PATH is an international, online recovery community rooted in Internal Family Systems (IFS) for the Practice of Addiction and underlying Trauma Healing.
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Published about 8 hours ago • 3 min read
Insight #6: I Notice When Parts Become Activated
By Laura Lively
May I be Self-led and willing to speak for my parts.
September came and went, and so did my opportunity to send you a newsletter! And today, as I write this, it’s World Mental Health Day.
So, I’m curious about two things.
First, how do your Parts feel about me missing the September newsletter? Is there a Part that’s annoyed? One that didn’t notice? Maybe one that’s relieved to have one less email in your inbox?
Second, how do your Parts feel about World Mental Health Day? Does a Part appreciate the recognition? Does another wonder why we need a special day to acknowledge something so important? Or perhaps a Part feels overwhelmed by yet another reminder of something it thinks you should be doing better.
These questions bring us to Insight #6: I notice when parts become activated.
Have you ever snapped at someone and immediately wished you could take it back? Shut down during a difficult conversation? Become defensive before you even realize what's happening?
Sometimes our Parts become activated so quickly that they grab the microphone before we even know they’re there.
An angry Part might say, “You never listen to me!” A defensive Part might fire back, “Well, you do the same thing!” In those moments, we’re speaking from our Parts.
Insight #6 invites us to notice what’s happening and allow Self to speak for them instead.
Speaking for a Part might sound like, “I’m realizing I’m feeling defensive because I’m worried I’ve disappointed you.” Or, “A Part of me is feeling dismissed, and I need a moment before we continue.”
The Part hasn’t been silenced. Its experience still matters. It simply doesn’t have to run the conversation.
Here’s something to try: The next time you notice a strong reaction, pause and ask yourself, “Who has the microphone right now?”
You might discover that simply noticing who’s speaking creates a little space for curiosity and compassion. And in that space, Self has an opportunity to listen, understand, and help our Parts communicate what they really want us to know.
Now, back to those two questions!
What did you notice when I asked about the missed newsletter or World Mental Health Day? Did a Part have an immediate reaction? Were you able to notice it without becoming completely caught up in it?
Hit reply and tell us what you noticed. You don’t have to have a profound insight or a perfectly worded response. We’re interested in your experience, whatever it might be.
After all, learning to notice our Parts is something we can practice together.
Laura Lively is a Certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) practitioner and a Certified Life Coach. Using IFS, Laura healed the Parts of her that used alcohol as well as used IFS to lose over 150 lbs., which she's now kept off for over 3 years. After finally changing lifelong issues with her weight because of the work she did with IFS, she trained and became certified so that she could help others experience healing, as she did.
In service to PATH’s mission to expand access and application of internal family systems (IFS) for addiction and underlying trauma healing, we are happy to announce an opportunity for existing and aspiring IFS practitioners with one of our community partners, the Global Trauma Institute. The Global Trauma Institute (GTI) is an education, certification and governing body advancing trauma-sensitive care for mental health professionals, peers, educators, and leaders. GTI offers many programs that align deeply with PATH's commitment to trauma-informed, compassionate healing and currently has open enrollment for:
Get ready to join the Spring 2027 cohort! These courses can serve as qualifying prerequisites for the IFS Institute's Coaching Courses and for any Practitioner who has completed Level 1+ and is seeking IFS Certification.
Since the IFS Institute's February 2024 decision to create separate clinical and non-clinical training tracks, many have been exploring new pathways for continuing professional development. If you’re new to professional training, these GTI programs provide a pathway to IFS training in non-clinical applications, grounded in the same principles of self-compassion and trauma-informed care that guide our PATH community.
For IFS Level 1-3 Trained Practitioners, GTI's professional standards certification meets the new requirements for IFS Certification, preserving your previous training investment.
These programs offer:
✓ Professional credentials recognized by the IFS Institute
✓ Deep understanding of trauma-informed practices
✓ Skills deepening and expanding to support others in their healing journey
✓ Connection with a community of compassionate practitioners
If you are ready to begin or continue your professional IFS journey, you can register for GTI's upcoming courses here: Global Trauma Institute
PATH programs are funded by the generous contributions of our members and communities, and we appreciate your support. To make a donation, visit: https://gofund.me/c248afb4
PATH is an international, online recovery community rooted in Internal Family Systems (IFS) for the Practice of Addiction and underlying Trauma Healing.
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