Inner characters
 

You will learn about Internal Family Systems

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapeutic model developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz that views the mind as made up of various "parts," each with its own emotions, beliefs, and desires. The goal of IFS is to help people connect with their true core self, referred to as the "Self," which is naturally compassionate, curious, and calm.

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In IFS, these parts are divided into three main types:

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Exiles: These parts hold painful emotions and experiences, often related to trauma. They are usually suppressed but may surface in overwhelming ways.

Managers: These parts work to protect you by controlling or suppressing exiles, helping you function in daily life. They often appear as hypervigilant, perfectionistic, or controlling.

Firefighters: When exiles are triggered, firefighters step in to put out emotional fires, often through impulsive or extreme behaviors such as addiction or anger.

The therapeutic process in IFS involves getting to know and understand these parts, helping them feel safe, and allowing the Self to lead. The Self can heal wounded parts, unburdening them from their roles and bringing the person into a state of greater harmony and balance.

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IFS emphasizes that all parts are valuable and can play a positive role once they are understood and supported by the Self.

You will use character design as a medium to explore parts

Character design can be an incredibly powerful medium for self-exploration in IFS because it externalizes internal parts, giving them a distinct form, voice, and identity. By visually designing these parts, you get a clearer sense of their role, influence, and unmet needs.

This externalization helps in a few key ways:

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Clarification: Creating a visual representation of your inner parts makes the abstract more tangible. It becomes easier to identify and understand the fears, desires, and motivations of each part, leading to deeper self-awareness.

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Empathy & Compassion: Seeing your internal parts as distinct characters helps foster compassion. By giving a face and personality to a protector or an exiled part, it becomes easier to empathize with it and understand why it may be acting out in your life.

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Dialogue & Integration: When internal parts are externalized through character design, it becomes easier to engage in a dialogue with them. You can better understand how each part interacts with others and your Self, and find ways to harmonize or integrate them.

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Non-Verbal Exploration: Art bypasses the limitations of language. Some parts of us, especially those rooted in trauma, may not have words to express their needs or emotions. Through character design, these parts can still communicate their experience in a symbolic way.

You will connect with yourself and others

During this workshop, you will embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and connection through learning, meditation, and art.

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No prior artistic experience is necessary—the focus is on using art as a means of expression and understanding.

This practice illuminates the reality that we all have these parts within us, fostering a sense of connection not only to ourselves but also to each other. In this shared space, you’ll discover that you are not alone in your experiences, and together, we will cultivate a community rooted in empathy and understanding.

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Through the integration of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and artistic creation, you'll leave with a deeper connection to your inner world, an increased sense of self-compassion, and tools for ongoing personal growth.

This experience encourages you to take these insights back into the world, enriching your interactions with others and fostering a greater sense of empathy for both yourself and those around you.

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Join us as we create a supportive environment where creativity, vulnerability, and connection intersect, allowing for a deeper understanding of ourselves and a more profound connection with the world at large.