1/17/2024
Message from Dick Schwartz
The situation in the Middle East has evoked many parts in me, as I’m sure it has in you, and I have been actively working with them. One part felt moved (and some in our community were looking to me) to make a statement. So, I wrote something, trying to apply aspects of IFS to the conflict.
Before sending it to you, I sought feedback from friends and colleagues with lived experience on both sides. As you might guess, each side was strongly activated by it. As I listened to the feedback, I also realized that I don’t know enough about the history of the region or the nuances of the politics there to be making such a statement.
That realization was challenging for the parts of me that are used to being able to offer relief to suffering people. For these reasons, I’m not going to share it and will do more research with legitimate sources that are painful to read and to believe. To do that, I have to work more with parts that are confused and don’t know who to trust or believe, and others that are so upset about the violence that they just want to forget about the whole issue and focus instead on my grandkids. I am also working on the parts that wanted to give up on trying to explore these global issues using the lens of IFS for fear of causing harm or seeming ignorant.
I have also consulted with Carey Giles, who for years has helped me access spiritual guidance. What I learned was that my primary role is to try to bring more Self energy to such conflicts.
Since then, I have paused each day to:
- Ask my parts to open a lot of space until I sense the flow of warm vibrating Self energy throughout my body, and in addition to actively extend that loving Self energy to that area of the world, not favoring one side or the other.
This might seem like a trivial practice—skeptical parts might doubt that such energy can travel through time and space, or that each of us doing this individually can have any impact.
Just as we find in our offices with clients, however, our Self energy is contagious. I’m convinced, that such a practice will make a difference, so I plan to continue indefinitely. I’m waiting for further guidance regarding whether to bring together groups of people to join in this practice.
The leadership team at IFS Institute and I and are also continuing to do some deep work to think through the role of our organization during times of global crisis. We remain open to suggestions from the community if you wish to share your thoughts.
Message December 21, 2023
Given the on-going war between Israel and Hamas and the tragic and rising Palestinian civilian death toll, the IFS Institute stands in solidarity with those affected by the devastation. Recognizing the profound grief, fear, and anger resonating among Israelis and Palestinians and others, our commitment to acknowledging and supporting these wounded parts remains unwavering. As an educational organization, we know that IFS can be a powerful tool for healing. We support those seeking a ceasefire, the release of hostages and long-term solutions that we hope will provide a foundation for peace so that healing can begin.
IFSI has strong and growing ties to the region and we believe that mental health care should be universally accessible, irrespective of political boundaries. We have been operating in Israel since 2009 through our partners and trainers Ossi Arbel and Einat Bronstein. More recently we have expanded our operations in the Middle East and our commitment to the region is strong. We are planning two pilot IFS level 1 Trainings in Arab countries in the vicinity of the Gaza strip and the West Bank, open to Palestinian participants and offering reduced tuition costs adapted to the local economic situation. We are in close and ongoing contact with the relevant organizers, to help these trainings take place despite the challenging situation in the area.
We acknowledge the immense burden placed upon caretakers and peacemakers in the region at this moment. While we are committed to expanding IFS in the region over time, we also recognize the extreme nature of the crisis happening now. To provide more immediate support, and after careful consultation within our community, the IFS Institute has extended donations to organizations actively involved in providing crucial mental health support to those affected by the conflict. ·
- One of these organizations is the Gaza Community Mental Health Programme (GCMHP), spearheaded by psychiatrist Yasser Abu Jamei, MD. GCMHP's dedicated efforts focus on aiding traumatized children, women, and people impacted by violence, and victims of torture. Their crisis intervention, ongoing services, and comprehensive mental health clinics across various parts of Gaza serve as lifelines for many.
- Additionally, our support extends to SafeHeartIL, an emergency mental health project committed to linking the survivors of the Nova Rave massacre with licensed and certified mental health professionals. Their dedication to providing immediate and essential mental health services is invaluable during this trying time.
The IFS Institute remains resolute in our commitment to fostering human compassion and contributing meaningfully to ease the pain experienced by others. By supporting these organizations, we aim to provide tangible assistance to those grappling with the emotional toll of the conflict. We are also proud of the various IFS therapists and practitioners who have volunteered to provide free sessions. Of note are the groups coordinated by Nitsan Gordon, Ilanit Tal, Einat Bronstein, and Ossi Arbel.
As the situation continues to evolve, our thoughts remain with all those affected, and our dedication to providing support remains steadfast. Together, through collective efforts, we can uphold the importance of mental health care and contribute to healing in times of crisis.
In the new year, Dick will share his thoughts on how IFS may help us understand more deeply the roots of this conflict with the goal of helping us access the Self-energy that will support us individually and contribute to longer term solutions at the collective level.
We remain open to suggestions from the community for additional ways IFS Institute may work to provide support, please let us know here.
Updated December 21, 2023