No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model

Schwartz begins the chapter by challenging the prevalent assumption that parts of an individual’s psyche are inherently negative or destructive. Instead, he posits that these parts are playing extreme roles due to past experiences and family dynamics.

Schwartz draws a parallel between family systems and internal systems, suggesting that just as children in dysfunctional families adopt specific roles, internal parts take on protective functions. He emphasizes that these roles do not define the essence of the individual or the part. The author argues that in an ideal, harmonious environment, parts would work together seamlessly, guided by the Self.

The chapter reiterates the four primary goals of IFS: liberating parts from their extreme roles, restoring trust in the Self, re-harmonizing the internal system, and achieving Self-leadership. Schwartz explains that healing in IFS involves reconnecting scattered or polarized elements of the psyche, making the system whole again.

To illustrate the healing process, Schwartz presents a case study of a client named Cheryl. Cheryl sought therapy due to an inexplicable fear response to her boyfriend’s marriage proposal. Through IFS techniques, Cheryl uncovered childhood trauma related to her father, who had alcohol use disorder.