Right brain functions, as outlined by Iain McGilchrist, share many similarities with the qualities of the Self in Internal Family Systems (IFS). Both emphasize holistic understanding, emotional attunement, and an integrative approach to experience. Here's a deeper exploration of how these concepts align:
1. Holistic and Integrative Perception
Right Brain Functions: McGilchrist describes the right hemisphere as being holistic and integrative. Unlike the left hemisphere, which tends to break things down into parts, the right brain sees the whole picture and understands things in context. It is less focused on individual details and more concerned with how those details fit together within a broader framework.
The Self in IFS: The Self in IFS embodies a similar holistic perspective. When a person is in Self, they can see their internal parts and external experiences in a balanced and integrated way. The Self isn’t aligned with any single part but understands the entire internal system, facilitating harmony and cooperation among the parts. This integrative ability mirrors the right brain's capacity to view situations and experiences as interconnected wholes.
2. Emotional Attunement and Empathy
Right Brain Functions: The right hemisphere is deeply connected to emotional processing, empathy, and nonverbal communication. McGilchrist emphasizes that the right brain is more in tune with the nuances of emotional states, both in oneself and others. It can grasp the subtleties of relationships and is better equipped for understanding and responding to emotions.
The Self in IFS: The Self is characterized by qualities such as compassion, empathy, and calmness. In IFS, when a person is operating from Self, they can approach their parts with a deep sense of understanding and care. This emotional attunement allows the Self to connect with parts in a nonjudgmental and supportive way, fostering healing and integration. This mirrors the right brain's strength in empathy and emotional resonance, as both the right brain and the Self prioritize understanding and emotional connection.
3. Acceptance of Ambiguity and Complexity
Right Brain Functions: McGilchrist argues that the right hemisphere is comfortable with ambiguity, complexity, and paradox. It doesn't need everything to be clear-cut or neatly categorized; instead, it embraces the fluid and dynamic nature of reality. The right brain can hold multiple perspectives at once and navigate the complexities of life without the need for absolute certainty.
The Self in IFS: The Self similarly embodies an acceptance of complexity. When in Self, individuals can hold space for the diverse and sometimes conflicting parts of their internal system without feeling overwhelmed or needing to resolve everything immediately. The Self can manage and balance these complexities, recognizing that each part has value and that conflicting needs can coexist. This capacity to hold ambiguity and multiple perspectives aligns with the right brain’s approach to complexity.
4. Connection to the Present Moment
Right Brain Functions: The right hemisphere is more attuned to the present moment and is involved in processing real-time sensory information. It connects us to the here and now, allowing us to fully experience our surroundings, our emotions, and our relationships as they unfold. McGilchrist highlights the right brain's role in grounding us in our immediate experience, which is essential for feeling truly connected to life.
The Self in IFS: The Self is inherently present-focused. When clients access Self, they often describe a heightened sense of presence and awareness. The Self allows individuals to be fully engaged with their current experience, responding to parts and situations as they arise with calmness and clarity. This alignment with the present moment is a key feature of both the right brain and the Self, enabling grounded and mindful interactions with the world and one’s internal system.
5. Facilitation of Healing and Integration
Right Brain Functions: The right hemisphere, with its emphasis on wholeness, emotional depth, and connection, plays a crucial role in healing and integration. McGilchrist suggests that the right brain is essential for processes that involve reparation, understanding, and the restoration of balance. It helps us connect disparate experiences and emotions, fostering a sense of coherence and unity.
The Self in IFS: The Self is the central healing force in IFS. It works to bring all parts into alignment, helping them to heal and integrate into a cohesive internal system. The Self’s ability to listen to, understand, and reconcile the needs of different parts is directly aligned with the right brain’s integrative and healing capacities. Both the right brain and the Self are concerned with creating harmony and balance, leading to psychological and emotional well-being.
Conclusion: The Right Brain as a Reflection of the Self in IFS
In summary, the right brain functions as described by Iain McGilchrist share profound similarities with the features of the Self in IFS. Both are holistic, empathetic, and comfortable with complexity, embodying an integrative approach that fosters healing and balance. The right brain’s emphasis on connection, presence, and emotional attunement parallels the qualities of the Self, making it a vital aspect of how we engage in therapeutic work and achieve inner harmony. Understanding these parallels can deepen the practice of IFS and enrich the therapeutic process, offering a more nuanced approach to healing and personal growth.