Using IFS to Unlock Your Authentic Self - Dr Richard Schwartz, PhD

In this captivating conversation, Richard Schwartz shares his remarkable personal journey of transformation, evolving from a place of aggression and anger to discovering profound self-leadership and healing. Unraveling the depths of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, Schwartz elucidates its profound goals - the liberation and harmonization of our internal parts. He thoughtfully critiques the conventional attachment theory, challenging the notion that self can solely emanate from external relationships, emphasizing the significance of seeking self within. Throughout the discussion, Schwartz delves into the uplifting influence of IFS on personal growth and leadership development, not just within himself but also in his organization. Prepare to embark on a transformative exploration of self-awareness and healing, unearthing the power of Internal Family Systems.

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Richard Schwartz, PhD., began his career as a systemic family therapist and an academic. Grounded in systems thinking, Dr. Schwartz developed Internal Family Systems (IFS) in response to clients’ descriptions of various parts within themselves. He focused on the relationships among these parts and noticed that there were systemic patterns in the way they were organized across clients. He also found that when the clients’ parts felt safe and were allowed to relax, the clients would experience spontaneously the qualities of confidence, openness, and compassion that Dr. Schwartz came to call the Self. He found that when in that state of Self, clients would know how to heal their parts.

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TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
00:10 - Dr. Richard Schwartz's Inspiring Journey
09:56 - The Power of IFS: Healing Struggles, Shaping Paradigms
20:31 - Discussion on IFS and Attachment Theory

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Interview Links:

Books Dr Schwartz Recommends Every Therapist Should Read:

[Serena]

As someone healing from profound childhood abuse, I fully agree that Self can very effectively re-parent internal parts, which I call my Littles, better than any therapist can. The trouble with attaching to a therapist for repair is that we then rely on another rather than on our own strength and inner Self-wisdom. My youngest exiles called me mommy during this work, and I was able to love and comfort them in all the ways that my parents had failed to. A therapist has guided and supported me along the way, but the core work is within.

[geoattoronto]

I think you have made quite an amazing contribution to understanding personality and healing people’s lives including our divine Self.

[mikaeldelta]

I admire the courage of a leader in psychotherapy who openly shares personal life experiences in an interview, rather than solely relying on theories to persuade others. It’s powerful to see someone in that position offer insights grounded in both knowledge and personal experience.

[sukhmanicambridge]

One of the best Interviews I've seen. So much wisdom and common sense, beautifully intermingled. Not to me mention the healing salve of attachment theory finally elucidated in a way where people can be helped rather than weakened. Thank you Mr Schwartz from the bottom of my heart and to the wonderful young interviewer.

[NitikaRawatt]

I resonate so much with how he explains what we call our protectors- no bad parts but they are really our protectors being looked at with bad light on them…and hence tagged as bad parts by the society…

[denise]

Thank you so much for your candidness!
I, too, had grown up with similar feelings and beliefs about myself, and developed perfectionism, workaholism and ADHD as a young child, as coping mechanisms for the difficult emotions I had suppressed.
Since learning from Dr Gabor Matè about childhood ‘small-t’ traumas, I have used many different approaches to access and release my suppressed emotions. For me, I haven’t needed an attachment figure, but instead, have learned to go deeply into old traumatic memories, to finally release those buried emotions. I have healed myself and am finally a new person.

[lucyinthesky]

Thank You so much for your work! I think all your experiences made you a wise man.
Greeting from switzerland

[annewelch]

The concept of "Protector wars" makes a lot of sense - it is going on on so many levels of society from personal relationships to larger cultures.

[symphony]

I relate to the part about not being sure you could accomplish what you set out to do. I too felt like an imposter when I had jobs with greater responsibilities.

[goodshepard]

Thank you for interview with Richard Swartz on IFS.

[Anniebearf]

As Native n Irish Grandmother Elder, I could not agree more.

[janwinhall]

Love this! very wise... creating moments of liberation💫

[stevenhines]

Im just getting involved in learning about IFS. I came into contact with this therapy from an unusual angle. I'm really enthused....

[livingmedicineinstitute]

Interested in the next, spiritual level of this conversation?

We are excited to share on our channel a groundbreaking interview with Dick, with the below description.

In this fascinating conversation, Dick discusses for one of the first times the spiritual implications of working with parts of self. In line with many traditions of the ancient world, we appear to have many parts that we are not consciously aware of. Though most of those parts belong to us, and are best integrated and healed, some parts do not. It is these that need to be removed, and their apparent sentient nature shakes up much of what current, scientific psychology is willing to see and accept.

No matter what your views, you will be fascinated by Dick’s honest report of his decades of experience working first-hand at the crossroads of psychology and spirituality. Clinical evidence has shown that IFS works, and it is one of the most widely trained psychotherapy interventions today. We cannot, then, easily dismiss Dick’s wealth of clinical experience. The implications of this conversation are immense and only beginning to be understood.

Deep gratitude to both Dick and his guides for their willingness and clarity in giving this thirsted-for guidance to the psychedelic provider community.

[kathleenclarke]

hmmm...do you think there is an end to parts? Dick sounds a little rote and familiar with his "part" story...wonder if there isn't a lively undiscovered part lurking in the wings???

[jenmdawg]

It’s no longer about him and he wants no credit but this is the 3rd interview I’ve watched where I only learn about him and nothing about IFS.
Sigh.

[anandaadidevi]

His wives were good at triggering him? That's victim-speak. Ownership would be stating he was easily triggered. And his almost monotone voice -- the lack of energy or juice ... he seems like a nice guy but I can't imagine working with someone who has zero enthusiasm for a singe word he utters.