07/21/2022
We all have different parts within us, and combined they form our own “internal family”. Like a family unit, these parts don’t always agree with each other. For example, maybe a part of you gets angry, or self-critical, when another part of you becomes anxious, or overeats, or procrastinates. Viewing these as different inner parts, with different needs or opinions, helps us gain clarity about our internal experience.
We also all have a core self (what some may call inner spirit or soul). The self can be viewed as the “internal family mediator”. If our parts are an orchestra, our self is the conductor. The self leads the parts, and all parts are welcome. There are no bad parts because all parts really have protective intentions. Perhaps a part of you becomes anxious as a “call-to-action” protector when facing distress; or possibly overeating has protective intentions in trying to temporarily numb emotional pain; or maybe procrastination protects through avoidance of facing uncomfortable emotions. These examples of seemingly “problematic” parts are actually well-meaning parts trying to protect us from feeling painful emotions (like shame, grief, or fear) the only way they know how.
The goal of Internal Family Systems therapy is for our self to be a resource for all of our parts to help them feel safe to unburden. This creates balance and harmony within the internal family system.
Try making space to open your heart and listen with love.
