Discover an empowering new way of understanding your multifaceted mind – and healing the many parts that make you who you are.
Is there just one “you”? We’ve been taught to believe we have a single identity, and to feel fear or shame when we can’t control the inner voices that don’t match the ideal of who we think we should be. Yet Dr. Richard Schwartz’s research now challenges this “mono-mind” theory. “All of us are born with many sub-minds – or parts,” says Dr. Schwartz. “These parts are not imaginary or symbolic. They are individuals who exist as an internal family within us – and the key to health and happiness is to honor, understand, and love every part.”
Dr. Schwartz’s Internal Family Systems (IFS) model has been transforming psychology for decades. With No Bad Parts, you’ll learn why IFS has been so effective in areas such as trauma recovery, addiction therapy, and depression treatment – and how this new understanding of consciousness has the potential to radically change our lives. Here you’ll explore:
The IFS revolution – how honoring and communicating with our parts changes our approach to mental wellness
Overturning the cultural, scientific, and spiritual assumptions that reinforce an outdated mono-mind model
The ego, the inner critic, the saboteur – making these often-maligned parts into powerful allies
Burdens – why our parts become distorted and stuck in childhood traumas and cultural beliefs
How IFS demonstrates human goodness by revealing that there are no bad parts
The Self – discover your wise, compassionate essence of goodness that is the source of healing and harmony
Exercises for mapping your parts, accessing the Self, working with a challenging protector, identifying each part’s triggers, and more
IFS is a paradigm-changing model because it gives us a powerful approach for healing ourselves, our culture, and our planet. As Dr. Schwartz teaches, “Our parts can sometimes be disruptive or harmful, but once they’re unburdened, they return to their essential goodness. When we learn to love all our parts, we can learn to love all people – and that will contribute to healing the world.”
80 reviews for No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model
Rated 4 out of 5
Jor El (verified owner)–
Learning about and exploring my own “internal family” made a huge difference in my healing process moving forward with my life. I found the exercises and recommended suggestions to be powerful and transformative for me in the current life situation I am in. This book by Richard Schwartz is written in a style that is warm, friendly, and informative for someone who is new to the process as well as someone who has already learned the basics.
Rated 4 out of 5
LaffingKat (verified owner)–
Psychotherapist Dr. Richard Schwartz has spent decades developing his Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, which he elucidates in this book. This gentle therapeutic approach can heal past traumas and encourage compassion toward self and others. His explanations, and especially the transcripts he includes of five IFS therapy sessions, made it easy for me to understand his approach. I struggled to complete some of the 14 included exercises, but after reading this book, I feel encouraged to find an IFS practitioner to assist me with the process.
Conservatives may not appreciate when Schwartz gets political, particularly if they are Trump supporters. I don’t think this book was the best place to discuss some of Schwartz’s views, but I respect his desire to use the book to help create what he envisions as a better world. He has done a lot of work with social activists, and I think this approach could be very helpful for anyone with an activist bent. I was also intrigued with how IFS can be used in couples counseling.
Thanks to Sounds True for providing me with an unproofed ARC through NetGalley, which I volunteered to review.
Rated 5 out of 5
EnrichYourSpirit (verified owner)–
The information is clearly articulated and brilliant. I highly recommend this to anyone who works with others around emotional intelligence, healing or personal growth. As an EFT Tapping practitioner I loved this book.
Rated 4 out of 5
Rosie (verified owner)–
I was introduced to IFS by my therapist and I feel I owe my life to it since I was suicidal beforehand. This book will change the lives of many in the same way. My only criticism I have is that the author’s political views leaked through, and for that reason if I have not had the life transforming firsthand experience with IFS I wouldn’t have continued reading it. I think most of the references that I thought were critical of my political beliefs were spot on, but specific references to Donald Trump personally I did not appreciate, but it also intrigued me to explore my reaction to it to try to better understand myself and others. So definitely worth any discomfort I experienced when reading those references and it made me consider that all people’s political views are valid!
Rated 4 out of 5
Nikki (verified owner)–
I love the concept of IFS and I really enjoy Schwartz’ perspective and I was very excited about a book with a kinder view towards parts. I felt like most of the book is about how amazing things are when you are in “Self” but doesn’t really focus on the path to get there nor the pitfalls and general struggles that get in the way. The reason this is kinda frustrating is because Schwartz has been very clear that once you are in “Self” you will often have more access to self leadership and how to take care of yourself on your own. He specifically gives examples of people who already have access to “Self” so there’s not a lot of help for those who aren’t accessing that state easily, which I imagine are the people that are reading the book. Maybe it’s just me and I struggle to access “Self” but the exercises pretty much assume you are accessing it and don’t really talk about what to do if you aren’t so it felt pretty discouraging to read!
It’s still worth reading if you are interested in IFS! This is just my personal experience with the book!
Rated 5 out of 5
FrogFriend (verified owner)–
Learning about newer science and practice to help ppl w/ pts symptoms. Discovered IFS in a webinar that addressed treating trauma. Dr. Schwartz writes clearly and synthesizes many powerful modalities. I combined Dierdre Fay’s, “Becoming Safely Embodied” with this book and seeing improvements in my own sense of grounding and safety. I appreciate that Dr. Schwartz is open about his own biases and background. He de-pathologizes our natural states of having several or many ways that one can react to inner and outer worlds.
Rated 5 out of 5
zeina habib (verified owner)–
What I love about this book is that it puts IFS in a perspective anyone can understand whether they have a clinical background or not. Definitely recommended for anyone looking to become self lead and lead a better life
Rated 5 out of 5
M. Watson (verified owner)–
Really spoke to me during a time of painful anxiety and depression. I thoroughly understood the meaning of this book and I want to keep doing the exercises for as long as I need them. So very grateful to have found this book!
Rated 5 out of 5
Jennifer B (verified owner)–
This book is so helpful for clients and therapists to understand the I FS approach. I used many of the exercises on myself and it has helped me feel so much better I recommend this book for everyone.
Rated 4 out of 5
kidsmoked (verified owner)–
I think I’d have preferred to wait for its release on audible for the meditations. I’ll probably buy that and the print. Thanks Dick – much appreciated. 🌺
Rated 3 out of 5
rami anabtawi (verified owner)–
The book is great, review is for seller
Rated 5 out of 5
Laura M (verified owner)–
This book has so many beautiful healing aspects of it. I suggest reading it and working with a therapist as well for deep healing.
Rated 5 out of 5
Christina (verified owner)–
IFS therapy has changed my life in ways I could have never imagined. This book gave a succinct, clear overview of the model and its application to the larger, global picture was written flawlessly by Schwartz.
Rated 3 out of 5
DEP (verified owner)–
It was OK. It was longer than it needed to be and still somewhat shallow. Lots of digressions too.
I much preferred this book: Self-Therapy Workbook: An Exercise Book For The IFS Process by Bonnie Weiss
Rated 4 out of 5
Mrs P Dawson (verified owner)–
Clear introduction to the idea that we have parts of self . To me the book takes you through the process, there are useful exercises to follow, though I think best explored with a family systems therapist. However, I found a useful addition to psychotherapy sessions, and a good way to think about me for the future. There’s some really good points in the book – self as a wider field; physical issues as a manifestation of parts of self; trauma pushes us out of self; parts overwhelm us until we no longer fear them.
