Self?
08:28 The 8 C’s of the Self.
09:42 Why We Lose Connection With the True Self
10:56 Neural Integration and the Neuroscience of the True Self
12:52 Reconnecting to the True Self for Personal AND Societal Growth

[mariaflynn]

"It is always there and it is always amazing". Twice for effect. Thank you so much

[robotempire]

“I’m usually a pretty nice guy, but then sometimes I’m not, and it really freaks me out, and I feel crazy and ashamed.” - 5:10: This is what I said aloud into my empty kitchen, after my last relationship ended. That was when I surrendered and went to therapy.

[perrisdreydmc]

Your channel is literally an act of love. For those that can’t afford or don’t have access to mental health services, your clear and considerate way of breaking down this education can be so impactful. I’ve done a lot of self development work but some ideas felt too abstract or weren’t a good fit for self guidance. IFS has been an absolute game changer and I’m seeing myself in an entirely new light. Not just treating symptoms and pretending I’m healing but understanding and having more concrete inner work happening. Your channel, among others, has been really helpful in digesting this information. Thank you so much for having this information out here for free ❤❤❤

[SK-pspn]

I enjoy all your clips Dr. Olds but the IFS series has been very impactful to me. I've taken several "intro" IFS courses some of which are direct material of Dr. Schwartz's. But your approach and explanation of IFS is so clear and easy to understand, to relate to, and to apply in the clinical setting (I'm a therapist). THANK you for your continued dedication to our profession and your service to your community.

[scottmcelroy]

Your description of "unblending" is so valuable. So simple. Slow down, unlayer and be nice to the parts. Thank you!

[LuisBohorquezJr]

I love your channel. Parts work changed my life. My therapist and I agreed to temporarily stop therapy mid-last year, so I can use what I have learned on my own. Her words were, "you have remapped the blueprint of yourself." I am so proud of what I have accomplished. I use your channel to remind myself of what I have learned. Thank you for all that you do.

[getgrounded]

As a Psychotherapist, I love listening to you. You are amazing at expressing and communicating these ideas and modalities. Even though I am already IFS informed, I stayed just to hear how you explain it. Thanks.

[Taratreehugger]

I love how you tied it all in with the survival of the human race at the end. Not only to end the cycle of trauma but just to have the wisdom and brainpower we need! ❤Recovery work (in Western society at least) is usually viewed so individually. We’re on our own and we’re only doing it because something is wrong with us. But yeah! This work is a necessary contribution to society!! THATS the shift in attitude that I want to see take place.

[menuchahats]

Free= integrated
Thank you.
Free from unresolved/traumatized hurt experiences, integrated mind that can make healthy choices without being torn from every direction.
So simple yet very complex.
Thank you for your clarity.

[katherineimislund-clarke]

Thank you for making these videos. In four videos you made IFS clearer and more accessible than a year of study has done for me, and I say this as a practicing therapist. Thank you.

[katharinemelanson]

"It is always there and it is always amazing. It is always there and it is always amazing."

I needed to hear that in this moment. Thank you.

[lovenotwar]

What a phenomenal explanation! I’ve been practicing IFS for years now and have heard many intros and this one is so simple and enjoyable to listen to. Very cohesive and fluid and delivered with a really lovely tone. Thank you!

[yolandad]

I appreciate all your work. You have a gentle presence and a clear way of explaining these concepts.

[paulasullivan-kslp]

You are a divine spark! I would love to meet your parents, teachers, and other significant people from your childhood! They did quite a good job. You are not of advanced years, and yet you are very obviously acting from your Self to enthusiasticly sharing this information with such clarity and truth, and inspiration! Thank you so much for making this series of videos. I am sure that those who are even slightly curious and watch this will begin to become people who can literally save the human race one part at a time !❤️

[ericgmorgan]

I have just started IFS. Listening to the book by Richard Schwartz was a bit confusing in the begining. These videos are clear, concise and powerful. Thank you so much for this.

[Kung]

I like how to b-roll is both minimal and expressive to illustrate things about our minds that are pretty abstract

[JessieBrownCoaching]

Thank you for putting together such a powerful series of videos about IFS. You have a beautiful presence and energy and are an exceptional teacher.

[akaHanndalf]

One of the most clear and interesting explanations of parts work I've come across! Thank you Dr. Olds!

[solocede]

You are amazing at expressing and communicating these ideas and modalities.

[chadpace]

The Divine has blessed you. You have a beautiful soul.