ABSTRACT
Unburdening is at the heart of the healing process in the internal family systems (IFS) therapy model. The IFS protocol clearly delineates the steps of the unburdening process. Though the protocol is straightforward, the concept of unburdening is radical. It posits both rapid and sweeping change of a kind not considered possible in most therapies. The radical nature of this change can be seen in Richard Schwartz's description of unburdened exiles. "Exiles contain qualities like liveliness, playfulness, spontaneity, creativity and joie de vivre" that emerge when the child is unburdened. Clinicians who have been taught that therapeutic change is gradual may have parts who are skeptical or intimidated by the idea of dramatic change, or who view the idea of swift transformation as magical thinking. This chapter demonstrates that any therapist or client with a part who feels anxious or ashamed can benefit from an expanded view of unburdening.