Rated 5 out of 5
suki (verified owner)–
I’ve been doing IFS work casually for a couple of years, but I’ve just gotten more seriously involved with a formal application of the modality, and this is a spectacular book. I’ve been in psychotherapy for over 40 years, and this feels like for the first time something can help me, where other modalities don’t even scratch the surface. I also think that this therapeutic method should be used in conjunction with plant medicines. I’ve never read a book where I’ve highlighted so much because the conciseness and succinctness of every single chapter is condensed into only the salient points. I find it to be one of the most well written books that I’ve ever read!!
Rated 4 out of 5
Tegan D’Arcy (verified owner)–
I had intuitively managed to do intense parts work on myself previously without realising this modality actually already existed, before stumbling on a counsellor/hypnotist that uses this work & pointed me in this direction.
Richard; while not documenting the professional process exactly for a practitioner – has included plenty of exercises to do on yourself & provided transcribed sessions which are moving & fascinating. As well as giving you a solid foundation on the what Internal Family Systems actually is.
While it can sound a little out there to the uninitiated, go in with an open mind and willing to try things out & you might be surprised. Though I do think doing the exercises on yourself would be harder than them being facilitated for you if your not the type prone to introspection and/or meditation.
But this is an amazing, paradigm shifting system he has worked hard to develop for the betterment of society and look forward to it becoming a more mainstream approach in the future.
Rated 4 out of 5
Prescott (verified owner)–
This is the 4th book by DS that I’ve read. I believe IFS is “the way”, and hope everyone tries it, and heals with it.
Dr Schwartz: you’re proud of your scientific and curious approach to the inner world, and you should be. You are a good scientist there indeed.
Perhaps you should stay curious about political issues too. Or at least stay mum about them as a strategy for reaching people. The portion of your audience who already swallow the CNN talking points don’t need more convincing. Why alienate those who don’t?
I’ve watched just about every youtube video of yours. I bet in more than half of them you give us your drive-by diagnosis of Trump. Why? Is your mission to convert conservatives, or is it to help people understand their inner worlds? If you really need a punching bag to make a point, why not Hitler?
Stay curious about your political axioms, please. “the racism of western whites…” … because the east and other cultures are free of it? “the patriarchy…” … because there aren’t fields where women dominate? “the evils of capitalism…” … because theres an economic system where everyone wins? “we have a mindset of unlimited growth…” … I am not my country. Don’t tell me how I think.
You rightfully criticize the diagnosing done by the DSM. Stop diagnosing people based on who they vote for.
Rated 5 out of 5
S K (verified owner)–
Profound yet easy to read and understand.
Rated 4 out of 5
A.L. (verified owner)–
This book is mostly for people who have never heard of parts work or have curiosity to learn about it. I’ll say, the first half of this book is amazing. You have to approach the concept if it’s new to you with an open mind or you may find yourself feeling cynical. I felt cynical at first and then I started doing the exercises. I was able to identify 3 “parts” of myself that I tend to repress or ostracize/cast away. I’ve improved my relationship with myself and others through identifying them and “hearing them out” when they are reactionary. The second half goes downhill a little bit, in that it gets a bit too spiritual and religiously influenced for me, and a little hippy dippy, but that’s okay, because the first half is all that’s truly necessary.
Rated 5 out of 5
Hyacinth Engle (verified owner)–
This book has changed my life in the most wonderful ways. Thank you Dr Schwartz for giving us this amazing tool.
Rated 4 out of 5
Customer (verified owner)–
My main tool for personal development is The Work of Byron Katie. I find IFS to be a great supplement to that and, wanting a book that’s short and to the point, I’m happy I chose this one. Too bad Shcwartz didn’t stick to pure IFS and chose (maybe requested by Sounds True?) to talk about current politics. It makes the book less evergreen and turns out that many readers, not just me, got annoyed and distracted by it. (This is Noga Hullman writing through my husband’s inlori account)
Rated 4 out of 5
Tim B (verified owner)–
4 stars because i just started. I never write reviews but I truly feel this is going to be life changing for me. I am only 15 pages in so I will update later.
Rated 3 out of 5
inlori Customer (verified owner)–
Schwartz is the guru of IFS but this was my introduction to that type of therapy, and as a patient, found it confusing. I did not enjoy the sections where I was supposed to “act out” the different parts. It is a personal thing, I cant do that sort of thing effectively on my own.
Rated 5 out of 5
Nicole Kippel (verified owner)–
This book provides a highly accessible, easy read, and concise introduction to Internal Family Systems. My Self and parts are hopeful about our emerging work together.
Rated 5 out of 5
CB (verified owner)–
Schwartz never considers people like me who don’t have many memories of our youth. I can’t say much about my life before like fifteen, and even then, my memories after fourteen fade more each year. It never even crosses his mind. Ever. He thinks all problems are from childhood episodic scenes every single person remembers crystal clear. Never mind people whose lives got screwed up after childhood only. Never mind traumatic brain injury that can limit “access to the Self” forever. We all have the same mental capacities to do exactly as he says!!11
I also question his judgmentalness against extremity – you cannot expect to be able to convince every bigot, oppressor, or abuser to get enlightened LOL. Calmness is a value, yet effective mobilization of extreme emotion isn’t.
That being said, this is better than cognitive behavior therapy by a longshot.
Rated 3 out of 5
inlori Customer (verified owner)–
Unfortunately, I wasput off by his Leftist-Progressive rants and criticism of President Trump. I hope he enjoys our inflation and mindless leadership of the current administration.
Rated 5 out of 5
Deedra (verified owner)–
If you have struggled with emotional issues or addictions Dr.Schwartz’s ground breaking psychological model, IFS, will shed new light. He explains his theory in No Bad Parts and this book should be required reading in every psychology class.
Rated 5 out of 5
Kristen Donigan (verified owner)–
The authors successfully articulate a powerfully transformative model, both beautifully humane and clinically sophisticated. NARM is not just an effective form of therapy, it’s a way of being – relating, growing and healing. Heller and Kammer embody the NARM philosophy and their words transmit ease, confidence and humility. The reader is held in respect and compassion, invited to be at once client and therapist, acknowledging we all have the capacity for greater wholeness. NARM illuminates how, on the part of both clients and therapists, even subtle or well-intended adaptations to trauma can get in the way of meaningful change. This discernment holds promise to resolve the perpetuation of trauma throughout our lives, but especially in therapeutic relationships.
As a NARM practitioner, visual learner and lover of language, this book satisfied a desire to have a detailed and thorough reference I can return to as I continue to relate to the model in ever deepening ways. My gratitude to Heller and Kammer for this careful articulation of their work. I eagerly await the next book(s) that will take us even deeper into the spiritual underpinnings of NARM.
Rated 5 out of 5
PProf (verified owner)–
Just like in title. It’s a different approach to therapy and healing– instead of digging deep, dig wide and broad. We have a lot of answers for ourselves . We are almost as different from ourselves day to day as we are from others around us.
Rated 5 out of 5
inlori Customer (verified owner)–
This book helped me understand just how much our world needs to heal from the various traumas that impact it on every scale (individual-societal). This book cohesively communicates the IFS worldview in a very simple and relatable way. I loved it!
Rated 3 out of 5
Sara Mowery (verified owner)–
I thought I was going to love this book since I read both editions of IFS therapy however this one was lack luster compared to the IFS therapy books still worth reading
Rated 5 out of 5
TerryAnn (verified owner)–
For those of you that are into IFS, this is another book in the series on how to further your clients knowledge as well as your own. Well written with a lot of practical examples. Sometimes, ( as Dick want to do) He does make very bold statements on the power of IFS and you may have to work that back with your clients – other than that it’s a great foundation book.
