Dr. Beth Forhman

We all have a myriad of parts or feeling states. We have parts that are managers, firefighters and exiles. Each part of ourselves has a protective intention, despite the recognition that our internal parts can take extreme positions in order to protect younger, exiled and wounded parts that have experienced “big-T” traumas and “little-T” traumas. According to Dr. Richard Schwartz, the originator and developer of this extraordinary model, stated: “Like people, parts can relate to each other in ways that are friendly, different, or at odds… With extreme burdens (our) system becomes even more polarized with power struggles between parts who are intent on promoting their particular agendas and survival strategies.” The development of a compassionate and curious self to part relationship can unblock parts that get stuck and free them extreme roles, allowing our parts to morph into new, freeing roles. As a clinician who has been privileged to experience Levels I, II, and III trainings, I have been thrilled and amazed to see extraordinary growth in clients, as well as my own personal growth. Internal Family Systems can move individuals from being “stuck” in old patterns to a renewed sense of self, with less self-judgment and more openness and forgiveness toward others. This approach embodies eastern philosophy, mindfulness and family systems dynamics. If you would like to learn more about this model, I suggest that you read Dr. Schwartz’s book, Introduction to Internal Family Systems, or peruse his book, You Are the One You Have Been Waiting For.”