what does loch kelly say about ifs

Loch Kelly discusses Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy as a key component of his approach to psychotherapy. He highlights the idea of the "Self with a capital S," which denotes an awake, conscious self that forms the healing dimension within IFS therapy. This Self-awareness allows individuals to perceive and manage their internal parts, fostering a deeper connection to integrate and heal aspects like trauma and anxiety. According to Kelly, this perspective—and the method of psychotherapy that includes IFS—facilitates accessing an innate, healing consciousness without the need for external substances like psychedelics 1 2.

For Kelly, the practice of this type of mindfulness is not merely a calming technique but a profound healing method that can integrate with contemporary psychology and neuroscience to address deep-seated emotional issues and foster a sense of interconnected self-awareness 1 2.

Richard Schwartz developed Internal Family Systems (IFS) in the early 1980s while he was a family therapist. Initially, Schwartz was a firm believer in traditional family therapy and its ability to reorganize external systems to address client issues. However, his work with patients, particularly those with bulimia, revealed that despite reorganizing their families, the patients continued destructive behaviors. Out of frustration, Schwartz began to explore the internal world of his clients and noticed they spoke of having distinct "parts" of themselves that operated semi-autonomously and often conflicted with each other 1.

IFS is unique because it views these internal parts as subpersonalities, each with its own perspective, emotions, and memories, rather than as mere irrational impulses or isolated emotions. This model considers the mind's natural multiplicity, where everyone has different parts that play various roles like protectors, managers, and exiles. These parts interact internally similarly to how family members might interact externally, making the approach systemic and integrative 1 2.

One of the key aspects that makes IFS special is its non-pathologizing stance. The model emphasizes that there are no inherently "bad" parts. Instead, all parts, even those causing troubling symptoms, are viewed as having positive intentions, typically aiming to protect the individual from emotional pain. This compassionate approach fosters an environment where individuals can safely explore, understand, and harmonize their internal system 2 3.