Rated 4 out of 5
Bronx Book Nerd (verified owner)–
This book attempts to popularize a very powerful therapy but muddies the waters by jumping into the ideological fray, which is a great shame because that angle will turn off readers and impose upon them an obligation for which they did not come. Internal Family Systems therapy, developed by the author, claims that we all have different “parts” within us that play different roles in our lives – there are the “exiles”, or part that is kept hidden, like a scared little boy who may have been shamed for expressing anger, the “protectors,” who protect the exiles, by, for example, creating a persona of a tough guy, and there are the “firefighters,” who come into play when things look like they will get out of hand and take the person to a whole other reality, through drinking, drugs or promiscuity, for example. All these parts are real and require attention and convincing that the adult you can handle life, because they think you are still a child. You speak with them and ask them what role they play, when they start backing off they can then re-emerge in a more useful role, like health assertiveness instead of tough guy, for example. All of this makes sense and has been beneficial to me as I engage with my parts and have already gained from this process. The problem is that the author takes this therapy, which should be timeless, and associates it with things like the green movement and generally liberal ideologies. Someone in psychological distress is seeking relief in the here and now for what ails him or her, not to join a larger kumbaya movement that fixes all of the world’s ills, and Schwartz starts to place this heavy burden on the reader. Perhaps not what he intended, but it leaves a reader with unnecessary material to read as well. This is unfortunate because the incredibly powerful therapy will get lost in the ideological casting.
Rated 5 out of 5
Maureen Kebo (verified owner)–
With equal parts intellect and heart, Dr. Heller and Brad Kammer have provided a practical and comprehensive guide for anyone seeking to understand and work with complex developmental trauma. Complex developmental trauma is riddled with layers of complexity and can be overwhelming for clients and clinicians. The NARM model is unique in presenting a framework that holds the client as well as the clinician in a relational environment where change, healing and growth occur organically. Whether you are reading to apply to your work or take into your own recovery from complex developmental trauma, this book will support your journey.
Rated 5 out of 5
Laura Carr, MA (verified owner)–
This book is an excellent guide to learning about how NARM considers the clinician an essential vehicle for joining the client on their healing journey. This practical guide clarifies how complex post-traumatic stress disorder produces adaptive survival strategies that can get in the way of what our clients want most for themselves. It has helped me to look at the client’s adaptations and not the trauma as a way to work with what comes up in the session moment-by-moment. It also offers the reader, who may not be a clinician, valuable information about how the adaptations may present in their lives. The book is sprinkled with experiential exercises as an additional bonus to invite a more embodied understanding of this depth-oriented model. The most helpful chapter consists of annotated transcripts of actual NARM sessions and how it is applied in a clinical setting. This practical guide communicates the necessity for relating to our clients through heartfulness which sets NARM apart from other modalities.
Rated 5 out of 5
Crystal (verified owner)–
As a NARM trained therapist who’s been taught by both authors I can say that this book aligns with the title. It’s practical, applicable, and invaluable. NARM is a complex modality for good reason. However, the way the authors are able to synthesis NARM is so helpful and has deepened my learning even more. I often refer back to the book when wanting clarity or to understand something deeper and it seems that each time I pick it up I learn even more. I can’t say enough about how much NARM has impacted my life both personally and professionally and I find comfort in knowing that I have this book as an additional support in my life. I believe complex trauma is a public health crisis and the more people who learn about trauma and get support from NARM the more we can collectively heal. This book is one solution towards offering education, awareness, and healing for all who have endured complex trauma.
Rated 5 out of 5
Michelle K (verified owner)–
The Practical Guide For Healing Developmental Trauma is an open invitation for understanding developmental trauma and its effects on our lives. The Neuro Affective Relational Model (NARM) is an amazing model that gives us a very comprehensive framework for addressing complex trauma. I don’t have words to express how grateful I am to have learned from Larry and Brad so early in my career. I cannot say enough about how helpful NARM has been for me personally and professionally. As we heal developmental trauma we become more fully human and help heal the world.
Rated 5 out of 5
Sky Clark (verified owner)–
I am only one chapter in, but that’s enough to see that this book will be life changing. I am immediately won over by the author’s point of view and masterful work as a therapist. I can identify with what he is teaching wholeheartedly. After reading and doing the first two exercises I already feel myself more able to understand and regulate some very coplex emotions. This book is about understanding how the different parts that make up your personality all have merit. It makes it easier to understand what is at the root of your knee-jerk reactions and know yourself more fully. It has already been a great help in my lear
Rated 5 out of 5
inlori Customer (verified owner)–
The NARM framework presented in this book helps to organize a complex subject in a way that makes healing accessible. As a therapist, this book and the NARM model has been immensely beneficial in my work and in the lives of those I work with. As a human, it is not only insightful and depth oriented but provides a supportive and heartfelt way of honoring the ways that we adapt to survive in childhood, while supporting increased capacity to live our lives in true connection with others and with our authentic selves. I cannot recommend this book enough and am so grateful to have this resource to refer to again and again.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jenn (verified owner)–
My experience with NARM has been like taking a breath of fresh air! This book helps understand the basic fundamentals of the NARM approach and how to apply them in real life experiences.
The art of healing truly comes from the heart through genuine connection….. with that being said this book gives stepping stones to facilitate the process of connection and healing for anyone who wants to walk the path of healing with another being. We are all here to walk each other home and these stepping stones have given me a deeper understanding of how to explore the complexities of being human.
Rated 5 out of 5
Heidi Winn (verified owner)–
This book is a clear, heartfelt, articulate capture of a journey from the painful experience of being misattuned as a child to the splendor of being able to experience my wholeness in post traumatic growth. It’s written in an intelligent form which allows professionals to comprehend and apply to their practice with clients but also for any person seeking to explore their relationship with themselves and understand what lies beneath the symptoms or behaviors that prevent feeling connected to oneself and others. I am grateful beyond words for my experience with NARM which is culminated in this insightful, transformative, and necessary book.
Rated 5 out of 5
Sarah J. (verified owner)–
The Practical Guide for Healing Developmental Trauma gives me hope for the future of trauma healing. This is a book that I would recommend not only to my therapist friends, but to my friends and family members. The information is relatable and presented in a way that makes this highly complex topic easier to digest and evokes a lot of compassion and understanding for my own challenges and for those of the people around me. I love the reflective exercises that supported me to slow down, connect to myself as I read the content. Love this book!
Rated 5 out of 5
Olga S. (verified owner)–
Lays out the history of the CPTSD diagnosis, offers reasons why it hasn’t yet made it to the DSM (and why it should) and presents a clinical model for treatment. That said, the book is still well suited for someone who is curious about this diagnosis and wants to learn about the causes and impacts of CPTSD for personal growth reasons. I found it helpful to read Dr. Heller’s previous book before this one, but I think it will be great as a standalone resource as well.
Rated 5 out of 5
V C. (verified owner)–
I highly recommend this book. It’s a helpful guide for NARM therapists as well as a wealth of knowledge for the mental health community, trauma therapists, clients, parents, students, and anyone else who is interested in understanding the importance of healthy child development. It is well-written, easy to read, interesting, relevant, profound, touching, and reflective. I completed the NARM training and this book is a fantastic resource to have on hand. Knowing NARM has been a gift, both personally and professionally.
