In my view, and in my practical therapeutic experience, when done correctly, creatively, and of course from open- hearted Self, as a therapist, nothing compares to doing IFS. It's pure healing gold.
This is the first time I was able to access a part on my own. I found a witch guarding my heart. She was mean and wouldn't let anyone enter because she needed to protect my small child from the futility of loving and this love not having any power in the world. So I found her in black (I wear black) and stirring a cauldron that spat out hot liquid on a fire. She was making 'spells' that kept me safe from the futility and powerlessness (maybe she was making anger and meanheartedness when she believed I needed protection). She was tired and relieved to give up a certain meanness about her that she didn't really want to be. I asked her about her future, and she wanted to continue to make 'spells' but now she wasn't a 'witch' as much, but an alchemist. She recognised that she had the power to make love and kindness in her cauldron, and was willing to give it a go and allow me to integrate this recipe. She asked to be able to trust me to give it a go. I will - but I might have to find the impatient and uptight part to co-operate here. I know that one's in there somewhere, too - it might be 'the tyrant' - my way or the highway!. :D I love this work. Thank you. 🙏
Richard has an authenticity to him. I have tried this therapy as well as emdr, but it has never worked for me. I can't be hypnotized, i can't visualize, and i am not able to get in touch with parts. However, i am glad this can help people.
Some people just need ways to get the juices flowing. Everyone can do it and that includes you. Even if you have a part that requires a little more "prodding". Try writing an imaginary conversation of what you think your parts might have to say. Don't over think, just write the first thought or feeling comes to mind, and just go with it. You can also prioritize talking with the most resistant stubborn blocking parts. The parts not wanting you to communicate. Then just write. Dont worry about if the voices are real or true, just write. If doubt shows up write it out. Just write and keep writing. The voices will come. Just be persistent . If you hear a voice/feeling/thought implying , "YOU can't do this, just give it up" , then write it out. Because thats one of your parts. 👍☺
This theory is fantastic and is very helpful and healing for many people but, he is not correct when he describes DID. In fact this work can be quite dangerous for people with DID if they are not very careful. His version of parts are ego states created by various levels of trauma and normal life circumstances. DID is the result of actual splits in consciousness due to severe and repetitive trauma and very different in presentation and impact on the person. People who have DID can get into all sorts of distress using this therapy without a very experienced therapist who knows the difference and can modify it to suit. In one way he is helping society at large to gain some insight into DID but, at the same time misrepresenting and downplaying it's impact on those who have it.
Coming across this video today, a part flooded me with embarrassment. I got curious and it was because I didn't realize Liz was such a star. Liz was in my Level 1 and I was in a state of overwhelm throughout the training. A part of me presents me as an authority or at least more knowledgeable than others. When I saw this video, that part got hated on by shame and embarrassment as "she (an important and cool person) must think I'm so fucked up". I'm able to show up to these parts with my heart leading and witness them, unblend and share compassion with them. My younger parts, the ones that are needing appreciation and worried about being enough-these parts are mine to witness, love on and give what they need. Liz is the real deal and anyone who gets to work with her are truly blessed with the maximum opportunity to access the limitless space and energy of self.
I have been watching a lot of these. I think I even commented once. When I ask myself those questions in meditation I am not getting any answers. My guess is that my parts are blocking me. I am in ACA and I am familiar with Inner Critical Parent. I never really thought that it was bad so I am having a difficult time thinking there is a part blocking me from that part unless there are multiple parts blocking me from it. I do have an IFS Therapist. Maybe she can start guiding me to some of these parts that are blocking my whole system down. Do you have any thoughts?
I absolutely Love Parts! I am a Transformation Coach specializing in Parts Work. My Guru of Parts, Dr. Sayen, Loves the amazing Richard Schwartz and I have been introduced to Parts via the same. It is the greatest healing work! I am so grateful to be indirectly attached to Dr. Schwartz via this great work. I, through this model via coaching, am helping to heal communities across the globe. Thank YOU!
A judgmental part of me feels angry at Dr Elizabeth for presenting herself in such a sexualized way. I can imagine that her eating disorder patients must feel intimidated. Another part of me feels compassion for her for the suffering she may undergo when she is no longer so externally beautiful or slim. This part wishes for both of us to place our main value in internal beauty rather than what is on the outside.
That’s interesting, because I didn’t view her sexually at all. She’s wearing a pant suit. Visually, I thought that her red nails were really pretty and it made me want to paint mine. What I noticed most is that her outfit was very well put together and that she was happy and vibrant. She seemed almost like she had a glow from within from being at peace with herself.
at the core, psychologically, an incredible revelation to work with for healing integration and a path towards a less fractured existence and wholeness, particularly for trauma survivors. However, I find glorifying the"Self" as author of healing dangerous. There is only one great physician and He has preeminence. No credit to our Creator and how He has wonderfully and fearfully made us? Where is Almighty God in this equation? Whats with those New Age banners? Great psychological work but potentially counterfeit false light spirituality. In my humble opinion. I've been working with IFS therapist for over 2 years and it is effective re: PTSD. Brilliant. But I do not buy into "spiritual/religious" meanderings and implications. God bless.
