Nondual IFS
Introduction
When viewed through the lens of the thinking mind, nonduality can appear to conflict with the multiplicity we observe both within ourselves and in the world around us. However, when experienced through the heart, the relationship between multiplicity and oneness reveals a beautiful harmony.
Nonduality teaches that beneath the apparent diversity of our inner and outer worlds lies a deeper, unified essence. Though the mind perceives many different parts, our true nature is an indivisible wholeness. Just as waves are expressions of the ocean, our inner parts arise from and return to the same ground of being. No part is truly separate or exiled from this source of consciousness.
When we meet our inner multiplicity with compassion, each part is able to release its burdens. We help these parts find their place within the vastness of who we truly are. Although they are diverse, all parts can find harmony as expressions of the whole.
From the perspective of open awareness, or Self, multiplicity is not a problem but a reflection of the inherent richness of our being. Self embraces all parts with love, recognizing its inseparable connection to them. As parts release their belief in separateness, they naturally align with the greater flow of the whole. In this way, awakening to oneness through Self-leadership allows us to perceive the underlying wholeness that pervades diversity. All multiplicity arises from and ultimately returns to the same source.
Nonduality, then, forms the foundation of inner healing modalities like IFS. By welcoming and integrating our inner diversity, we affirm the oneness that shines through it. Healing occurs as we dissolve the sense of separation, revealing the inherent connection that unites all parts. Diversity is not a contradiction of unity; it is an expression of it. The many arise from and return to the one.
What is nondual IFS?
A therapeutic approach integrating nondual awareness and somatic experiencing with the IFS model. It recognizes an omnipresent Self manifesting as both particle and wave concomitantly, with the wave-state of Self present as an ongoing reality not limited to meditative or altered states. Nondual IFS views parts as expressions of underlying awareness rather than separate entities, addresses multiple aspects of psyche simultaneously, and extends healing to collective levels, acknowledging universal interconnectedness.
What are the key features of nondual IFS?
1. Omnipresent Self: The Self is always present and unobscured. While burdened parts may blend with Self-like parts, creating a sense of overwhelm, the true Self remains fully accessible, existing in both particle and wave states simultaneously. Healing occurs spontaneously when Self-like parts fully surrender to the Self's unwavering presence.
2. Continuous Wave-state: The wave-state of Self is an ongoing reality, not confined to specific meditative or altered states.
3. Nondual Awareness Integration: The approach emphasizes recognizing nondual awareness throughout the healing process, integrating body, mind, and spirit through the 8Fs framework.
4. Simultaneous Parts Attention: Multiple parts can be addressed concurrently, rather than sequentially.
5. Non-hierarchical Structure: There's no hierarchical relationship between Self and parts. Parts are viewed as expressions of the same underlying awareness, not separate entities to be managed.
6. Collective Healing: The healing process extends beyond the individual, addressing existential concerns and recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings.
Simultaneous parts work in practice
Working with simultaneous parts is a fluid and adaptive process that requires attunement to the client’s state in the moment. Clients who are in a Self-led state—calm, open, and centred—will naturally find it easier to engage with multiple parts. In these cases, the session may even proceed without much verbal interaction as the therapist and the client attune to the energies present. On the other hand, when clients are more contracted and operating from a protective part (that is overwhelmed and blended with exiles), the therapist’s role is to guide them toward a more expansive state. This might involve simple grounding exercises and asking questions to invite spaciousness:
"Can we make space for all that you're experiencing to be here right now?"
"Let’s take a moment to hold this experience without judgment."
"Can you sense that these feelings/parts can be held in this space with love and understanding?"
"I sense several parts are here right now, and they're all welcome."
"Can you feel the different energies from each part, knowing they’re all expressions of the same Self? Is it possible to work together?"
"Can you invite all of you to be present here?"
"I feel many parts present, and I want to assure you that Self can hold them all with love and understanding."
At times, the therapist might guide the client to imagine a comforting meeting space for their parts, such as a peaceful garden or a cosy room where each part can gather and be seen. A round table in a warm, inviting space can also help visualize that every part has a seat, ensuring no part feels excluded.
It's crucial to follow the client’s lead and use their personal imagery or visualizations. If the client becomes significantly overwhelmed—where protective parts struggle to cope—the therapist may shift to more traditional IFS techniques, temporarily asking certain parts to step aside to create space or switch to a new target part. As the session progresses and more openness is established, parts can be brought back in. Sometimes, parts naturally begin to take turns, witnessing and supporting each other, which leads to a display of inner benevolence and altruism. As competition for attention fades, parts start working together harmoniously, signalling a secure inner attachment.
For a therapist skilled in nondual presence, the simultaneous awareness of multiple parts is often advantageous. This approach facilitates somatic work, enabling the experience of and smooth transitions between various states, all encompassed within a unified field of awareness. Such practice fosters ease with contrasts and transitions, unveiling the inherent playfulness, harmlessness, and innocence within these fluid shifts of consciousness.
Nondual IFS protocol
Below are the steps of nondual IFS protocol. Keep in mind that these steps are not hierarchical or sequential. We could equally start at 8, or begin at 1, get to 5 and return to 1 again. This is the intuitive, non-attached essence of nondual approach to therapy, it has no goals. It simply allows what is here and now. We start with the premise that we already ARE the peace, love and fulfilment we seek:
1. Feel—Tune into the bodily felt sense of your inner parts, energies, thoughts and emotions with tenderness. Naming them can help. Stay here as long as feels natural.
2. Feel-through—Inquire "Am I this part, thought, emotion, sensation?" Sense the presence that remains when each part is felt-through deeply. This helps uncover your true Self.
3. Field—Open to all parts from the spacious field of Self's awareness that underlies all experiences, thoughts, and sensations.
4. Friend—With unconditional friendship, attune to and embrace even extreme parts, listening to their stories and core beliefs.
5. Flow—Sense the Self harmonizing and flowing with different energies, allowing the paradox of individuality and oneness.
6. Fluid—Notice the fluid boundaries and lack of separation between Self and parts, inner and outer.
7. Freedom—As integration unfolds, feel the freedom of open, peaceful flow within the universal field.
8. Fulfilment—Experience the richness of this present moment without craving any other state.
More details in this video. Awaken to Love has several chapters on nondual IFS and the Nondual IFS Manual is due to be published in December 2024.
Consultation and Supervision
I offer specialized consultation for IFS practitioners, psychotherapists, and counsellors who integrate nondual teachings into their work. My services are particularly valuable if you:
Need support in guiding clients to attune to Self (presence/awareness)
Have clients grappling with profound existential or nondual questions
Wish to deepen your understanding and application of nondual IFS principles
My consultation services include:
One-on-one sessions to discuss your cases and enhance your nondual IFS practice
Joint sessions with you and your client to demonstrate techniques or address complex situations
Guidance on integrating nondual awareness into your therapeutic approach
Please email me to discuss your specific needs and how we can work together to enhance your therapeutic practice.
