Summary of "Compassion in Therapy 2024 - Richard C. Schwartz, PhD"

Key Wellness Strategies and Self-Care Techniques

Understanding Trauma:
- Trauma creates different parts within individuals, categorized as managers, firefighters, and exiles.
- Managers attempt to control and please, while firefighters react impulsively to protect against overwhelming emotions.
- Exiles are vulnerable parts that hold pain from past traumas.
The Eight C's of Self:
- Accessing the core qualities of self, which include:
  - Compassion
  - Curiosity
  - Calm
  - Confidence
  - Courage
  - Clarity
  - Creativity
  - Connectedness
- These qualities are inherent in everyone and can be accessed through the IFS process.
Compassion for Parts:
- There are no bad parts; all parts have good intentions and histories that need to be understood.
- Cultivating Compassion for one's own parts and those of others is essential for healing.
Curiosity as a Tool:
- Curiosity helps to quiet anxiety and opens pathways to Compassion.
- Encouraging clients to be curious about their parts fosters a deeper understanding and connection.
Self-Check Practices:
- Regularly check in with oneself to assess emotional states and ensure alignment with self qualities.
- Use markers such as heart openness and calmness to gauge when to engage with clients.
Permission and Consent:
- Always seek permission from parts before exploring deeper issues to avoid retraumatization.
- Respect the pace of protectors and exiles during therapy.

Earning Trust:
- Building trust with clients, especially those with trauma histories, requires consistent self-awareness and presence.
- Acknowledge when distractions occur and apologize to reinforce trust.
Handling Backlash:
- Anticipate and address potential backlash from protectors after healing work is done.
- Use understanding and Compassion to navigate these reactions.
Setting Boundaries:
- Set boundaries from a place of self, ensuring that they are communicated with clarity and Compassion.
- Tailor boundaries based on the specific needs of different clients.
Self-Compassion:
- Practice self-Compassion by recognizing and validating one’s own parts, including those that may be critical or harsh.
- Engage in compassionate dialogue with parts that are struggling.