Summary of Parts, Blending, and Burdens in IFS
1. Three Types of Parts
In IFS, there are three main kinds of parts:
- Managers – control to avoid pain
- Firefighters – soothe distress
- Exiles – carry old wounds
2. Blending & Unblending
When a part takes over your awareness, you are blended with it.
By noticing the part with kindness and care — without becoming it — you can unblend.
3. Old Wounds
When parts are exiled due to trauma or painful past experiences, they become wounded.
Protectors then form to keep these vulnerable parts safe.
4. Burdens
Burdens are the intense beliefs or feelings that parts carry from old wounds.
They aren’t who you truly are — and they can be released as healing begins.
Final Note
Internal Family Systems (IFS) shows us that all parts are welcome. With compassion, we can notice parts, understand their burdens, and move toward healing.