We're all familiar with self-talk, self-doubt, self-judgment-yet most of us still view ourselves as if we have one uniform mind. Dr. Richard Schwartz's breakthrough was recognizing that we each contain an "internal family" of distinct parts-and that treating these parts with curiosity, respect, and empathy vastly expands our capacity to heal.

Over the past two decades, Internal Family Systems (IFS) has transformed the practice of psychotherapy. With Introduction to Internal Family Systems, the creator of IFS presents the ideal layperson's guide for understanding this empowering, effective, and non-pathologizing approach to self-discovery and healing. Dr. Schwartz shares evidence, case studies, and self-care tools to help us move from suppressing our wounded parts to unburdening them from extreme beliefs, emotions, and addictions-shifting these parts from inner obstacles to invaluable allies.

"The most wonderful discovery I have made is that as we do this work, we naturally gain access to our true Self-the calm, compassionate essence of who we are," reports Dr. Schwartz. "When the Self becomes the leading intelligence in our lives, we create more harmony-both within ourselves and in our external lives." For therapists, their clients, and anyone interested in understanding and healing themselves, here is an essential guide to a revolutionary approach to mental wellness.