Richard Schwartz: No Bad Parts

Richard “Dick” Schwartz earned his PhD in marriage and family therapy from Purdue University. He co-authored the most widely used family therapy text in the United States, Family Therapy: Concepts and Methods, and is the creator of the Internal Family Systems Model, which he developed in response to clients’ descriptions of various “parts” within themselves. With Sounds True, Dick has written a new book titled No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model.
In this episode of Insights at the Edge, Tami Simon talks to Dick about the transformation that occurs when we welcome every part of who we are. He explains that even our most destructive parts have protective intentions, put in place to shield us from unprocessed pain, and details his method for accessing and mending these inner wounds. They also discuss the myth of the “mano mind,” and why the mind is naturally multiple; how “exiled” trauma can manifest as bodily pain; connecting with our core Self and letting it lead us in our healing; and how the language of “parts” can be useful in our relationship dynamics.
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'No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model" by "Richard Schwartz":
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Sounds True was founded in 1985 by Tami Simon with a clear mission: to disseminate spiritual wisdom. Since starting out as a project with one woman and her tape recorder, we have grown into a multimedia publishing company with more than 80 employees, a library of more than 1500 titles featuring some of the leading teachers and visionaries of our time, and an ever-expanding family of customers from across the world. In more than three decades of growth, change, and evolution, Sounds True has maintained its focus on its overriding purpose, as summed up in our Mission Statement.
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[@royce6485]

I love that this whole approach literally came down to him listening to his clients and self-reflecting on his own parts

[@Chelsea-fq5cj]

That’s how you get the job done ❤️👌

[@moniquemichelle7295]

Exactly. Really listening is revolutionary bc many therapists do not. He said in another interview that it created a belief in God for him bc he used to be an atheist. I thought that was beautiful too.

[@alison2161]

Takes humility to be able to do that.

[@andreaallen5867]

I started IFS two weeks ago. It’s really amazing getting to know myself in this way. I hope it allows me to heal what years of talk therapy could not.

[@todds.6028]

Update? Are you working with a therapist or doing it on your own?

[@samdung5630]

It is for me.

[@TenTenJ]

@@todds.6028 I have had years of different therapy and therapists, to heal the loss of a sibling. IFS is a most powerful powerful process if you really want to heal, and you put yourself into it. I still go to therapy, but I don’t do it to understand myself I do it mostly to understand other people., and I need it much less so now, because I have healed some core issues. But you do need to maintain IFS therapy periodically because those parts do get triggered.

[@stevenhines5550]

It will

[@QuinnPrice]

Dr. Schwartz is a national treasure. I love his approach and have found it very useful.

[@therapyoutsidethebox5466]

🙏

[@P-therapy]

How the world (people) can continue to grow, to heal, by softening and melting shame with models like IFS. We need this everywhere 🙏🏼

[@Themacintheroni]

As an interviewer, Tami represents the most critical listener who would be the hardest to reach- she asks questions most interviewers are too afraid or polite to, but that need to be asked she’s a fabulous interviewer 👏

[@spacey138]

I was thinking the same thing, so helpful her questions

[@myamentalhealth]

Im on a Dr.Schwartz binge rn & ,although Im a year late, just wanted to give props to Tami's talent for conducting interviews. This is the first time I've seen Dr.Schwartz break script when discussing IFS & as a result of his new answers I got to so much more info & learnt things I didnt already know

[@ShanaColcleasure]

I agree, this was the first interviewer that let him speak whole thoughts and explanations and didn't interupt

[@miss-winner]

This was an excellent interview! I have never heard Richard Schwartz this vulnerable, and it was a breath of fresh air.

[@therapyoutsidethebox5466]

IFS is so game changing, and so ripe for creative applications. It's my favorite modality for deep healing 🙏

[@catherinewylie6959]

Such a great talk. I just caught up with an old friend who highly recommended I learn about this therapy. I always thought I was just one integrated ball of internal conflict and competing desires. Just listening to this, I realize there are definitely "parts" to this and I'm excited to begin my journey with the books I ordered today.

[@dollytenbrink]

So strange, i found this out about myself when i never heard of I.F.S. Because i felt so different when i was communicating in different manners. I just couldnt figure out why i felt different and like a child when i spoke to someone and why i felt mature and protective when i was writing. I cant be mature when i am talking to someone. So i was thinking; maybe i have a part of me that is still a child and the part that writes is the mature parent protecting the child. By accident i found out about dr richard schwartz. I was listening to a book from gabrielle bernstein and she started to explain something about different parts we create . It is answering all my questions about myself and it takes away all my doubts i had about it.

