Darya Sinusoid

Darya’s love for reading started with fantasy novels (The LOTR trilogy is still her all-time-favorite). Growing up, however, she found herself transitioning to non-fiction, psychological, and self-help books. She has a degree in Psychology and a deep passion for the subject. She likes reading research-informed books that distill the workings of the human brain/mind/consciousness and thinking of ways to apply the insights to her own life. Some of her favorites include Thinking, Fast and Slow, How We Decide, and The Wisdom of the Enneagram.

Internal Family Systems Model: Key Concepts Explained

What is Internal Family Systems? What are the different parts of the IFS model of psychotherapy? Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a model of psychotherapy developed by psychiatrist Richard Schwartz. In a nutshell, IFS is a form of talk therapy aimed at helping people heal wounded parts of their psyche and end negative patterns within the internal family system. Keep reading for an overview of the Internal Family Systems model, key terms, and a look into what IFS therapy looks like in practice.

Benjamin Hardy’s 5 Tips for Achieving Goals

A dart board representing defining your target market

Do you keep falling off track with your goals? How do you keep pushing when the going gets tough? The key to achieving any goal in life is to intentionally choose behaviors that contribute to your desired outcome. This means doing things that feel hard and uncomfortable in the short term but that pay off in the long term. With this in mind, here are a few tips for achieving goals.

IFS Unblending: What It Is and How to Do It

What exactly is “unblending” in the IFS? What is the purpose of the unblending technique? Unblending is a key concept in Richard Schwartz’s Internal Family Systems (IFS) model. The purpose of unblending is to unblend (that is, unfuse) your core Self from the parts that have taken over and reclaim control. Keep reading to learn about IFS unblending and how to practice it.

How Does Trauma Work? Psychologist Explains

The Link Between Childhood Trauma and Depression

What exactly is trauma? How does trauma work, and what is its purpose? According to psychologist Benjamin Hardy, trauma is, in essence, a narrative you form in your head about a painful experience. The traumatic narrative serves a defensive purpose: to prevent you from feeling similar types of pain in the future by encouraging you to avoid similar situations. Keep reading to learn about the psychology of trauma, according to Benjamin Hardy.

Richard Schwartz: What Is IFS Self-Leadership?

What exactly is self-leadership in Richard Schwartz’s Internal Family Systems model? How does one cultivate the virtue of self-leadership? The ultimate goal of IFS is to embody what Richard Schwartz calls “self-leadership.” Self-leadership is the state of mind characterized by calmness, curiosity, and a sense of control during challenging situations. Keep reading to learn about IFS self-leadership and its implications.

Self-Narratives: The Root Cause of Self-Sabotage

Why do we sabotage ourselves by settling for less or doing things we know hinder our progress? Self-sabotage comes from unhealthy self-narratives—or stories—you tell yourself about who you are and the events that happen to you. The narratives you tell yourself can either help you or hinder you in reaching your goal. Keep reading to learn how unhelpful narratives are formed, why they hinder your progress, and how to heal your narratives and traumas.

Do We Have Multiple Selves, or Just One?

What exactly is a self? Do we have one self or many? In psychology, the “self” used to be thought of as singular, unified, and consistent—but this idea is no longer common. While many theories of self exist, most acknowledge that one’s self is complex and multi-layered, a shifting amalgamation of thoughts and experiences informed by various contexts. Here’s why each of us has multiple selves, according to psychiatrist Richard Schwartz.

How to Stop Sabotaging Yourself: The Top 4 Strategies

Do you want to know how to stop sabotaging yourself? What skills do you need to overcome self-sabotage? Everyone has the potential to become the person they want to be. What’s blocking you is the self-sabotaging narratives you tell yourself about what you can and cannot do. With this in mind, here’s how to stop sabotaging yourself by reframing self-limiting narratives.

No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz: Book Overview

What is Richard Schwartz’s No Bad Parts about? What is the key message to take away from the book? In No Bad Parts, Richard Schwartz provides a broad overview of Internal Family Systems (IFS)—a therapeutic practice grounded in the idea that each of us is made up of a complex network of different “parts.” He outlines the theory behind its basic principles and how it can help people to live a more fulfilling life. Below is a brief overview of No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model.

Can You Change Your Personality? Here’s What Science Says

Can you change your personality? To what extent is one’s personality malleable? According to psychologist Benjamin Hardy, science shows that your personality is not fixed and that you can change it. Studies consistently demonstrate that personality traits change over the course of your life. While he contends that your past influences your personality, it doesn’t fully determine it. Here’s why personality isn’t permanent, according to Hardy.