nicsensay's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
2.0
Ultimately, I do not find value in this model. It may work for others, but I find this to be a bit of pop-psychotherapy.
thirdtimesacharm's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.25
amandajwampler's review against another edition
5.0
What an incredible therapeutic system. I am reading this for my thesis, but the self work done while reading this was impactful. The system itself felt somewhat… like a hoax when I just read the theory behind it. But, by doing the exercises, I found the theory I was reading to be true. Working on this sort of mindfulness was an incredible experience and sometime I can’t quite describe. It’s empowering to learn about myself in this way and feel like I have an understanding about why my mind behaves the way it does. Truly incredible and I am completely sold on IFS now.
embers_of_amber's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
2.0
After reading this book, I can firmly say that IFS is not for me. The concept is interesting, but the way its described in the book is rather off-putting.
I raised my eyebrows at many sections, including the one that said that violent offenders committed those acts due to unhealed parts? Also that Donald Trump had rampant protectors that were causing him to create great harm....rather than say...corporate greed was the reason behind it?
The spiritual twist was interesting, but I also question it. Using Christianity as method of healing (when itself and its practitioners have cause great harm) was...interesting.
He also took a negative spin mindfulness and Buddhism and meditation as some kind of spiritual bypassing that circumvents hurt parts?
The last chapter is what really did it for me though. Medication is incredibly important for some people, I don't think that every aliment can be healed by healing hurt parts of yourself. That's just very naive.
It reads like he took a framework that helped some people and laid it all out and said "this will help EVERYONE and is always applicable and solve all the world's issues." The blanket-statement-ness of the whole book was not appreciated.
All in all, if you like IFS, go ahead and give it a read with a big grain of salt. If you don't like IFS, then avoid this book.
I raised my eyebrows at many sections, including the one that said that violent offenders committed those acts due to unhealed parts? Also that Donald Trump had rampant protectors that were causing him to create great harm....rather than say...corporate greed was the reason behind it?
The spiritual twist was interesting, but I also question it. Using Christianity as method of healing (when itself and its practitioners have cause great harm) was...interesting.
He also took a negative spin mindfulness and Buddhism and meditation as some kind of spiritual bypassing that circumvents hurt parts?
The last chapter is what really did it for me though. Medication is incredibly important for some people, I don't think that every aliment can be healed by healing hurt parts of yourself. That's just very naive.
It reads like he took a framework that helped some people and laid it all out and said "this will help EVERYONE and is always applicable and solve all the world's issues." The blanket-statement-ness of the whole book was not appreciated.
All in all, if you like IFS, go ahead and give it a read with a big grain of salt. If you don't like IFS, then avoid this book.
pcdbigfoot's review against another edition
5.0
Read this book if you'd like to understand your inner self, or maybe a loved one more. Internal Family Systems is a framework that lays out the system of self it a very accessible way. From the start, I was riveted, as this may be the most straightforward depiction of complex beings that I'll find.
Schwartz likening one's inner 'parts' to 'alters' that are found in someone with Dissociative Personality Disorder sounded a bit hyperbolic to me until I heard him interact with some of them. He affords them the attention and respect one would give an individual. Delivered in non-judgmental voice, this seems to encourage we the patients to view them with curiosity and open-mindedness, so we can learn about this part of ourselves as we go.
Perhaps the biggest benefit to me from this book is having a way to understand, and maybe unburden a complex blend of emotions in the moment. Obviously, this is just an introduction that doesn't give one the tools to 'fix' themselves or others. But it definitely makes me want to learn more about IFS.
Consider listening to the audiobook so you hear the sessions the author conducts with several subjects, in their own voices.
Schwartz likening one's inner 'parts' to 'alters' that are found in someone with Dissociative Personality Disorder sounded a bit hyperbolic to me until I heard him interact with some of them. He affords them the attention and respect one would give an individual. Delivered in non-judgmental voice, this seems to encourage we the patients to view them with curiosity and open-mindedness, so we can learn about this part of ourselves as we go.
Perhaps the biggest benefit to me from this book is having a way to understand, and maybe unburden a complex blend of emotions in the moment. Obviously, this is just an introduction that doesn't give one the tools to 'fix' themselves or others. But it definitely makes me want to learn more about IFS.
Consider listening to the audiobook so you hear the sessions the author conducts with several subjects, in their own voices.
sheajacquelyn's review against another edition
5.0
One of the most impactful therapy books I’ve read.
paigestamco's review against another edition
1.0
Before choosing to pick this up, I knew IFS didn’t resonate with me personally. I read this in order to better understand and better assist clients, as I know many people do connect with parts/IFS. I suppose that goal has been achieved, but I still had a number of problems with this book and author. The author misrepresented and criticized mindfulness and Buddhism (among other concepts/theories/etc.) in order to promote his own, which I can’t respect and don’t enjoy. I don’t believe there is any one correct approach to healing, but it’s clear this author does. He makes claims that IFS (and only IFS) can truly heal the world. I also have a problem with his claim that racism or bigotry can simply be explained by a “part” that needs some healing.
Overall, not for me. If you are into IFS, maybe you’d find this helpful? But I’d venture there are better books on the topic.
Overall, not for me. If you are into IFS, maybe you’d find this helpful? But I’d venture there are better books on the topic.