[@carmenl163]

I've come across this kind of therapy because I was looking for ways to heal my inner wounded child. I think it's brilliant. It matches so much with my intuition about what I've done to prevent myself from going crazy because of the abuse I endured in my childhood. I can see how my protectors have served me wonderfully. And I can see how childish they are in the way they are protecting me. It's time for me to let go (I'm 58), and I'm sure IFS will help me a lot. Thank you so much for this very interesting interview.

[@Dawghome]

Mr James G Frieson PHD, helped me so much with not only his books but more importantly how he viewed D.I.D, so it helped me to view myself and parts with loving compassion, irrespective of how they present. This was the mantra i would repeat. "No matter what you have ever said, or whatever youve done, i will always love you! If they were aggresive to me as their knee jerk resction, with that loving statement, their guard would drop, i also discovered on one occasion that they presented this way, with their guard down, the stepped aside only to show me they were potected a group of personas new to my concious mind. I bought and read his book in 1995, he wasnt PHD then, that came later! And i still am met with prejudice by so-called mental health workers and im 65 now. The struggle is real! 😢

[@carmnose]

Wow, amazing interview. This! This is a game changer for therapy. You definitely have my ear. Thank you.

[@gracens5548]

I am beginning this work myself and will hopefully find a guide, as well. So interesting. I realised I had been looking at my parts as things to overcome or control harshly, when they really want exactly what my true Self wants, which is to be seen and heard.

[@halaali1721]

Thank you Tami, your voice sound like a manager specially when you didn't want to share your story I can relate. I appreciate your work

[@maralynfarber2068]

Just thank you.❤️🙏 And thank you so much, Dr. Schwartz, for your honesty!

[@jennwhitneycataldo]

I think you are an excellent interviewer. You clearly did your research and had knowledgeable and pointed questions. I think they elicited deep and concrete responses from DS and it was quite impressive. I realize you didn't want to go into your own IFS, so some said you sounded guarded. But that is your role in this situation, so I was totally fine with it. Thank you so much.

[@romytaylor1817]

Excellent interview, Tami. Deep-diving with your questions. You pulled some great nuggets from Dr. Schwartz. His work is life-changing and contributes to a way-finding for humanity.

[@blk2wite]

Great summary of the model. Thank you.

[@analogkid4957]

Thank you for an excellent interview Tami. I am a recovering addict -a survivor of childhood trauma and just getting involved with IFS. I respect and am a fan of Sounds True and own the Matt Kahn workshops as well as Berne Brown and others. I like how Sounds True also incorporates healing modalities such as IFS as a Spiritual topic.

[@lynnross5983]

Really great, insightful questions... some I'd not have thought of, so thanks!!

[@SueDamron]

Wow!!! This work is astonishing and has such integrative potential in one’s life!! Amazing and informative interview and my introduction to this work! I feel so much hope for healing in my life now!! Thank you!!

[@maralynfarber2068]

Amen🙏❤️

[@IntuitiveCoachTheresa]

This is the most revolutionary approach to healing human beings since the polyvagal theory.

[@myrootsgraspNewsoil]

Wonderful interview! Ty. I’m in the midst of trying to find an iFS therapist right now. My soul hears how much sense this makes and how much I need and want to do this. But it also makes my protectors a bit scared of it tbh. I’m going to trust the process and do it anyway.

[@samantha-kemp-therapy]

IFS is so tremendously enlightening

[@MFJoneser]

Exquisite interview. Love these two

[@Susan-ol4ys]

Drank this on deeply and downloaded so I have it on my iPad to listen again, such useful tools thank you. I really appreciate Richard’s self disclosure and honesty and Tami is a wonderful force for expansion in the world, thank you both :-)

[@shutupallready]

😊

[@shutupallready]

😊😊😊😊🎉😢😊r

[@Phoebe-cy8xc]

Such a gem 💎 of a therapist- understanding his own and his patients deeply. transformative healing of pain 🙏🏼 thank you Dr Schwartz and brilliant host Tami 👍

[@Heart_Health_and_Soul_by_Anika]

Thank you! ❤

[@llyradcynth691]

Acknowledging the many parts in all of us is very healing. As Eckhart Tolle seems to refer to the negative parts as the pain body both mental and physical. Believe RS isn't a fan of ET. I am and appreciate what they both do. RS goes into the detail of these parts. Protectors and exiles. ET as I see it, sees this pain body as various negatives and isn't really interested in the details of them. They all hurt and need to be healed. We all heal differently, not to downplay the one or the other. Let's just get healed. Be thankful that there's so much differing info out there! Something is bound to hopefully strike a great big healing chord at some stage🙏

[@Peem_pom]

I felt judged by ETs voice in his books. Richard makes me feel whole.

