Fire Drill: Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Dr. Richard Schwartz guides the listener through the experience of addressing complicated, and sometimes difficult, relationships. During this meditation, Dr. Schwartz helps the listener examine the triggers in those relationships and then get to know their own parts' needs in a safe and supportive manner.

Reviews

Wow, my process with this was deep- took me back to a young exile who was judged and shamed for speaking what was on their heart. I was able to meet them as me, and handle the situation with compassion - to help them sense and express their values, to validate their emotions, to resolve and offer this activity to the class that she was humiliated in, for the benefit of all. It showed me how that's how I am with children, responding to the present moment and being careful, where unfortunately the caregiver in the memory did not have those skills. Amazing to offer IFS to this part which I have met before in other practices. The protector needed to go far away from the person, out of reach, into a treehouse, and was not comfortable for me to meet the person on this occasion, so I paused at that point to inquire deeper, and will revisit this practice. Thank you so much!

This session helped me experience more spaciousness. When I gave caring attention to the part of me that felt fear, I was able to hold the fear so that this part was not carrying it alone. Easing the burden of this young part and helping her system feel some relief.

Never previously had I been exposed to this type of therapeutic approach. It certainly is innovative. Not so much a meditative experience as it is a thought experiment with heavy visualization. The long pauses are productive and effective as they are spacious. I’d be willing to explore more sessions. 👌🏼

Thank you Richard. I’m currently doing IFS and I’m using this to get to know my parts. I have very strong protectors and managers and I need a safe space to connect with them. This was perfect. 👌

A helpful visualization. I may need to come back to this a few times to better understand my reactions.