Welcome to a Journey Curated for You

Healing is a journey we all share, and Internal Family Systems offers a map. In this collection, a range of coaches, therapists, and IFS founder Richard Schwartz come together to tell its story. Each voice highlights a different facet—whether it's Richard Schwartz guided meditation true self work, unblending from wounded parts IFS therapy, Eckhart Tolle multiple selves consciousness, or addressing fear as a part IFS process—building a narrative of transformation. As we move from card to card, their collective wisdom unfolds, showing how IFS becomes a universal path to wholeness

Sense-making, a CIA tool originating from the Vietnam War, explains how people process new situations in three phases: avoidance, competition, and compliance. Avoidance is the initial instinct to avoid new people or situations, followed by competition, which involves exchanging ideas and investing in the relationship. Compliance, the final stage, is achieved after successfully navigating avoidance and competition, leading to a willingness to cooperate or agree. Understanding sense-making can help individuals expedite the process of gaining compliance in various aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional settings. Those who fail to recognize these phases may miss opportunities by giving up during avoidance or misunderstanding competition as an investment.

Unworkability, a form of rigidity and resistance, can be addressed by identifying and mitigating the underlying pain and fear it shields. This "hack" involves understanding that unworkability serves as a defense mechanism against deep-seated pain. Examples include breaking one's word to avoid commitment trauma, or maintaining weight as a boundary against violation. The key is to find new strategies to alleviate the pain and circumvent the feared outcomes. By compassionately addressing the hidden pain and fear, unworkability can transform into workability.

This video analyzes an IFS therapy session example focusing on befriending a protector part that "overreacts." The therapist helps the client, Naomi, identify and separate from this part, revealing its origin in childhood experiences of being yelled at and feeling unprepared. This part's over-preparation is a protective mechanism against feeling blindsided. Naomi's part appreciates being acknowledged for its protective efforts, which it is not used to. Unblending allows for a relationship between the client and the part, fostering understanding and appreciation.

Jim Carrey discusses his spiritual awakenings and his understanding of suffering, influenced by Buddhist teachings. He describes an experience where he felt connected to the universe and realized the illusory nature of thought. Carrey connects his desire to relieve his mother's suffering to his purpose and his work. He also touches upon his experiences with depression and how he learned to detach from his ego and embrace the present moment. He emphasizes the importance of intention and seeing life as a play for the good of everyone, highlighting the interconnectedness of all beings.

To make better decisions, utilize your time effectively by avoiding rushed choices and reflecting on past errors. Understand the power of silence and give yourself time to think before speaking. Recognize and understand your mental heuristics, and be aware of what you don't know to identify areas for improvement. Align your decisions with your values through brainstorming sessions. Ultimately, cooperating with time and understanding your flaws are key to making better decisions and personal development.