[@therapyoutsidethebox5466]

ET refers to the ego as a parasite. That tells me all I need to know about his psychology. RS and IFS all the way.

[@therapyoutsidethebox5466]

@@Peem_pom 🙏

[@annekegermers821]

I have learned from both. It's about AHA moments. They come to you from everywhere, when you're open to it. I have learned from Sadhguru, who I consider a total fraud now.

[@llyradcynth691]

@@annekegermers821 no one's perfect, people mirror you and your pain, and speak to you in each moment differently as you are different in each moment. One learns from various people over a period. Different people resonate with different people at different moments!

[@coletteterrasson5350]

This is life changing for me. I have the audio book of "No Bad Parts" plus have been listening to this video and his guided meditation videos. 53:12 to 51:09 is the key for me. I have transcribed on paper his words from this part twice this morning. Thank you.

[@bodymindsoul60]

I love this man, Dr.Schwartz Recently, lead to him🙏 Wish Carolyn Myss would be more forthcoming in her “Archetype “ lectures I spent 4 years unable to wrap my head around All her different archetypes and mode of healing and left her I feel she took this s amazing mans (simplified) teachings and is still making a ton of money on clients like myself who were searching for answers Wish I’d found him first I mentioned this only because I’m aware she is represented by Sounds True

[@bronsonmcdonald5473]

Thank you❣️

[@itchaban]

Excellent!!

[@tatianefreitas13]

thank you!!!

[@juliashearer7842]

So interesting but there do seem to be a lot of adverts. I understand that you have to have adverts and I guess you can't control when they pop up but there seemed a lot and they seemed to come at times when a key point of method was being talked about. Thank you for the interesting interview. Listening for a second time now.

[@myralhf]

I get it...our culture deals with it all wrong and hence perpetuates the initial problem of wrong doing. This concept of IFS/No bad parts is counter intuitive in how we as a culture are raised. Addiction would be a thing of the past if we bagged the blaming, shaming and created other which isolates, condemns, ostracized and deepens the shame of stickiness of addiction. IFS is a kinder, gentler model of being human, compassionate and kind...All have some kind of addiction...so give up the arrogance! This kind of dialogue, curiosity, questioning in this way works to heal individuals and communities. I believe this can be taken further...from the therapist room, to families, to communities, schools, society at large...this models can be used in so many places to create a new dialogue of interacting and healing for one another...

[@therapyoutsidethebox5466]

This is why I've always thought of RS as a kinder, gentler exorcist 😀

[@adove5843]

​@@therapyoutsidethebox5466Gentler exorcist, nice one 😅

[@lillyfox2537]

@@adove5843💀💀💀

[@annekegermers821]

Great interview. Thank you. I have figured all this stuff out myself over a thirty year period.

[@DeafGypsy]

Please add English captions for the Deaf viewers.

[@carmenl163]

English subtitles are available.

[@MotorcyclePhaedrus]

I imagine IFS might complement Bowen systems approaches (internal vs external systems). Love how this ressonates on what is already conceptualized in terms of societal systems, and how it ressonates for individuals mapping out their inner selves. Fascinating perspectives here, the theological parts remind me of Ralph waldo Emerson (self reliance).

[@Prohitd]

Love the connections you’re making! You’re well-read.

[@Mariabammeskov]

Aaaiii I love Sounds True. In this interview however, I had commercials every 4 min.. Hope it was just a one-time incident as I love this channel 🙏🏼🧡

[@kimlawson2164]

Yes I'm seeing this more and more on here. Turning me off to YT altogether

[@johnnoughty7944]

Lots of ads

[@lynne3989]

Ugh

[@saffronhammer7714]

I come home with blank when I ask the questions he suggests. Like where is this in my body…I am so up in my head I get anxious about failing at this exercise, doing it “wrong”, not being accurate….I freak out and freeze.

[@jwf2125]

You’re not alone. I keep trying.

[@raelmoore4453]

Have you tried any of his meditations (KZbin)? Get somewhere quiet and follow his suggestions ... much more effective.

