In today’s episode, we’re focusing on the process of asking parts to step back. It's a part of the protocol that often causes a lot of uncertainty, about when to ask parts to step back, whether this was the right decision or not, or whether the part should have become the new target part instead.

We talk about many of the different aspects of the step back process, give some case examples, and focus in on the language options - with particular focus on the difference between 'step back' and 'pull back'.

Emma E Redfern MBACP (Snr Accred) initially trained in humanistic integrative psychotherapy. Emma is a certified IFS psychotherapist as well as approved IFS clinical consultant. She edited Internal Family Systems Therapy: supervision and consultation (2022, Routledge) and authored Transitioning to Internal Family Systems Therapy: A companion for therapists and practitioners (2023, Routledge). Her most recent publication, co-edited with Helen Foot, is Freeing Self: IFS Beyond the Therapy Room (2023) .
See www.emmaredfern.co.uk for details of workshops and articles as well as books. You can also follow Emma on Linked In.

Gayle Williamson (MIACP) initially trained in humanistic integrative psychotherapy. She took one of the alternative routes to IFS training now available, through IFSCA and the Adler College, Canada.
She works fulltime as a pure-IFS psychotherapist and also writes widely on mental health. Her most recent article 'The Myth of Mental Illness' is published in the latest IAHIP professional journal. Gayle runs small-group, online trainings and skills workshops for IFS beginners as well as group supervision. She also edited Emma's book, Transitioning to Internal Family Systems Therapy: A companion for therapists and practitioners.
See www.ferneytherapy.ie for further info, resources and Gayle's articles.