Rated 5 out of 5
Brian (verified owner)–
The Practical Guide to Healing Developmental Trauma is a gamechanger. The lessons, exercises and outright deconstruction of real therapy sessions give incredible insight. I recommend this book to anyone supporting or dealing with complex or developmental trauma. Even if it is you going through your learning and healing journey. This book is written in an accessible and supportive way. I am a business leader, coach and consultant and find practical applications for this work in every one of those settings on a daily basis. Thank you for writing this book, creating this model and sharing it in such an accessible way.
Rated 5 out of 5
Neda Pourtolami (verified owner)–
A must read if you want to go deep in your inner world. It brought me deep clarity, connection and soothe my inside world. Thank you.
Rated 5 out of 5
inlori Customer (verified owner)–
This should be required reading for every human being. I usually only leave a review when I feel compelled to and I feel compelled to encourage anyone and everyone to read this book and put to work what you discover.
Rated 5 out of 5
Eric Philo (verified owner)–
A useful way to look at the inner voices that drive one around. Compelling enough to make me want to try the IFS modality.
Rated 4 out of 5
inlori Customer (verified owner)–
Really enjoyed this analysis of the various parts and how we can learn from our protectors and exiles especially. I am already taking new and healthier cues.
Rated 5 out of 5
Leah Noumoff (verified owner)–
Pretty much every human being needs to read this book, internalize and act on its message. Go. Now. Read. All of it! Also saying this as someone who has been through the IFS therapy model with my own therapist. The world needs this level of healing.
Rated 4 out of 5
Kenneth Good (verified owner)–
Good. sad it’s a little libbed-out and political. But overall I’m open minded and working with IFS right now. The system is sound. It’s too bad worldviews have to be involved with everything now.
Rated 5 out of 5
JEN (verified owner)–
This book is one of my many favorites books. Love to read that all parts of you are not bad. Wonderful read for trauma, anxiety, depression, and the study of the self. Give it a try! 😊
Rated 5 out of 5
Kristine H (verified owner)–
I’m relatively new to the idea of IFS and this is the first book I’ve read on the subject. It’s been absolutely life changing for me, no exaggeration. Learning to engage with my “parts” has given me much more freedom and capacity. Super insightful and helpful.
Rated 5 out of 5
Darby (verified owner)–
I agree with other reviewers that this book is life changing. So many therapists and self-help gurus today are great at diagnosing problems, but this is honestly the first book that has offered me real solutions. I am very excited about this journey.
Rated 5 out of 5
Javen Michael Bear (verified owner)–
I found this book a really helpful intro to internal family systems, and I would recommend it.
Rated 5 out of 5
Elisa (verified owner)–
I really enjoyed that this book gave a good conceptual understanding of IFS, while also providing examples for practical use and application with clients. In depth, but not too complex so that this would be helpful to those in various levels of practice.
Rated 4 out of 5
David Lawson (verified owner)–
Good book. Really gets into IFS in a clear way. A great book to start with. I only gave it four stars because it gets a little political at the end. Is it just me or are some authors taking liberties to express their political views in their books? This is the second one I read where they get their political points in. It is self help so I would much rather concentrate on that than their political agenda. Otherwise a great book. Do not let my 4 stars stop you from buying this book because it really is a valuable place to start when it comes to the internal family system. Highly recommended.
Rated 5 out of 5
Inlori Customer (verified owner)–
This book is the most Valuable book I own. It breaks down the concepts and also gives exercise to implement. Parts work has changed my life
Rated 5 out of 5
Marie (verified owner)–
Thank you both, Larry and Brad, for this gift of a guide. It is one of the few books that has, with its practical aspects backed up by a deep philosophy of how to be in life, the potential to change the world. If more humans read it and take one learning away from it, we would be in a better place!
Rated 5 out of 5
Kim S. (verified owner)–
I listened to this on Audible, but also have the book. This is such a great intro to part works and so inspiring. I have found this type of therapy so relatable and helpful to me. I know it’s cliche to say, but it really has changed my life. The radical assertion in this book is that we don’t have just one mind, but many minds. And that doesn’t mean we have multiple personality disorder. We have many parts to us, and these parts each have their own minds too. This is why it is so easy to think in two opposing ways at any given time. These various parts were created through our childhoods and sometimes adulthoods to protect ourselves and as ways of adapting to various difficult situations. The problem is that since these parts were created in us while we were young, they are stuck in some old assumptions and patterns that are no longer helpful and sometimes harmful in our adult lives. If you grew up with abuse and/or trauma, these parts can be particularly deep down and harmful, blocking your true self. Healing these parts lessens your burdens and sets yourself free to live your life authentically. This work is not easy, but so worthwhile…. Schwartz’s main purpose of this book is to show how through parts work you develop self connection that translates into greater connection with others and even to the world itself.
Rated 4 out of 5
Kristen (verified owner)–
My therapist recommended this book when I told her I struggled with turning inward, being more in my body, negative self talk, and focusing too much on the exterior parts of life. Definitely not a book to sit and read all at once. Had to do some discussion with my therapist and therapists at work to truly understand the concepts (it’s not multiple personalities or dissociative identity disorder!) Wasn’t a fan of some of the very liberal mindset but it can be easily brushed off. Curious to see where this goes and how to implement this into my therapy sessions and life.
Rated 4 out of 5
Imani (verified owner)–
Love the book! It can be complicated and sometimes you get lost in the words. I found myself having to reread to get a full understanding. The book is great! It provided me so much knowledge about myself and my clients. It provides practical application for clinicians. I recommend !
Rated 5 out of 5
Tracey O’Connell (verified owner)–
I absolutely love this book and IFS. After decades of “traditional” therapy, I see IFS as the key to unlocking human suffering and being able to really let go and move forward after traumatic or other significant emotional experiences.
Rated 3 out of 5
inlori Customer (verified owner)–
The author mentions things politically he does not need to bring into this book. Such as neoliberalism. He says abusers, child molesters and murderers are not bad people. This books seems to try and relate to what goes on within the mind but then bring in a spiritual agenda of you having different “parts” or personalities within yourself. I have gotten one thing out of what I have read and it is to not belittle or hate “parts” of yourself.
Rated 3 out of 5
Philip Carr Psychotherapist (verified owner)–
I’m feeling dissapointed in this book. Theory evolves and I get that but it feels like there has been a massive shift away from the first presentation of this model. The model offers hope to people suffering from CPTSD and the latest book appears to have moved away from some of the complexity and depth of relating that was present in the first offering from Larry and Aileen.
Rated 5 out of 5
Serenity (verified owner)–
This is a fantastic book, and I had no idea how helpful and insightful it would be. I have been searching for the way to move through trauma and I finally feel like I have a full picture of how I can make that happen after finishing this book. Thank you.
Rated 5 out of 5
Courtney F (verified owner)–
Perfect for any trauma sufferer
Rated 5 out of 5
Aimee Butler (verified owner)–
This book is easy to read, and eye-opening… Explains a simple powerful model that makes perfect sense. I made my husband read it!
Rated 5 out of 5
One Helluva Nice Guy (verified owner)–
Very useful material presented in an easy to readform
Rated 5 out of 5
Andrea L. Stoeckel (verified owner)–
This will be new information for me. It was suggested by my therapist
Rated 5 out of 5
Amy Yanner (verified owner)–
Everyone should read this book if they are having trouble with past events in their lives. It explains things in a way everyone can understand and you don’t need a PHD to really get what the author is trying to say.
