Pixar’s Inside Out gave audiences a unique glimpse into the inner workings of a young girl's mind, personifying her emotions as characters with distinct roles and personalities. The movie’s sequel, Inside Out 2, delves even deeper into the complexities of emotional life. Interestingly, the narrative of Inside Out 2 bears striking similarities to a therapeutic approach known as Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy (a favorite model here at Steyn Integrative Counseling). Here’s a closer look at how the film parallels this innovative method of mental health treatment.
The Essence of Inside Out 2
Inside Out 2 continues to explore the internal emotional landscape, focusing on how Riley, now a teenager, navigates more complex emotions and experiences. The sequel introduces new emotions, reflecting the evolving and multifaceted nature of human feelings as one grows older. This deeper exploration resonates with many of the principles found in IFS therapy.
Understanding Internal Family Systems Therapy
Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, is a truly transformative approach to psychotherapy that views the mind as a system of parts, each with its own perspective and qualities. According to IFS, our internal parts are like an inner family, each playing a role in how we think, feel, and behave. Here are the core components:
1. Parts: Different aspects of the self, which can take on various roles such as protectors, managers, and exiles. Think of it as the many thoughts, feelings and urges initiated by our autonomic nervous system to help us survive when we are vulnerable to threat. Parts are often stuck in past perspectives.
2. Self: The core of a person, characterized by qualities like compassion, curiosity, and calmness, which can harmonize and update the parts to the safety of the present. Think of it as the spirit-y essence that makes you more than merely a physical body.
3. Healing: This happens when parts begin to allow the self to lead the body instead of choosing thoughts, behaviors and sensations on a person's behalf.
Comparing Inside Out 2 with IFS Therapy
1. Personification of Emotions: Both Inside Out 2 and IFS therapy personify emotions, giving them distinct identities and voices. In the movie, characters like Joy, Sadness, and new emotions personify different aspects of Riley’s inner life. Similarly, IFS views emotions and inner experiences as parts that can be interacted with directly.
2. Internal Dialogue: Just as Riley interacts with her emotions in Inside Out 2, IFS therapy encourages individuals to engage in dialogues with their parts. This internal conversation helps uncover the motivations and concerns of each part, promoting understanding and integration.
3. Emotional Complexity: The sequel expands on the basic emotions to include more nuanced feelings, mirroring the IFS perspective that our inner world is multifaceted. In therapy, acknowledging the complexity of parts leads to deeper self-awareness and healing.
4. Growth and Change: Riley’s emotional journey in Inside Out 2 symbolizes the process of growth and change that is central to IFS therapy. Both emphasize that emotional evolution is a natural part of life, and that understanding our inner parts can lead to personal transformation.
Practical Takeaways for Therapy
For those considering therapy or currently engaged in it, Inside Out 2 offers a relatable and visual way to understand some of the concepts behind IFS. Here are a few takeaways:
Identify Your Parts: Recognize and name different parts of your inner self. Are there parts of you that are trying to protect you? Parts that carry deep pain? Check out this post exploring the meaning of having an "inner world".
Cultivate Self-Leadership: Partner with an IFS therapist to gain greater access to your core Self, which can guide and harmonize your parts with compassion and understanding. You are not your thoughts, feelings, behaviors or urges. You are the one observing them as they unfold within you!
Embrace Complexity with Curiosity: Accept that having a range of emotions and inner voices is normal though previously considered a pathology. Each part has a purpose and can contribute to your overall well-being. It is so freeing to be able to accept the conflicting parts inside of you exist rather than have to work within a mono mind model!
Inside Out 2 not only entertains but also provides a profound metaphor for understanding our inner lives. By comparing the film’s depiction of emotions with Internal Family Systems therapy, we can gain insights into our own psychological experiences. Whether through the lens of animation or therapy, recognizing and harmonizing our inner parts can lead to greater emotional health and resilience.
If you’re curious about how IFS therapy might benefit you or if you’re inspired by the themes in Inside Out 2, consider reaching out to our counseling center. Together, we can explore the many parts of you and work towards a harmonious and fulfilling life.
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