Dr. Richard Schwartz: Internal Family Systems (IFS) and the Next Economy
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We are incredibly excited to welcome Dr. Richard Schwartz to the show to explore how his groundbreaking approach of Internal Family Systems (IFS) can help to build the Next Economy.
Dr. Schwartz’s work focuses on the interactive relationship between “parts” of ourselves. During his research, he noticed systemic patterns in how they show up across his clients. In particular, he found that we are all made up of various parts that dictate how we relate to and engage with the world around us. And when these parts are hurt, we struggle to find joy, peace, and comfort. In addition, he also found that amidst all the chaos, we all have a safe space within us – which he calls the ‘SELF’ – and when we are in this state, that’s when healing is possible.
Today’s conversation explores the basic concepts of IFS, how IFS plays out individually and systemically, how legacy burdens hold us back from the freedom of healing, how to find joy in every moment, and how to work with (and heal) the most traumatized parts of each of us.
In the second half of the show, we get to see IFS in action as Dr. Schwartz takes our host, Ryan Honeyman through a live IFS session. Ryan works with the part of himself that sometimes doubts if the Next Economy is really possible. This session led to a breakthrough for Ryan—tune in to hear more!
Key Points From This Episode:
Dr. Dick Schwartz shares his mood amidst the current chaos of the world.
An introduction to the basic concepts of Internal Family Systems (IFS).
What we can learn from Ethan Hughes’s story in Dr. Schwartz’s book, No Bad Parts.
How IFS plays out both individually and on larger, systemic levels.
Legacy burdens: how history and culture stand in the way of healing.
Whether it’s possible to choose joy and gratitude no matter your circumstance.
IFS in action: Dr. Schwartz does a live assessment with our host, Ryan Honeyman.
Our guest’s advice for how to work with the most hurt parts of yourself.
What Dr. Schwartz is most looking forward to in the future of IFS.
His call to action for listeners who are willing to help grow the Next Economy.
Quotes:
“I’m doing better than surviving. It’s hard to say that I’m happy all the time – but I can access what I call ‘SELF’. And when I’m in that state, I feel pretty good, even though things are crashing around me.” — @DickSchwartzCSL
“There’s a whole other class of burdens that have become increasingly key in the IFS world, which are what we call legacy burdens, that didn’t come from your direct experience; they actually came from your ancestors.” — @DickSchwartzCSL
“That’s such a problem for so many activists: they become so consumed by the awareness of suffering everywhere that it takes over their lives and they burn out.” — @DickSchwartzCSL
“You can still have a life and at the same time be aware of how bad things look.” — @DickSchwartzCSL
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Dr. Richard Schwartz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-schwartz-0a9a1b203/
Dr. Richard Schwartz on X: https://x.com/dickschwartzcsl
Dr. Richard Schwartz on Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/Dr.DickSchwartz
Dr. Richard Schwartz Books on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/98013.Richard_C_Schwartz
IFS Institute: https://ifs-institute.com/
More on Ethan Hughes and the Possibility Alliance: https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2019/06/22/they-quit-petroleum-electricity-and-money-and-found-happiness/gbU91CTDP0vT1VqzdpbW1M/story.html
Dr. William Isaacs on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-isaacs-9a490619/
Foundation for SELF Leadership: https://www.foundationifs.org/
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