#323 How (and Why) to Hug Your Inner Dragons | Richard Schwartz

How do you relate to the more difficult— and even ugly— aspects of your personality? How do you feel about yourself when you are, say, in a judgmental or vengeful or jealous mode? Is that an opportunity for self-laceration? My guest today agrees with me that one of the healthiest possible inner moves is to learn how to hug your dragons, instead of attempting to slay them (which is only likely to make them stronger).

Dr. Richard Schwartz is a psychotherapist with a Ph.D. in marriage and family therapy. He founded something called the Internal Family Systems model of therapy, often referred to as IFS. His basic idea is that our consciousness is broken down into several parts. These parts can become rebellious and troublesome when traumatized or unattended.

In this conversation, we talk about: how to relate to your parts more successfully; the overlap between IFS and Buddhism; and why meditation isn’t enough, in his view. We also attempt to dive in and do some IFS therapy work together. I’m not sure I was a particularly good patient, but you can judge for yourself.

Where to find Richard Schwartz online: 

Website: https://ifs-institute.com/about-us/richard-c-schwartz-phd

Social Media:

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFS_Model
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternalFamilySystems/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/internalfamilysystems/

Book Mentioned:

• Richard Schwartz’s books can be found at the IFS Store

Other Resources Mentioned:

• Dan’s appearance on The Tim Ferriss Show
• Jerry Colonna’s Reboot
• Jerry Colonna on Ten Percent Happier
• IFS Website
• “Greater than the Sum of Your Parts” Audio Course

Additional Resources:

• Ten Percent Happier Live: https://tenpercent.com/live
• Coronavirus Sanity Guide: https://www.tenpercent.com/coronavirussanityguide
• Free App access for Frontline Workers: https://tenpercent.com/care