Working with Shadow and Parts of Self
What is Internal Family Systems?
Thinking of the human self as “multiple” is not a new concept in psychology. The multiplicity of self was explored in depth by Carl Jung who was interested in the shadow parts of the unconscious mind. For Jung shadow(s) represents the unconscious and repressed aspects of an individual's personality. They can be traits, desires, or impulses that society deems inappropriate or that we personally reject. Shadows often play out through our projecting them onto others and our environments. They live deep in the unconscious mind as forgotten or denied experiences that govern our behavior without our conscious awareness.
Everyone has Shadow(s)
Jung believed that everyone has shadow. Golden shadow relates to our potential, self actualization and purpose. Often we glorify in or shy away from these light or golden parts of us that are reflected from our environment, such as complements or successes. Dark shadows are those we resist, fear and deny out of shame or discomfort. These are the deeply wounded or forgotten parts of self that feel too painful to acknowledge. It is dark shadow that often reeks the most havoc on our lives, interrupting our goals, dreams, connections to others, and self confidence.
Each persons mind is composed of various parts
Aligned with Jung’s conception of shadow, Richard Schwartz, founder of Internal Family Systems therapy, too believes in the selfs multiplicity. Schwartz notes that western psychology has a tendency to conceptualize the self as a single entity. Yet consider the multiple dialogues most of us have in our heads at any given moment. Thinking through our day or how we will approach a conflict, or those moments when we give our self a pep talk for confidence. According to Schwartz, each person's mind is composed of various parts, each with its own thoughts, emotions, and motivations, similar to sub personalities. It is these parts of self that manage out daily life and gate keep our shadows.
Shadows want to be liberated, parts want to be integrated
Jung believed that shadows want to be liberated, just as a wound wants to heal. Schwartz believes that the parts of self deeply want to be integrated back into our most authentic self. The part of us that is eternal and has been with us from birth, the core “Self”. In IFS it is this part that has always been whole, never broken or damaged, and whom parts have been created to protect, especially when we could not protect ourselves. Here is where Jung and Schwartz meet, parts of the self defend our shadows, and are employed to keep them in place even if it’s not functional to our life’s purpose and dreams.
Working with Parts, Facing the Shadow
Jung believed that facing the shadow is an essential part of the individuation process, which is the journey towards becoming one's true and authentic self. By embracing the shadow, we can achieve a greater sense of wholeness and self-awareness. IFS therapy has a similar goal, to help individuals explore and understand different parts, creating a sense of harmony and balance within the internal self system. If we think of all of our parts of self as sitting around a large dinner table discussing what time to eat, the internal system makes sense. Each part has its input, role, believes, and feelings about the situation. Some parts speak over others, some have learned not to speak, some are angry, others afraid, some want take out, while others are distracted or aloof. The therapeutic process involves facilitating a connection with these parts, gaining their trust, and ultimately promoting self-leadership where the individual's core "Self" can guide and integrate the different parts for overall well-being.
Self Leadership is the hallmark of IFS work
Self leadership is the hallmark of IFS work, helping individuals to tap into their innate capacity to lead their own purpose filled life free of fear, shame and doubt. Therapy is a launching point to help individuals learn how to notice, relate to, and give voice to their internal parts, what Jung called personifying the shadow. Once one can learn how to access their parts they can find out what their parts are up to and how to get them on the same page as core “Self”. This can take some time seeing as many parts may have developed as a way to cope with different experiences, traumas, or challenges throughout one's life. However, freeing parts from their employment as self’s managers, coping mechanisms, and protectors can heal trauma, bring in greater self awareness, greater emotional control and intelligence, enhance self esteem, improve relationships, and ultimately promote self transformation.
Post supported by:
No Bad Parts - by Richard Schwartz
Meeting the Shadow - by Connie Zweig & Jeremiah Abrams
Media Support:
Richard Schwartz - Explaining IFS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdZZ7sTX840
Karen Faith - How to Talk to the worst parts of yourself
