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Parts of You That Don’t Agree With Each Other
Internal Family Systems (IFS), developed by Richard Schwartz, views the mind as made up of different “parts,” each with its own role—often to protect us or carry past pain. Rather than trying to eliminate these parts, healing comes from approaching them with curiosity and compassion, allowing our calm, grounded core Self to lead so internal conflict can soften.
Emily Hale
3/2/20261 min read
Parts of You That Don’t Agree With Each Other
An Introduction to Internal Family Systems
It is common to feel internally conflicted. Part of you may want to set a boundary, while another part feels afraid. Part of you wants rest, while another part pushes for productivity.
Internal Family Systems, developed by Richard Schwartz, suggests that the mind is made up of different “parts,” each with its own role and intention (Schwartz, 2021). Some parts work hard to protect you. Others carry emotional pain from earlier experiences.
These parts are not problems to eliminate. They developed to help you survive or cope.
Healing begins when we approach these parts with curiosity instead of criticism. Rather than asking, “What is wrong with me?” we ask, “What is this part trying to protect?”
As clients build access to their core Self, which is calm, compassionate, and grounded, internal conflict often softens. Parts begin to feel heard and do not have to work as hard.
Reference:
Schwartz, R. (2021). No Bad Parts.