In Internal Family Systems (IFS), shame is understood to involve a painful cycle between different parts of us — including a vulnerable part carrying feelings of worthlessness, a critic that attacks, and other protective parts that try to help us get away from the pain.

In this 7-minute video, Dr. Richard Schwartz — creator of IFS — explores how this cycle of shame takes shape, and why trying to fight the inner critic often only deepens the struggle. He also offers a brief role-play demonstration showing how therapists can begin working with these parts in a more compassionate and effective way.

On-Demand Workshop (includes demonstration) with Dr. Richard Schwartz!

We’re so glad to share this 90-minute workshop with Dr. Richard Schwartz — Healing the Wounds of Attachment: IFS Tools for Shame, Perfectionism, and the Inner Critic Learn more and register here >>

On-Demand Workshop (including Demo) with Dr. Richard Schwartz!

We’re so glad to share this 90-minute workshop with Dr. Richard Schwartz — Healing the Wounds of Attachment: IFS Tools for Shame, Perfectionism, and the Inner Critic

In this on-demand workshop, Dr. Richard Schwartz invites clinicians to explore how shame, harsh inner critics, and perfectionism often form as protective responses to early attachment wounds—and how these parts can quietly keep therapy from moving forward.

Using the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, Schwartz demonstrates how to slow down and work with these protectors rather than against them. You’ll learn how to recognize when shame-based systems are shaping the therapeutic process, gauge clients’ access to Self energy, and support healing as clients develop trusting Self-to-part relationships that foster safety, connection, and attachment repair.

You will explore how to:

• Recognize when shame-based systems are contributing to stuckness, emotional avoidance, or harsh self-judgment in therapy
• Work with inner critics and perfectionistic parts in ways that reduce internal conflict rather than reinforce shame
• Support attachment repair by helping clients build trusting, compassionate relationships with their protective parts
• Assess whether clients have enough access to Self energy to work safely with attachment wounds

Whether you’re newer to IFS or looking to deepen your skills, this session will offer practical tools and insights to support healing, connection, and attachment repair.

Learn more and register for the On Demand Workshop >>