We're beautiful and strange and complicated and scared, and sometimes kind of horrible. But all of us are worthy of welcome.
In this TED Talk Karen Faith describes how her work as a focus group facilitator, interviewer, and person who has experienced trauma led her to be able to recognize and treat the different parts of herself with unconditional welcome.
These parts were not separate from her or different identities. She describes, in what sounds very similar to Internal Family Systems Therapy, recognizing that the different parts of herself were all trying to protect her in some way. Even the parts that led to unhealthy coping or feelings of shame.
Have you noticed parts of yourself that tend to come out when you are stressed, scared, angry, or feel trapped?
Such parts may be trying to help keep you safe and get your needs met, but do so in self-defeating or unhealthy ways.
It can be helpful to check in with these parts, treating them with compassion and unconditional welcome, to create healthier thoughts and behaviors.