If you’ve ever said, “Part of me wants to go… but another part really doesn’t,” then you’ve already experienced the essence of Parts Work, also known as Internal Family Systems (IFS).
In Episode 71 of the Everyday Epigenetics: Raw. Real. Relatable. podcast, co-host and licensed psychotherapist Kate King takes us deep into the world of IFS, a revolutionary and compassionate therapeutic model developed by Richard Schwartz.
What is Internal Family Systems (IFS)?
IFS is a non-pathologizing, trauma-informed approach to understanding the psyche. Rather than labeling behaviors as “bad” or “broken,” IFS recognizes that our minds are made up of different parts, each with a unique role and purpose. Some parts protect. Others manage. Some carry deep emotional wounds. And at the center of it all is your True Self—the calm, connected core of who you really are.
The Three Main Types of Parts
In IFS, our internal system includes:
- Exiles: Often wounded inner children holding past pain or trauma.
- Managers: Parts that keep life controlled, polished, and “together.”
- Firefighters: Reactive parts that soothe emotional pain quickly, often through impulsive behaviors like addiction, overeating, or avoidance.
All of these parts exist to protect you. Even the ones that cause chaos are doing so because they believe it’s their only way to keep you safe.
How IFS Impacts Epigenetics and Mental Wellness
Host Susan Robbins, a certified epigenetic coach, and Kate King together draw powerful parallels between IFS and epigenetic health. Chronic stress, unresolved trauma, and suppressed emotional parts can all influence gene expression and hormonal balance. By working with your parts, not against them, you can reduce anxiety, boost resilience, and even shift your biological health markers over time.
How to Begin Your IFS Journey
Kate shares several entry points into parts work:
- Explore IFS books like No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz
- Try journaling with two colored pens, one for your Self, one for your Part
- Create Parts Cards, a blend of art therapy and storytelling
RESOURCES:
Kate’s YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheRadiantLifeProject
IFS Playlist on Kate’s YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLD14_nXiLme65kY8fzBoNvHi9J9jMEO1
Richard Schwartz’s book No Bad Parts:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=no+bad+parts+by+richard+c+schwartz&hvadid=694915120712
Check out Susan’s NEW E-book! Download it FREE here: https://healthyawakening.co/ebook-signup
Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcast
Find listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/links
Connect with Susan:
- Check out Susan’s NEW E-book! Download it FREE here: https://healthyawakening.co/ebook-signup
- Contact me for your DNA testing or epigenetic coaching! To schedule a FREE Personalized Health Strategy Session, send an email to susan@healthyawakening.co
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanrobbinshealthyawakening
Instagram: @susanrobbins_epigeneticcoach - Susan’s LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/susanrobbins
Connect with Kate King:
- Kate’s Website: https://TheRadiantLifeProject.com
- Kate’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/theradiantlifeproject
earn More about Kate King:
Kate brings nearly two decades of experience as a licensed psychotherapist and board certified art therapist, combined with her work as a Radiant Life coach to the table. She is also the multi-award-winning author of three powerful self-help psychology books. Kate’s work integrates epigenetics through a relational, behavioral, and intergenerational family trauma lens. She also incorporates brain and nervous system science with psychology, spirituality, and creativity for a dynamic approach to deep inner work and personal healing.
Learn More about Susan Robbins:
Susan is a retired law enforcement officer and an accomplished Certified Epigenetic Human Performance Coach with a diverse and extensive background in wellness. She began her wellness career in 2015 as a holistic health and stress management coach. Her passion for helping others led her to expand her expertise into epigenetics in 2019, where she discovered the missing piece of the health optimization puzzle: Personalized health.
As a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Certified Level 2 Apeiron Zoh Epigenetic Human Performance Coach (DNA), and Certified PH360 Coach through Precision Health Alliance, Susan has developed a unique approach to health and wellness through completely personalized health. She is the proud recipient of the 2023 Precision Health Alliance Coach of the Year award. Susan works with clients to elevate their health and overall quality of life by understanding their unique needs based on their genetic makeup, taking out the guesswork, and getting results.
Their Synergy
Susan and Kate come from two very different, but perfectly complementary, worlds in the health and wellness space. Together, their synergy is magnetic. Think: science meets soul, strategy meets intuition, real talk meets radical transformation.
