As a Transpersonal Coach I work with the idea that we have many different parts, and usually these parts are in conflict or need integrating for deeper healing to take place. I have drawn on the theory of Internal Family Systems and Psychosysnthesis in my coaching practise.

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Internal Family Systems (IFS), developed in the early 1990s by Richard Schwartz, is an evidence-based model used for personal healing and transformation. It is based on the assumption that we have many different parts – what can also be known as subpersonalities - this is a normal and natural part of being human!

 

We also have a core Self which consists of innate qualities, such as compassion, care and connection. Our Core Self is already healed and whole; however, throughout the course of our life, parts become wounded and split off from the Self. Our healing journey is all about getting to know these parts, integrating and welcoming them back into ourselves.

 

According to Richard Schwartz, who developed the IFS model, we have parts that are protectors – either managers or firefighters who act to keep the exiles (wounded parts) of ourselves safe and protected. There is no such thing as a bad part, and we're not trying to get rid of any of these parts. Yet, some parts may have learnt to function in dysfunction or extreme ways to keep us safe.

 

The goal is to work with the intentions, behaviours and beliefs of these parts so they can find an alternative, less extreme way of doing their job.

 

Sub-Personalities

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Sub-personalities are another way to define the 'parts' of ourselves or roles that we play in different circumstances. William James called our sub-personalities “the various selves.” You can think of subpersonalities as the various planets which orbit around the sun - the sun being our Core Self or Self Energy. Without awareness of our subpersonalities then can end up 'hijacking' us and our system - this is why it is so important to identify our various parts and sub-personalities. This is something we work together with in our coaching practise.

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