Thoughts in recovery are more than mental noise. They can point to fear, shame, protection, old wounds, and the inner places that still need care. In Part 3 of this series, Bill explores how Byron Katie helped him question the thoughts that shaped his suffering, and how Internal Family Systems later helped him understand those thoughts as information from parts of himself that needed attention, curiosity, and care.

After an emotional reaction in our “One‑Butt Kitchen,” I explore how we repaired it using IFS, ownership, and Nonviolent Communication.

Children can survive painful experiences, but the belief that they are bad can shape their lives for decades. When shame becomes part of how we see ourselves, it quietly influences our reactions, relationships, and choices. Healing begins when we understand the parts inside that carry it.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is increasingly used outside of psychotherapy, raising important ethical questions. This article explores why IFS can be used ethically in coaching when the coach supports the client’s innate capacity for healing rather than assuming responsibility for it.

Before exploring parts with the Internal Family Systems model, permission matters. This article explains why negotiating the use of IFS creates safety, trust, and more effective healing for clients and practitioners alike.

Feeling stuck isn’t always a motivation problem. Sometimes it’s an internal log jam, with parts pulling in different directions. This article explores internal conflict through the lens of Internal Family Systems.