Rated 5 out of 5
Catherine (verified owner)–
Especially post pandemic when so many are feeling the impacts of strong or extended emotional states, this work is huge. I really appreciate that it focuses on reframing our internal parts in a constructive way (that they are all trying to support us at their core, even when the messages get extreme) and how to work with them vs against them to be more our truest selves. Using these principles in conjunction with EMDR, I have had a host of fight-flight-freeze linked physical symptoms start to lessen and in some cases disappear (ie chronic back pain for 15 years, lymph node swelling, light sensitivity and headaches). I absolutely recommend reading, for a deeper understanding of ourselves and others, and the goodness at our core.
Rated 5 out of 5
Amanda Prattt (verified owner)–
Great book!
Rated 5 out of 5
Aistė (verified owner)–
I lived this book. I’d recommend reading it for everyone. Nice introduction to internal family systems with several practical exercises.
Rated 5 out of 5
rsantalo (verified owner)–
I’ve waited 6 weeks (after completing) to write this review. As someone who has done a plethora of retreats, workshops and meditations, I can honestly say this is the most powerful work I’ve ever experienced. It seems unbelievable that a book could have caused such a great shift but … I’ve lost 30 pounds, I’m enjoying daily workouts, I’m learning 2 new languages! I have ideas pop up regularly that I think “where did that come from!??”
I cannot thank the author enough for his hard work and dedication. I wholeheartedly recommend this book if you are looking for peace and untapped creativity.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jed J Bendix (verified owner)–
Over the last two months, many times, I have tuned into and explored my internal family system, which has resulted in many fascinating conversations. After these conversations, I experienced a sense of well-being.
Rated 4 out of 5
Caroline (verified owner)–
Well written. Thoughtful. Useful.
Rated 5 out of 5
Karen (verified owner)–
Since my teen and early twenties I have been off and on in therapy and learning different healing modalities, and spiritual practices and this book integrates what I have learned and practiced and is definitely the best integration of psychology and spirituality I have found. Spiritual practices can tend to contribute to ‘spiritual bypass’ this book is not that. IFS and this book truly are about learning to love and accept yourself as you are where you are!
Jor El (verified owner) –
Learning about and exploring my own “internal family” made a huge difference in my healing process moving forward with my life. I found the exercises and recommended suggestions to be powerful and transformative for me in the current life situation I am in. This book
by Richard Schwartz is written in a style that is warm, friendly, and informative for someone who is new to the process as well as someone who has already learned the basics.
LaffingKat (verified owner) –
Psychotherapist Dr. Richard Schwartz has spent decades developing his Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, which he elucidates in this book. This gentle therapeutic approach can heal past traumas and encourage compassion toward self and others. His explanations, and especially the transcripts he includes of five IFS therapy sessions, made it easy for me to understand his approach. I struggled to complete some of the 14 included exercises, but after reading this book, I feel encouraged to find an IFS practitioner to assist me with the process.
Conservatives may not appreciate when Schwartz gets political, particularly if they are Trump supporters. I don’t think this book was the best place to discuss some of Schwartz’s views, but I respect his desire to use the book to help create what he envisions as a better world. He has done a lot of work with social activists, and I think this approach could be very helpful for anyone with an activist bent. I was also intrigued with how IFS can be used in couples counseling.
Thanks to Sounds True for providing me with an unproofed ARC through NetGalley, which I volunteered to review.
EnrichYourSpirit (verified owner) –
The information is clearly articulated and brilliant. I highly recommend this to anyone who works with others around emotional intelligence, healing or personal growth. As an EFT Tapping practitioner I loved this book.
Rosie (verified owner) –
I was introduced to IFS by my therapist and I feel I owe my life to it since I was suicidal beforehand. This book will change the lives of many in the same way. My only criticism I have is that the author’s political views leaked through, and for that reason if I have not had the life transforming firsthand experience with IFS I wouldn’t have continued reading it. I think most of the references that I thought were critical of my political beliefs were spot on, but specific references to Donald Trump personally I did not appreciate, but it also intrigued me to explore my reaction to it to try to better understand myself and others. So definitely worth any discomfort I experienced when reading those references and it made me consider that all people’s political views are valid!
Nikki (verified owner) –
I love the concept of IFS and I really enjoy Schwartz’ perspective and I was very excited about a book with a kinder view towards parts. I felt like most of the book is about how amazing things are when you are in “Self” but doesn’t really focus on the path to get there nor the pitfalls and general struggles that get in the way. The reason this is kinda frustrating is because Schwartz has been very clear that once you are in “Self” you will often have more access to self leadership and how to take care of yourself on your own. He specifically gives examples of people who already have access to “Self” so there’s not a lot of help for those who aren’t accessing that state easily, which I imagine are the people that are reading the book. Maybe it’s just me and I struggle to access “Self” but the exercises pretty much assume you are accessing it and don’t really talk about what to do if you aren’t so it felt pretty discouraging to read!
It’s still worth reading if you are interested in IFS! This is just my personal experience with the book!
FrogFriend (verified owner) –
Learning about newer science and practice to help ppl w/ pts symptoms. Discovered IFS in a webinar that addressed treating trauma. Dr. Schwartz writes clearly and synthesizes many powerful modalities. I combined Dierdre Fay’s, “Becoming Safely Embodied” with this book and seeing improvements in my own sense of grounding and safety. I appreciate that Dr. Schwartz is open about his own biases and background. He de-pathologizes our natural states of having several or many ways that one can react to inner and outer worlds.
zeina habib (verified owner) –
What I love about this book is that it puts IFS in a perspective anyone can understand whether they have a clinical background or not.
Definitely recommended for anyone looking to become self lead and lead a better life
M. Watson (verified owner) –
Really spoke to me during a time of painful anxiety and depression. I thoroughly understood the meaning of this book and I want to keep doing the exercises for as long as I need them. So very grateful to have found this book!
Jennifer B (verified owner) –
This book is so helpful for clients and therapists to understand the I FS approach. I used many of the exercises on myself and it has helped me feel so much better I recommend this book for everyone.
kidsmoked (verified owner) –
I think I’d have preferred to wait for its release on audible for the meditations. I’ll probably buy that and the print. Thanks Dick – much appreciated. 🌺
rami anabtawi (verified owner) –
The book is great, review is for seller
Laura M (verified owner) –
This book has so many beautiful healing aspects of it. I suggest reading it and working with a therapist as well for deep healing.
Christina (verified owner) –
IFS therapy has changed my life in ways I could have never imagined. This book gave a succinct, clear overview of the model and its application to the larger, global picture was written flawlessly by Schwartz.
DEP (verified owner) –
It was OK. It was longer than it needed to be and still somewhat shallow. Lots of digressions too.
I much preferred this book: Self-Therapy Workbook: An Exercise Book For The IFS Process by Bonnie Weiss
Mrs P Dawson (verified owner) –
Clear introduction to the idea that we have parts of self . To me the book takes you through the process, there are useful exercises to follow, though I think best explored with a family systems therapist. However, I found a useful addition to psychotherapy sessions, and a good way to think about me for the future. There’s some really good points in the book – self as a wider field; physical issues as a manifestation of parts of self; trauma pushes us out of self; parts overwhelm us until we no longer fear them.
suki (verified owner) –
I’ve been doing IFS work casually for a couple of years, but I’ve just gotten more seriously involved with a formal application of the modality, and this is a spectacular book. I’ve been in psychotherapy for over 40 years, and this feels like for the first time something can help me, where other modalities don’t even scratch the surface. I also think that this therapeutic method should be used in conjunction with plant medicines. I’ve never read a book where I’ve highlighted so much because the conciseness and succinctness of every single chapter is condensed into only the salient points. I find it to be one of the most well written books that I’ve ever read!!