[@saffronhammer7714]

Have done. But thanks for the suggestion.

[@jwf2125]

@@saffronhammer7714 I have so much trouble feeling what I think I’m supposed to feel. But I get this tiny voice that says I’ll be glad I kept trying.

[@saffronhammer7714]

@@jwf2125 wonderful! Keep at it.

[@ronaldmoses793]

This work no parts is mesmerizing , it messed up my mind I am a normal guy, read the book i experimented all the exercises , i feel sad for me i am into something more tramatic and my sleep is reduced to 2 hours every day , these guys ... how they practice please help me doctor..

[@iaindcosta]

this is deep

[@mindacademysports4063]

Powerful

[@aiLoveE]

auch, the S sounds your mircophone produces r killing my ears!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@barbarabell1095]

How do I do this and connect with my therapist to work with me how can he use this system to help my parts massive caretaker part cause I didn't

[@CBDWoman]

love this podcast just a shame there's adverts every ten minutes

[@comunicacionplena5833]

How can I start studying IFS in Latin America?

[@annekegermers821]

Schizophrenics are not delusional. He might be interested in listening to Jerry Marzinsky who has done great work with patients.

[@Smart44Lady]

So many ads Looking for another intv with Schwartz

[@kimlec3592]

There are parts that are trying to protect the child. The child was not protected.

[@karolina8465]

I would like dr Schwartz talk more about those fears of hearing voices in his clients. Some people have those kind of blocks when reaching for a given therapy method, I don't really hear specialists talk about it, and it feels very important. No every person goes for a therapy without fears of the outcome.

[@Andruiu]

Why isn't he crediting Dr Jung for discovering psychodynamics, the foundation of ifs?

[@hotblonddude]

She bugs. Love him and his work.

[@Anniebear7f]

N this is how we Heal ourselves and Mother Earth 🌎🐢🌌

[@saffronhammer7714]

What if you can’t recall any specific memories enough to reimagine this?

[@ash_emu]

From learning about this therapy I've seen that sometimes a poor memory is actually a protective part. It won't allow you to remember things and wants to keep it fuzzy. You can work with this part once you're confident enough to maintain self-energy and reassure it that your system won't become overwhelmed if this protective part steps back. Same with parts that make you spaced out or foggy.

[@charoleawood]

This talk reminds me of a song called "Forty Six & 2" by a band called Tool. The song itself is inspired by the works of Carl Jung. I have found in my own life that the digging into my shadow, with respect and help --- even though people weren't even aware they were helping --- has produced permanent transformations. I discovered that I was bisexual and trans --- aspects that had always produced shame, exile, rejection within myself and which I had discredited in others, fiercely. But those things which I feared about myself aren't bad, once I came to see them and allowed them to exist in a way that was healthy they were no longer scary, they came to be normal facts that I didn't need to push away and that I am at peace with.

[@woodsykris]

That song was transformational for me. Tool, in their entirety, are geniuses! Or would I say Tool is genius? (tricky grammar) Anyway, Tool is amazing!

[@miss-winner]

19:45 Unburdening ❤

[@Kainlarsen]

I tried to listen all the way through... but all it did was make me feel worse. I have issues, a lot of issues, but I feel more alone with them than ever. And I will likely die with these 'things' carried around on my back, unresolved.

[@AB-bt9eb]

Meditate and excercise, even for five minutes a day. They're proven to help. The rest is extremely helpful. But that if what helped me. Do that and everything else is commentary.

[@jamesjasonallen4168]

Hey! I understand that becoming more aware of all the issues you’re carrying around can make you feel more hopeless about your situation. Have you ever received any kind of therapy for these things?

[@maxinejimenez7188]

If it did u are in very bad shape. Go to a therapist asap

[@adove5843]

The IFS lens would likely be that a part of you feels very alone, likely because within yourself you may have been coping with things in a way that has unintentionally kept you unconscious to many other parts that could also help, but right now you don't know they even exist and even if they do, how to connect with them. This is where a therapist can help: providing their physical and emotional presence in your world, creating space and safety to listen and explore, help you gently put down those "things" you are carrying and find new ways of relating to yourself and to people in your world. I speak from experience. Please go to an IFS therapist if you can. 🙏💛

[@debrac1688]

Which part turned on and listened to the interview? I tool a walk and did a voice recording of my dialog with my Protector. And I was surprised what m inner child told me... why it dissapears

[@align2source]

💚

[@Themacintheroni]

26:28 like in the goonies when they were banging on the pipes trying to get help on the surface. 🤯

[@theresebrennan2107]

😊 great film 🏴‍☠️

[@Me-nc8pp]

3:00 Start of conversation

[@ARUNKUMAR-lr9mj]

Ma'am I'm listening Whistles more than words , please use de-essers

[@LasVegasSand_s]

20:50

[@allnargles]

23:27 evidence based explanation

[@Tamarahope77]

Evidence-based normally means a certain number of randomised controlled trials. IFS only has one RCT, and only for rheumatoid arthritis. Sadly, there aren't enough studies to be able to do a meta-analysis of the efficacy of IFS for any condition.

