The World's Best Book Summaries
What exactly is personality? Is one’s personality fixed for life? Most people think of their personality—the totality of their abilities, preferences, and temperaments—as something innate and unchanging. However, science shows that you can, in fact, change your personality. Moreover, the idea of a fixed personality is unhelpful because it limits what you can achieve. Here’s why the idea of a fixed personality is problematic.
What is IFS therapy? What psychological wounds is IFS used to treat? Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an integrative and evidence-based method of psychotherapy developed by Richard Schwartz. IFS-trained therapists use questions, suggestions, and active listening to guide clients through the process of getting to know their inner family system and healing their wounded parts. To understand IFS therapy, it’s important to first understand the two foundational concepts on which it’s built: multiplicity and systems thinking.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.