The article discusses the complexity of our internal struggles, particularly how protective parts of our psyche handle vulnerability. When vulnerable aspects of ourselves feel threatened, older protective parts can either hide those vulnerabilities or project them onto others, leading to relationship strain. The Internal Family Systems (IFS) approach offers a methodology for understanding these dynamics and emphasizes the importance of accessing the Self, which embodies compassion and courage. Developing self-awareness and self-love encourages healthier interactions and emotional healing.
We all have parts (or subpersonalities), and when our vulnerable parts get hurt, their older (sometimes just slightly older) cousins take action.
While avoidance and hiding are benignly antisocial (they hurt us), projecting shameful qualities onto others is not benign. Far from it.
My projecting parts rid me of liabilities. They are skilled, relentless, and faithful. I'm grateful. But the job never ends because my vulnerable parts don't end.
In IFS, we rely on a universal internal resource we call the Self, a balanced form of consciousness distinguished by curiosity, kindness, compassion.
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