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

In this chapter, Schwartz examines the concept of “unburdening” and its connections to spirituality and personal growth. He begins by drawing parallels between IFS and Christian concepts, suggesting that unburdening in IFS is akin to releasing sin in Christianity. Both processes, he argues, aim to reconnect individuals with their true selves and a higher power.

Schwartz introduces the idea that parts of the psyche, like individuals, can feel disconnected from the Self and each other. He posits that healing through IFS not only alleviates symptoms but also fosters a deeper connection to one’s essence and the divine. This concept extends to the notion that each part of the psyche contains its own Self, creating a nested system of parallel structures within the human psyche.

The author shares his experience working with individuals diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder, revealing that even distinct personalities within a person can have their own parts and Self. This discovery led Schwartz to view parts as sacred entities deserving of love and compassion, much like how Christianity views humans as created in God’s image.