Tegan D’Arcy (verified owner) –
I had intuitively managed to do intense parts work on myself previously without realising this modality actually already existed, before stumbling on a counsellor/hypnotist that uses this work & pointed me in this direction.
Richard; while not documenting the professional process exactly for a practitioner – has included plenty of exercises to do on yourself & provided transcribed sessions which are moving & fascinating. As well as giving you a solid foundation on the what Internal Family Systems actually is.
While it can sound a little out there to the uninitiated, go in with an open mind and willing to try things out & you might be surprised. Though I do think doing the exercises on yourself would be harder than them being facilitated for you if your not the type prone to introspection and/or meditation.
But this is an amazing, paradigm shifting system he has worked hard to develop for the betterment of society and look forward to it becoming a more mainstream approach in the future.
Prescott (verified owner) –
This is the 4th book by DS that I’ve read. I believe IFS is “the way”, and hope everyone tries it, and heals with it.
Dr Schwartz: you’re proud of your scientific and curious approach to the inner world, and you should be. You are a good scientist there indeed.
Perhaps you should stay curious about political issues too. Or at least stay mum about them as a strategy for reaching people. The portion of your audience who already swallow the CNN talking points don’t need more convincing. Why alienate those who don’t?
I’ve watched just about every youtube video of yours. I bet in more than half of them you give us your drive-by diagnosis of Trump. Why? Is your mission to convert conservatives, or is it to help people understand their inner worlds? If you really need a punching bag to make a point, why not Hitler?
Stay curious about your political axioms, please.
“the racism of western whites…” … because the east and other cultures are free of it?
“the patriarchy…” … because there aren’t fields where women dominate?
“the evils of capitalism…” … because theres an economic system where everyone wins?
“we have a mindset of unlimited growth…” … I am not my country. Don’t tell me how I think.
You rightfully criticize the diagnosing done by the DSM. Stop diagnosing people based on who they vote for.
S K (verified owner) –
Profound yet easy to read and understand.
A.L. (verified owner) –
This book is mostly for people who have never heard of parts work or have curiosity to learn about it. I’ll say, the first half of this book is amazing. You have to approach the concept if it’s new to you with an open mind or you may find yourself feeling cynical. I felt cynical at first and then I started doing the exercises. I was able to identify 3 “parts” of myself that I tend to repress or ostracize/cast away. I’ve improved my relationship with myself and others through identifying them and “hearing them out” when they are reactionary. The second half goes downhill a little bit, in that it gets a bit too spiritual and religiously influenced for me, and a little hippy dippy, but that’s okay, because the first half is all that’s truly necessary.
Hyacinth Engle (verified owner) –
This book has changed my life in the most wonderful ways. Thank you Dr Schwartz for giving us this amazing tool.
Customer (verified owner) –
My main tool for personal development is The Work of Byron Katie. I find IFS to be a great supplement to that and, wanting a book that’s short and to the point, I’m happy I chose this one. Too bad Shcwartz didn’t stick to pure IFS and chose (maybe requested by Sounds True?) to talk about current politics. It makes the book less evergreen and turns out that many readers, not just me, got annoyed and distracted by it. (This is Noga Hullman writing through my husband’s inlori account)
Tim B (verified owner) –
4 stars because i just started. I never write reviews but I truly feel this is going to be life changing for me. I am only 15 pages in so I will update later.
inlori Customer (verified owner) –
Schwartz is the guru of IFS but this was my introduction to that type of therapy, and as a patient, found it confusing. I did not enjoy the sections where I was supposed to “act out” the different parts. It is a personal thing, I cant do that sort of thing effectively on my own.
Nicole Kippel (verified owner) –
This book provides a highly accessible, easy read, and concise introduction to Internal Family Systems. My Self and parts are hopeful about our emerging work together.
CB (verified owner) –
Schwartz never considers people like me who don’t have many memories of our youth. I can’t say much about my life before like fifteen, and even then, my memories after fourteen fade more each year. It never even crosses his mind. Ever. He thinks all problems are from childhood episodic scenes every single person remembers crystal clear. Never mind people whose lives got screwed up after childhood only. Never mind traumatic brain injury that can limit “access to the Self” forever. We all have the same mental capacities to do exactly as he says!!11
I also question his judgmentalness against extremity – you cannot expect to be able to convince every bigot, oppressor, or abuser to get enlightened LOL. Calmness is a value, yet effective mobilization of extreme emotion isn’t.
That being said, this is better than cognitive behavior therapy by a longshot.
inlori Customer (verified owner) –
Unfortunately, I wasput off by his Leftist-Progressive rants and criticism of President Trump. I hope he enjoys our inflation and mindless leadership of the current administration.
Deedra (verified owner) –
If you have struggled with emotional issues or addictions Dr.Schwartz’s ground breaking psychological model, IFS, will shed new light. He explains his theory in No Bad Parts and this book should be required reading in every psychology class.
Kristen Donigan (verified owner) –
The authors successfully articulate a powerfully transformative model, both beautifully humane and clinically sophisticated. NARM is not just an effective form of therapy, it’s a way of being – relating, growing and healing. Heller and Kammer embody the NARM philosophy and their words transmit ease, confidence and humility. The reader is held in respect and compassion, invited to be at once client and therapist, acknowledging we all have the capacity for greater wholeness. NARM illuminates how, on the part of both clients and therapists, even subtle or well-intended adaptations to trauma can get in the way of meaningful change. This discernment holds promise to resolve the perpetuation of trauma throughout our lives, but especially in therapeutic relationships.
As a NARM practitioner, visual learner and lover of language, this book satisfied a desire to have a detailed and thorough reference I can return to as I continue to relate to the model in ever deepening ways. My gratitude to Heller and Kammer for this careful articulation of their work. I eagerly await the next book(s) that will take us even deeper into the spiritual underpinnings of NARM.
PProf (verified owner) –
Just like in title. It’s a different approach to therapy and healing– instead of digging deep, dig wide and broad. We have a lot of answers for ourselves . We are almost as different from ourselves day to day as we are from others around us.
inlori Customer (verified owner) –
This book helped me understand just how much our world needs to heal from the various traumas that impact it on every scale (individual-societal). This book cohesively communicates the IFS worldview in a very simple and relatable way. I loved it!
Sara Mowery (verified owner) –
I thought I was going to love this book since I read both editions of IFS therapy however this one was lack luster compared to the IFS therapy books still worth reading
TerryAnn (verified owner) –
For those of you that are into IFS, this is another book in the series on how to further your clients knowledge as well as your own. Well written with a lot of practical examples. Sometimes, ( as Dick want to do) He does make very bold statements on the power of IFS and you may have to work that back with your clients – other than that it’s a great foundation book.
Bronx Book Nerd (verified owner) –
This book attempts to popularize a very powerful therapy but muddies the waters by jumping into the ideological fray, which is a great shame because that angle will turn off readers and impose upon them an obligation for which they did not come. Internal Family Systems therapy, developed by the author, claims that we all have different “parts” within us that play different roles in our lives – there are the “exiles”, or part that is kept hidden, like a scared little boy who may have been shamed for expressing anger, the “protectors,” who protect the exiles, by, for example, creating a persona of a tough guy, and there are the “firefighters,” who come into play when things look like they will get out of hand and take the person to a whole other reality, through drinking, drugs or promiscuity, for example. All these parts are real and require attention and convincing that the adult you can handle life, because they think you are still a child. You speak with them and ask them what role they play, when they start backing off they can then re-emerge in a more useful role, like health assertiveness instead of tough guy, for example. All of this makes sense and has been beneficial to me as I engage with my parts and have already gained from this process. The problem is that the author takes this therapy, which should be timeless, and associates it with things like the green movement and generally liberal ideologies. Someone in psychological distress is seeking relief in the here and now for what ails him or her, not to join a larger kumbaya movement that fixes all of the world’s ills, and Schwartz starts to place this heavy burden on the reader. Perhaps not what he intended, but it leaves a reader with unnecessary material to read as well. This is unfortunate because the incredibly powerful therapy will get lost in the ideological casting.
