Family Systems (Healing the "Parts" of Ourselves We Deny)
The mind as a system of multiple inner "parts." These are like multiple subpersonalities surrounding a central self. Rather than diagnosing these parts, Family Systems seeks to heal the parts by finding out what their purpose and roles are in order to understand them better, so that they can be thanked for their protection; and in so doing restore 'internal' harmony between parts and the central self.
Another way of looking at it is to say that we are working on our Shadow Parts.
What is Family Systems Good For?
✅ Understanding Parts of Ourselves: Triggers like Anger, Reactions, Negative Behaviours
✅ Forgiveness of Parents, Siblings, Partners, etc.
✅ Vulnerabilities and Fears
✅ Healing Childhood Trauma
Another way of looking at it is to say that we are working on our Shadow Parts.
What is Family Systems Good For?
✅ Understanding Parts of Ourselves: Triggers like Anger, Reactions, Negative Behaviours
✅ Forgiveness of Parents, Siblings, Partners, etc.
✅ Vulnerabilities and Fears
✅ Healing Childhood Trauma
Background: Family Systems intertwines the therapeutic frameworks of Jung's Shadow Parts and Virginia Satir’s Growth Model. This combination laid foundational groundwork for Internal Family Systems creator Richard Schwartz, by introducing the concept of internal "parts" and viewing the mind as a system of interacting emotions.
The Parts:
The Core Self: The compassionate, confident, and calm center of every individual. The Core Self is viewed as the natural leader of the internal system that knows how to heal and mediate between different parts.
The Exiles: These are the vulnerable, wounded parts of the psyche. They usually represent young, hurt versions of our past selves carrying pain, shame, or fear. Exiles are often hidden away or "exiled" by the rest of the system to prevent the person from feeling overwhelmed.
The Managers: The proactive, protective parts. They manage your daily life and behaviors to keep you functioning and ensure the vulnerable Exiles are never triggered or exposed.
The Firefighters: The reactive protectors. When an Exile's pain breaks through the Managers, Firefighters jump into action. They can manifest as impulsive or distracting behaviors (such as binge eating, substance use, or rage) meant to quickly extinguish or distract from the emotional pain.
The Core Self: The compassionate, confident, and calm center of every individual. The Core Self is viewed as the natural leader of the internal system that knows how to heal and mediate between different parts.
The Exiles: These are the vulnerable, wounded parts of the psyche. They usually represent young, hurt versions of our past selves carrying pain, shame, or fear. Exiles are often hidden away or "exiled" by the rest of the system to prevent the person from feeling overwhelmed.
The Managers: The proactive, protective parts. They manage your daily life and behaviors to keep you functioning and ensure the vulnerable Exiles are never triggered or exposed.
The Firefighters: The reactive protectors. When an Exile's pain breaks through the Managers, Firefighters jump into action. They can manifest as impulsive or distracting behaviors (such as binge eating, substance use, or rage) meant to quickly extinguish or distract from the emotional pain.
Do you sometimes wonder WHY YOU GET TRIGGERED by certain people and events?
Ghita Andersen has created a blend of Virginia Satir's model and Richard Schwartz' model. Used in therapy sessions to identify a person's problematic parts, this method can sometimes be a great way of understanding a person's behaviours and motives better - especially ANGER. And who doesn't want to understand themselves better?
Gentle Healing Method
The lovely aspect of this method is that it is very gentle and allows emotions to gently come up, unlike EMDR which can be more dramatic.
Visualisation: Family Systems requires a certain level of visualisation, focus and an openness to try new things. It can feel like a spiritual practice at times and may not be suitable for people with a problem concentrating (ADHD, ADD) or imagining scenarios in their head. Also, if you have a deal of resistance to letting go of anger or love your coping mechanisms - such as drinking/ substance abuse/ risky behaviours, etcetera, then this method is not for you.
Family systems can be incorporated into both counselling or life coaching sessions and is very successful with family grievances.
If you are not sure which service to book in for, don't be afraid to reach out and ask questions. Call or text Ghita today on 0439888070, or alternatively, check availability and book easily online 24 hours on the booking tab below. Select 'Family Systems (Shadow Parts) New Client sessions (2 hours).'
Ghita Andersen has created a blend of Virginia Satir's model and Richard Schwartz' model. Used in therapy sessions to identify a person's problematic parts, this method can sometimes be a great way of understanding a person's behaviours and motives better - especially ANGER. And who doesn't want to understand themselves better?
Gentle Healing Method
The lovely aspect of this method is that it is very gentle and allows emotions to gently come up, unlike EMDR which can be more dramatic.
Visualisation: Family Systems requires a certain level of visualisation, focus and an openness to try new things. It can feel like a spiritual practice at times and may not be suitable for people with a problem concentrating (ADHD, ADD) or imagining scenarios in their head. Also, if you have a deal of resistance to letting go of anger or love your coping mechanisms - such as drinking/ substance abuse/ risky behaviours, etcetera, then this method is not for you.
Family systems can be incorporated into both counselling or life coaching sessions and is very successful with family grievances.
If you are not sure which service to book in for, don't be afraid to reach out and ask questions. Call or text Ghita today on 0439888070, or alternatively, check availability and book easily online 24 hours on the booking tab below. Select 'Family Systems (Shadow Parts) New Client sessions (2 hours).'
Testimonial via text: Family Systems (Parts) 2026: Hi Ghita, I found that session (Family Systems) truly helpful in understanding and forgiving my mother; something I have held onto since my 10th birthday! You have changed my perspective. Thanks again. - Ken (Gold Coast)
Copyright Ghita Andersen 2026. Images by Freepik. DISCLAMIER