Parts Work

Writing about self-discipline in Chapter 14 of GTFU, I suggested that one can avoid using brute-force willpower by understanding that the small self (ego, personality, etc.) is comprised of “parts” that are often at odds with each other, and that self-discipline can be achieved by simply bringing the small-self parts into alignment with one’s “True Self.” These concepts were inspired partly (no pun intended) by the field of Internal Family Systems (IFS) psychotherapy, which provides a nuanced, intuitive, practical approach to healing and harmonizing one’s parts.

IFS therapy (a.k.a. “parts work”) is particularly helpful for those who struggle with inner conflict or debilitating “issues” that seem resistant to healing and growth. The IFS approach was developed by psychologist Richard Schwartz through several decades of clinical work. The resources below can help you learn about IFS and decide whether to add parts work to your ELDERhood toolkit…

• Internal Family Systems, Explained — This is a playlist of high-quality educational videos from Dr. Tori Olds. (Total runtime is under 90 minutes.)
• Dr. Richard Schwartz on IFS and Parts — This interview includes a brief explanation as well as a guided meditation to make contact with your internal “protector” parts. (22m)
• Interview & Demo IFS Session — Watch Dr. Richard Schwartz informally demonstrate how IFS works during an interview by Soren Gordhamer. (33m)
• Another Interview/Demo — Schwartz and Gordhamer again, about a year later. (40m)
• IFS Self-help — This is an interview with Jay Earley, an IFS practitioner who teaches people how to do parts work on their own or with a friend, without a therapist. (55m)
• Self-Therapy — This is Jay Earley’s self-help book for those who want to do parts work on their own or with a peer/partner.
• Directory of IFS Practitioners — This is the IFS Institute’s official online database that you can use to find a local therapist with IFS training. (See also: GTFU Readers’ Guide to Inner Healing.)