Maureen Kebo (verified owner) –
With equal parts intellect and heart, Dr. Heller and Brad Kammer have provided a practical and comprehensive guide for anyone seeking to understand and work with complex developmental trauma. Complex developmental trauma is riddled with layers of complexity and can be overwhelming for clients and clinicians. The NARM model is unique in presenting a framework that holds the client as well as the clinician in a relational environment where change, healing and growth occur organically. Whether you are reading to apply to your work or take into your own recovery from complex developmental trauma, this book will support your journey.
Laura Carr, MA (verified owner) –
This book is an excellent guide to learning about how NARM considers the clinician an essential vehicle for joining the client on their healing journey. This practical guide clarifies how complex post-traumatic stress disorder produces adaptive survival strategies that can get in the way of what our clients want most for themselves. It has helped me to look at the client’s adaptations and not the trauma as a way to work with what comes up in the session moment-by-moment. It also offers the reader, who may not be a clinician, valuable information about how the adaptations may present in their lives. The book is sprinkled with experiential exercises as an additional bonus to invite a more embodied understanding of this depth-oriented model. The most helpful chapter consists of annotated transcripts of actual NARM sessions and how it is applied in a clinical setting. This practical guide communicates the necessity for relating to our clients through heartfulness which sets NARM apart from other modalities.
Crystal (verified owner) –
As a NARM trained therapist who’s been taught by both authors I can say that this book aligns with the title. It’s practical, applicable, and invaluable. NARM is a complex modality for good reason. However, the way the authors are able to synthesis NARM is so helpful and has deepened my learning even more. I often refer back to the book when wanting clarity or to understand something deeper and it seems that each time I pick it up I learn even more. I can’t say enough about how much NARM has impacted my life both personally and professionally and I find comfort in knowing that I have this book as an additional support in my life. I believe complex trauma is a public health crisis and the more people who learn about trauma and get support from NARM the more we can collectively heal. This book is one solution towards offering education, awareness, and healing for all who have endured complex trauma.
Michelle K (verified owner) –
The Practical Guide For Healing Developmental Trauma is an open invitation for understanding developmental trauma and its effects on our lives. The Neuro Affective Relational Model (NARM) is an amazing model that gives us a very comprehensive framework for addressing complex trauma. I don’t have words to express how grateful I am to have learned from Larry and Brad so early in my career.
I cannot say enough about how helpful NARM has been for me personally and professionally. As we heal developmental trauma we become more fully human and help heal the world.
Sky Clark (verified owner) –
I am only one chapter in, but that’s enough to see that this book will be life changing. I am immediately won over by the author’s point of view and masterful work as a therapist. I can identify with what he is teaching wholeheartedly. After reading and doing the first two exercises I already feel myself more able to understand and regulate some very coplex emotions. This book is about understanding how the different parts that make up your personality all have merit. It makes it easier to understand what is at the root of your knee-jerk reactions and know yourself more fully. It has already been a great help in my lear
inlori Customer (verified owner) –
The NARM framework presented in this book helps to organize a complex subject in a way that makes healing accessible. As a therapist, this book and the NARM model has been immensely beneficial in my work and in the lives of those I work with. As a human, it is not only insightful and depth oriented but provides a supportive and heartfelt way of honoring the ways that we adapt to survive in childhood, while supporting increased capacity to live our lives in true connection with others and with our authentic selves. I cannot recommend this book enough and am so grateful to have this resource to refer to again and again.
Jenn (verified owner) –
My experience with NARM has been like taking a breath of fresh air! This book helps understand the basic fundamentals of the NARM approach and how to apply them in real life experiences.
The art of healing truly comes from the heart through genuine connection….. with that being said this book gives stepping stones to facilitate the process of connection and healing for anyone who wants to walk the path of healing with another being. We are all here to walk each other home and these stepping stones have given me a deeper understanding of how to explore the complexities of being human.
Heidi Winn (verified owner) –
This book is a clear, heartfelt, articulate capture of a journey from the painful experience of being misattuned as a child to the splendor of being able to experience my wholeness in post traumatic growth. It’s written in an intelligent form which allows professionals to comprehend and apply to their practice with clients but also for any person seeking to explore their relationship with themselves and understand what lies beneath the symptoms or behaviors that prevent feeling connected to oneself and others. I am grateful beyond words for my experience with NARM which is culminated in this insightful, transformative, and necessary book.
Sarah J. (verified owner) –
The Practical Guide for Healing Developmental Trauma gives me hope for the future of trauma healing. This is a book that I would recommend not only to my therapist friends, but to my friends and family members. The information is relatable and presented in a way that makes this highly complex topic easier to digest and evokes a lot of compassion and understanding for my own challenges and for those of the people around me. I love the reflective exercises that supported me to slow down, connect to myself as I read the content. Love this book!
Olga S. (verified owner) –
Lays out the history of the CPTSD diagnosis, offers reasons why it hasn’t yet made it to the DSM (and why it should) and presents a clinical model for treatment. That said, the book is still well suited for someone who is curious about this diagnosis and wants to learn about the causes and impacts of CPTSD for personal growth reasons. I found it helpful to read Dr. Heller’s previous book before this one, but I think it will be great as a standalone resource as well.
V C. (verified owner) –
I highly recommend this book. It’s a helpful guide for NARM therapists as well as a wealth of knowledge for the mental health community, trauma therapists, clients, parents, students, and anyone else who is interested in understanding the importance of healthy child development. It is well-written, easy to read, interesting, relevant, profound, touching, and reflective. I completed the NARM training and this book is a fantastic resource to have on hand. Knowing NARM has been a gift, both personally and professionally.
Brian (verified owner) –
The Practical Guide to Healing Developmental Trauma is a gamechanger. The lessons, exercises and outright deconstruction of real therapy sessions give incredible insight. I recommend this book to anyone supporting or dealing with complex or developmental trauma. Even if it is you going through your learning and healing journey. This book is written in an accessible and supportive way. I am a business leader, coach and consultant and find practical applications for this work in every one of those settings on a daily basis. Thank you for writing this book, creating this model and sharing it in such an accessible way.
Neda Pourtolami (verified owner) –
A must read if you want to go deep in your inner world. It brought me deep clarity, connection and soothe my inside world. Thank you.
inlori Customer (verified owner) –
This should be required reading for every human being. I usually only leave a review when I feel compelled to and I feel compelled to encourage anyone and everyone to read this book and put to work what you discover.
Eric Philo (verified owner) –
A useful way to look at the inner voices that drive one around. Compelling enough to make me want to try the IFS modality.
inlori Customer (verified owner) –
Really enjoyed this analysis of the various parts and how we can learn from our protectors and exiles especially. I am already taking new and healthier cues.
Leah Noumoff (verified owner) –
Pretty much every human being needs to read this book, internalize and act on its message. Go. Now. Read. All of it! Also saying this as someone who has been through the IFS therapy model with my own therapist. The world needs this level of healing.