[@naturelover1284]

well, we sure hear the over cultures voice that we are presently bathed in. mrs so&so knows if she repeats what you should be doing as with the other wives, that she continues on the set to the grave route. Don't upset her plan by going to school and helping the world out beyond your own family

[@andrzejpuchta7359]

is

[@caroesner]

Way too many ads. Too greedy! Bye bye

[@stevemiller8895]

I think this gentleman is well meaning but he is complicating a very simple therapy and that is the difference between your wounded child which includes your emotions feelings, issues thoughts intents motives and memories and being able to process them in a very simple way by acknowledging them when they come into your presence and accepting them with love and kindness and letting them stay with you as long as they want and in that motivation and the love and acceptance that you place upon that particular woundedness whether it's feeling or an issue that all of that combined allows that feeling to transform into healing. Try it sometime it's not difficult and I think of it in terms of a me being the parent and the feeling Etc as the wounded inner child.

[@jenniferreinbrecht7125]

This is literally exactly what he is doing.

[@carmenl163]

In his work, the inner child is the exile. The difference is that he includes the protecting parts in his work. I call one part 'my wall' and another part 'my robot'. These parts prevent me from accessing my inner child.

[@stevemiller8895]

@@carmenl163 So in essence you spend your life either ignoring or evading thus preventing relationship with yourself, is that healthy? Can you enlighten me?

[@carmenl163]

@@stevemiller8895 Yes, I cannot access my inner child, the part of me that holds my traumas. These two (very strong) parts prevent that. No, it's not healthy. But it was necessary during my very abusive childhood. IFS gives me tools to handle my protective parts. This way, they will be included in my system and allow my Self to get in touch with my inner child and heal my traumas. It was a big relief for me to finally understand how my protective parts work. IFS is the only therapy that 'clicks'. It fits my inner situation and I think it can help me reconnect with my Self. I want nothing better at 58.

[@lorettamertz2800]

Blow it out your ear

[@joedavis4150]

... If it doesn't Express The crucial importance of entheogenic plants and fungi to the health of our planet and its beings, it doesn't sound true.... decriminalize God's plant medicines.

[@therapyoutsidethebox5466]

RS is actually a big proponent of psychedelic medicines. That just was obviously not the focus of this interview.

[@ChildOfJesus590]

Repent!!! Jesus loves you!!!!

[@Elliottcharlesking]

✝️✝️✝️✝️

[@Peem_pom]

Tami feels so cynical and cold. Compared to the compassionate Richard. Just using c words. Lol

[@johnwest]

I think she has a lot of parts that keep her guarded during the interview. I noticed parts of myself that came up while listening that felt judgmental about that.. but my heart opened up when she at one point actually noted that she has an anxious part ;-)

[@davidlawler9707]

Her voice is hard to listen to.

[@Themacintheroni]

She represents the most critical listener who would be the hardest to reach- she asks questions most interviewers are too afraid or polite to, but that need to be asked she’s a fabulous interviewer-

[@ayesha8809]

How can he say there are no bad parts and then say the delusional voices that schizophrenics hear are not the same? This does not make sense to me.

[@carmenl163]

The 'voice' in a mentally (relatively) healthy person's head telling their thoughts is entirely different from the voice a schizophrenic person hears. They hear voices like you would hear the voice of an actual person standing beside you talking. So, those voices are not the parts in your head talking.

[@mar8010]

Very poorly explained which is a pity because it sounds like an interesting approach

[@viobadescu1155]

This guys is encouraging schizophrenia

[@Wiggy8]

I don’t think you understand him

[@owenlarson07366]

Your skepticism is trying to protect you

[@adove5843]

If you would try it even once you would experience that the outcome actually leads to the opposite. It challenges many norms along the way though!

[@Anniebear7f]

Respectfully, n with Gratitude, I choose Corn 🌽🪶🐻