Show Notes


Episode 29. The Parts of Me in Harmony: Internal Family Systems with Louisa Hall

Episode 29. The Parts of Me in Harmony: Internal Family Systems with Louisa Hall

"As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ."
~ 1 Corinthians 12:12


You were made by our loving God to be an amazing human person - a beautiful integration of mind, body, and soul all working in dynamic harmony. But each of us who are fallen experience dis-integration, and the parts of us don't always exist in cohesive unity. We might think things like "Part of me wants to do this, but part of me doesn't", or "Why does a part of me seem to complicate things that should be simple?", or even "I hate that part of myself." How can we recover a sense of our True Self and move toward greater unity within ourselves?

This Whole Life welcomes guest Louisa Hall to delve into the fascinating world of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. Louisa shares their personal journey of understanding mental health and the significance of integrating different parts within one's internal system. She recounts her experiences with a friend diagnosed with bipolar disorder, the lack of mental health support in some ministry settings, and her own therapy journey. From True Self to Protectors to Exiles, Louisa explains the roles of various parts and the transformative power of IFS. Louisa and Kenna also highlight the crucial alignment between IFS and the Catholic understanding of the human person, while highlighting the importance of self-compassion, understanding, and finding one's true self. With anecdotes and insights, Louisa and Kenna explore the integration process, the impact of IFS on relationships, and the hope and flexibility it offers. Join them as they provide practical steps for you to understand and embrace your own interior world.

Louisa has a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology with an emphasis in experimental psychology from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Currently, Louisa is enrolled as a graduate student at Divine Mercy University seeking to obtain her Master’s in Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She enjoys pondering new ideas and questions, reading books, creating, and spending time in nature. Louisa recognizes that faith, truth, and God’s mercy have influenced her journey of healing.

Show Notes

  • Internal Family Systems is NOT a process of identifying multiple personalities or diagnosing Dissociative Identity Disorder. IFS is about helping individuals to enjoy greater wholeness and integration of the good and real parts of themselves.

  • The different types of parts in a person’s interior life:

    • True Self: the part of me that knows I am made in the image & likeness of God, acting with trust in Him and with confidence in my inherent dignity & worth

    • Protectors: the parts of me that are trying to help me meet and overcome the day to day demands and duties, as well as moments of crisis

    • Exiles: the parts of me that carry the wounds and negative core beliefs as a result of our experiences of trauma, abandonment, and hurt

  • The 8 C’s of True Self: Curiosity, Calm, Confidence, Compassion, Creativity, Clarity, Courage, & Connectedness


An episode of Dr. Peter Malinoski’s podcast, Interior Integration for Catholics, about IFS’s Catholic connections


Two relevant episodes of Naming the Real podcast about
Internal Family Systems

Richard Schwartz’s seminal book on IFS,
No Bad Parts

An interview with Richard Schwartz on IFS

Challenge By Choice

Take some time to identify your parts:
your True Self, your Protectors, and your Exiles.

  • How does it feel to acknowledge and name your parts?

  • What does God have to say about these parts of your self?

  • How are you being invited into greater wholeness & integration of self?