Kenneth Good (verified owner) –
Good. sad it’s a little libbed-out and political. But overall I’m open minded and working with IFS right now. The system is sound. It’s too bad worldviews have to be involved with everything now.
JEN (verified owner) –
This book is one of my many favorites books. Love to read that all parts of you are not bad. Wonderful read for trauma, anxiety, depression, and the study of the self. Give it a try! 😊
Kristine H (verified owner) –
I’m relatively new to the idea of IFS and this is the first book I’ve read on the subject. It’s been absolutely life changing for me, no exaggeration. Learning to engage with my “parts” has given me much more freedom and capacity. Super insightful and helpful.
Darby (verified owner) –
I agree with other reviewers that this book is life changing. So many therapists and self-help gurus today are great at diagnosing problems, but this is honestly the first book that has offered me real solutions. I am very excited about this journey.
Javen Michael Bear (verified owner) –
I found this book a really helpful intro to internal family systems, and I would recommend it.
Elisa (verified owner) –
I really enjoyed that this book gave a good conceptual understanding of IFS, while also providing examples for practical use and application with clients. In depth, but not too complex so that this would be helpful to those in various levels of practice.
David Lawson (verified owner) –
Good book. Really gets into IFS in a clear way. A great book to start with. I only gave it four stars because it gets a little political at the end. Is it just me or are some authors taking liberties to express their political views in their books? This is the second one I read where they get their political points in. It is self help so I would much rather concentrate on that than their political agenda. Otherwise a great book. Do not let my 4 stars stop you from buying this book because it really is a valuable place to start when it comes to the internal family system. Highly recommended.
Inlori Customer (verified owner) –
This book is the most Valuable book I own. It breaks down the concepts and also gives exercise to implement. Parts work has changed my life
Marie (verified owner) –
Thank you both, Larry and Brad, for this gift of a guide. It is one of the few books that has, with its practical aspects backed up by a deep philosophy of how to be in life, the potential to change the world. If more humans read it and take one learning away from it, we would be in a better place!
Kim S. (verified owner) –
I listened to this on Audible, but also have the book. This is such a great intro to part works and so inspiring. I have found this type of therapy so relatable and helpful to me. I know it’s cliche to say, but it really has changed my life.
The radical assertion in this book is that we don’t have just one mind, but many minds. And that doesn’t mean we have multiple personality disorder. We have many parts to us, and these parts each have their own minds too. This is why it is so easy to think in two opposing ways at any given time.
These various parts were created through our childhoods and sometimes adulthoods to protect ourselves and as ways of adapting to various difficult situations. The problem is that since these parts were created in us while we were young, they are stuck in some old assumptions and patterns that are no longer helpful and sometimes harmful in our adult lives.
If you grew up with abuse and/or trauma, these parts can be particularly deep down and harmful, blocking your true self. Healing these parts lessens your burdens and sets yourself free to live your life authentically. This work is not easy, but so worthwhile….
Schwartz’s main purpose of this book is to show how through parts work you develop self connection that translates into greater connection with others and even to the world itself.
Kristen (verified owner) –
My therapist recommended this book when I told her I struggled with turning inward, being more in my body, negative self talk, and focusing too much on the exterior parts of life. Definitely not a book to sit and read all at once. Had to do some discussion with my therapist and therapists at work to truly understand the concepts (it’s not multiple personalities or dissociative identity disorder!) Wasn’t a fan of some of the very liberal mindset but it can be easily brushed off. Curious to see where this goes and how to implement this into my therapy sessions and life.
Imani (verified owner) –
Love the book! It can be complicated and sometimes you get lost in the words. I found myself having to reread to get a full understanding. The book is great! It provided me so much knowledge about myself and my clients. It provides practical application for clinicians. I recommend !
Tracey O’Connell (verified owner) –
I absolutely love this book and IFS. After decades of “traditional” therapy, I see IFS as the key to unlocking human suffering and being able to really let go and move forward after traumatic or other significant emotional experiences.
inlori Customer (verified owner) –
The author mentions things politically he does not need to bring into this book. Such as neoliberalism. He says abusers, child molesters and murderers are not bad people. This books seems to try and relate to what goes on within the mind but then bring in a spiritual agenda of you having different “parts” or personalities within yourself. I have gotten one thing out of what I have read and it is to not belittle or hate “parts” of yourself.
Philip Carr Psychotherapist (verified owner) –
I’m feeling dissapointed in this book.
Theory evolves and I get that but it feels like there has been a massive shift away from the first presentation of this model.
The model offers hope to people suffering from CPTSD and the latest book appears to have moved away from some of the complexity and depth of relating that was present in the first offering from Larry and Aileen.
Serenity (verified owner) –
This is a fantastic book, and I had no idea how helpful and insightful it would be. I have been searching for the way to move through trauma and I finally feel like I have a full picture of how I can make that happen after finishing this book. Thank you.
Courtney F (verified owner) –
Perfect for any trauma sufferer
Aimee Butler (verified owner) –
This book is easy to read, and eye-opening… Explains a simple powerful model that makes perfect sense. I made my husband read it!
One Helluva Nice Guy (verified owner) –
Very useful material presented in an easy to readform
Andrea L. Stoeckel (verified owner) –
This will be new information for me. It was suggested by my therapist
Amy Yanner (verified owner) –
Everyone should read this book if they are having trouble with past events in their lives. It explains things in a way everyone can understand and you don’t need a PHD to really get what the author is trying to say.
Catherine (verified owner) –
Especially post pandemic when so many are feeling the impacts of strong or extended emotional states, this work is huge. I really appreciate that it focuses on reframing our internal parts in a constructive way (that they are all trying to support us at their core, even when the messages get extreme) and how to work with them vs against them to be more our truest selves. Using these principles in conjunction with EMDR, I have had a host of fight-flight-freeze linked physical symptoms start to lessen and in some cases disappear (ie chronic back pain for 15 years, lymph node swelling, light sensitivity and headaches). I absolutely recommend reading, for a deeper understanding of ourselves and others, and the goodness at our core.
Amanda Prattt (verified owner) –
Great book!
Aistė (verified owner) –
I lived this book. I’d recommend reading it for everyone. Nice introduction to internal family systems with several practical exercises.
rsantalo (verified owner) –
I’ve waited 6 weeks (after completing) to write this review. As someone who has done a plethora of retreats, workshops and meditations, I can honestly say this is the most powerful work I’ve ever experienced. It seems unbelievable that a book could have caused such a great shift but … I’ve lost 30 pounds, I’m enjoying daily workouts, I’m learning 2 new languages! I have ideas pop up regularly that I think “where did that come from!??”
I cannot thank the author enough for his hard work and dedication. I wholeheartedly recommend this book if you are looking for peace and untapped creativity.
Jed J Bendix (verified owner) –
Over the last two months, many times, I have tuned into and explored my internal family system, which has resulted in many fascinating conversations. After these
conversations, I experienced a sense of
well-being.
Caroline (verified owner) –
Well written.
Thoughtful.
Useful.
Karen (verified owner) –
Since my teen and early twenties I have been off and on in therapy and learning different healing modalities, and spiritual practices and this book integrates what I have learned and practiced and is definitely the best integration of psychology and spirituality I have found. Spiritual practices can tend to contribute to ‘spiritual bypass’ this book is not that. IFS and this book truly are about learning to love and accept yourself as you are where you are!
Elizabeth A. Myers (verified owner) –
Incredible healing