Honoring and welcoming Self-Like Parts, with Paul Neustadt

In this episode of the podcast, Paul Neustadt, a clinical social worker and IFS Senior Co-Lead Trainer, discusses self-like parts within the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model. Paul defines self-like parts as those that hold our sense of identity and manage our lives, often with positive qualities and values. The conversation explores how to differentiate self-like parts from genuine self-energy, how to work with them in therapy, and how to appreciate their role in our internal systems. Paul emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing these parts, both in ourselves and in our clients, and shares practical advice for therapists on how to approach self-like parts in a sensitive and helpful way. The discussion also covers the potential for self-like parts to facilitate healing and the impact of cultural burdens on their development.