What is Self in IFS Therapy? In the dynamic world of psychotherapy, a quiet revolution has been unfolding over the past 25 years, ushered in by the profound insights of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. If you’ve recently sought an IFS therapist or aimed to secure a spot in their training courses, you’ve likely encountered the surging demand for this approach. It’s important to understand the essence of IFS and why it has evolved from an obscure model to a mainstream psychotherapeutic framework.
The Essence of Self in IFS
Before we delve deeper into the transformative power of Self-Energy, let’s consider the foundation of IFS. Dr. Richard Schwartz, known as Dick, initiated this therapeutic approach. It was born from his clients’ voices, who often expressed thoughts like, “A part of me thinks this, but another part thinks that,” or “I want to indulge in cake, but there’s a part of me that’s berating me for it.”
Dick, who initially practised systemic family therapy, observed something extraordinary. Families weren’t just external structures; they existed within the minds of his clients, influencing their thoughts and actions. This revelation marked a significant shift in the therapy landscape, recognizing that we are not a single, unified self but an intricate amalgamation of different parts, each with its unique role and perspective.
Understanding the Self in IFS
As we navigate the intricate landscape of IFS, it’s essential to grasp the concept of “Self.” Beyond the array of parts within us, formed in response to various life experiences, lies the core “Self.” This Self embodies warmth, love, kindness, compassion, strength, and calm. It holds the power to facilitate profound healing.
Viewing the Self from a biological perspective provides a tangible analogy. Every moment, your body tirelessly engages in cellular-level repair and rejuvenation. This is why you’re here, reading this post – a testament to the remarkable regenerative potential within you.
Much like your body’s innate ability to heal, your mind, brain, and nervous system require healing, especially for those inner parts burdened with emotional scars. In IFS, the Self is pivotal in orchestrating this healing, like the forces that mend a fractured bone.
Tapping into Self-Energy
The concept of Self-Energy in IFS might seem elusive if you’re new to this therapeutic approach. It’s like describing the sun’s warmth before emerging from beneath a shroud of clouds. You know it’s there, but you can’t fully grasp it.
So, what does Self-Energy feel like? Picture yourself on an aeroplane, soaring through the skies. Before breaking through a dense layer of clouds, you know the sun is shining above. However, you can’t feel its warmth or witness its brilliance.
But then, in that enchanting moment, you burst through the clouds, and there it is, in all its radiant glory. You can see it, feel its warmth, even with your eyes closed. There’s no room for doubt – you’re not imagining it; you’re experiencing it.
Moments of Self-Energy
Moments when you’ve tapped into Self-Energy may have gone unnoticed:
- Love for Your Partner: That overwhelming feeling of love as you reflect on the years spent with your partner and their unwavering support during your most vulnerable moments.
- Comforting a Friend: The serene patience and compassion with which you listen to a friend’s emotional story, offering a consoling embrace, witnessing their emotional release, and facilitating their soothing and restoration.
- Newborn’s Embrace: The overwhelming, all-consuming love that surges when you cradle your newborn baby for the first time.
- In the Flow: Experiencing an immersive flow state where time seems to stand still, your mind falls silent, and the only reality is the present moment.
- Setting Boundaries: The unwavering calm and strength that radiate from you when confronting a disrespectful co-worker, bolstered by unshakable conviction.
- Compassion and Generosity: Feeling deep sadness and compassion when encountering a photo of an underprivileged child, prompting an immediate, substantial donation to a charity working in their region and igniting a sense of hope and determination to alleviate human suffering.
These moments offer a glimpse into Self-Energy’s transformative potential, especially in challenging times. Regardless of your past experiences, healing is always within reach, and Self-Energy catalyzes this remarkable transformation.
Remember, even in your darkest hours, you are not alone on your path of self-discovery and healing. The radiant power of your Self-Energy is ever-present, ready to embrace you with warmth and love.
Now is the moment to take the first step on your healing journey. If you’re ready to explore the profound potential of IFS, book a free consultation with Dr Gabe: click the button below.
