CC11 Topical Panel 02 - Internal Systems: Which Ones and Do They Matter? - Richard Schwartz, PhD; Stan Tatkin, PsyD; Jeffrey Zeig, PhD

Description:

Educational Objectives:

1. To compare and contrast clinical and philosophical perspectives of experts.

*Sessions may be edited for content and to preserve confidentiality*

Outline:

Introduction to Internal Family Systems (IFS)

• Panel honors Dr. Richard Schwartz and his Internal Family Systems (IFS) model.

• IFS involves working with "parts" (like subpersonalities or ego states).

• Parts are autonomous, naturally occurring, and shaped by life experiences.

Core IFS Concepts

• Two main types of parts:

  • Protectors: control the outside world, numb emotion, often critical.

  • Exiles: hold pain and vulnerability, often hidden.

• Self energy (accessed when parts step back) is characterized by “8 Cs”: curiosity, compassion, clarity, confidence, calm, creativity, courage, and connectedness.

• This core Self is always present and accessible in clients.

Object Relations and State Shifts

• Parts can reflect unresolved attachment issues or trauma.

• State shifts (emotional/physiological) signal part activation.

• Disowned parts may become harmful if not integrated.

Transactional Analysis and Ego States

• Parts are similar to parent/adult/child ego states in transactional analysis.

• Functional subtypes: critical parent, nurturing parent, adapted child, free child.

• Ego grams can show energy distribution among parts.

• Enactments help clients recognize, externalize, and manage their parts.

Experiential and Hypnotic Techniques

• Use of metaphors, objects, and sculpting for experiential learning.

• Hypnosis can deepen understanding and transformation of parts.

• Creative, artistic interventions aid integration.

Applications in Couples Therapy

• Enactments help couples visualize emotions like love and appreciation.

• Therapists track state shifts in both partners during interactions.

• Each partner should become the primary caretaker of their own vulnerable parts, not rely on the other to fix them.

Working with Resistance

• Resistance is seen as a protective function, not pathology.

• Use resistance to access deeper emotional material.

• Maintain readiness to respond flexibly to whatever arises in session.

Placebo Effect and Therapist Confidence

• Active placebo (engagement, suggestion) is more effective than passive.

• Therapist confidence and coherence enhance therapeutic influence.

• A strong narrative and belief in the process are key.

Therapist Development

• Ongoing learning and open-mindedness are essential.

• The ultimate goal is to help clients self-actualize.

• Closing with gratitude for the collaborative learning space.