A112 The Healing Self

Theres a growing recognition that traditional, talk-based therapies often help people understand why they suffer, but don't do much to relieve their suffering. This course will provide concrete, practical ways to help clients heal, so they no longer fall into abysses of despair, irrational fears, or tormenting self-criticism. The instructor will explain his Internal Family Systems model, how to identify and integrate the inner parts a client has exiled, and how to help them unload extreme beliefs, energies, and emotions. He will discuss the presence of the Self--a core of equanimity and leadership that can be accessed as the primary healer in even the most distressed clients. This rapid, non-pathologizing approach to healing is empowering and enjoyable. He will give special attention to using this model with couples and with trauma. He will also explore the spiritual aspects of this work.

Meet The Instructor

Richard Schwartz, Ph.D. is director of the Center for Self Leadership in Chicago and originator of the Internal Family Systems Model. He's the author of five books, including Internal Family Systems Therapy.

Course Contents

Session 1: What Does It Mean to Heal? • Understanding coping and distinguishing it from healing and transforming • The shortcomings of traditional, talk-based therapies • Overview of the Internal Family Systems model • Two paths to healing: What are the parts? • The Multiplicity Paradigm • The common roles parts are forced into: Managers, firefighters, exiles

Session 2: The Key To Healing: Releasing the Self • Why so few psychotherapies and so many spiritual paths know about the Self • Qualities of Self-leadership • How to release the Self and common fears about doing so • Embodiment: The relationship between the Self and the body • Getting to know a part from the perspective of your Self

Session 3: Steps to Healing: Connecting, Witnessing, and Unburdening • Appreciating and negotiating with managers and firefighters • Creating a trusting relationship between Self and a part • Witnessing where the part is stuck in the past • Helping the part unburden extreme emotions and beliefs • Integrating the transformed part into the system

Session 4: Helping Traumatized Clients Heal • The effects of trauma on internal systems • A new approach to affect regulation • Working with dangerous firefighters • Working with highly suspicious managers

Session 5: A New Approach to Couples • Understanding the wars between each partner's parts • Creating safety--mutual disarmament • Fostering and maintaining Self-to-Self communication • Working with one while the other watches • Witnessing each other's attachment injuries

Session 6: Integrating Therapy and Spirituality • Why many spiritual practices aren't therapeutic • Therapy sessions as spiritual practices • The Self of the therapist • Self-to-Self connection at all levels

Learning Objectives

1. Identify the difference between therapies focused on coping and those aimed at healing
2. List the different roles that traumatized subpersonalites are forced into
3. List the different qualities of the Self
4. Describe the 6 steps to healing an exiled part
5. Describe how to help couples maintain Self-to-Self communication
6. Identify the spiritual aspects of healing

Search all CE courses

Search all Audio courses