Conversations Exploring the Intersection of Internal Family Systems and Swedenborgian Spirituality
We are excited to announce the forthcoming release of a groundbreaking book that bridges Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and the spiritual teachings of Emanuel Swedenborg. Co-authored by experts Robert Falconer, Jonathan Rose, and Chelsea Odhner, this as-of-yet untitled book is set to be published in 2025.
About the Book
This book is a product of recorded conversations between the authors who bring together their distinct perspectives on psychotherapy and spirituality. Robert Falconer, a leading figure in IFS therapy, and Jonathan Rose, a scholar of Swedenborg’s teachings, had not met before the start of these conversations.
Together with the Foundation’s own Chelsea Odhner, their dialogue explores IFS, a method of psychotherapy developed by Richard Schwartz, and the spiritual insights of Emanuel Swedenborg. When paired together, the two perspectives cast new light on the depths of consciousness and healing. The book promises to be a unique and valuable resource for:
- Therapists seeking to integrate spiritual perspectives into their practice.
- Spiritual seekers looking for practical tools for personal growth and healing to support their spiritual life.
- Individuals interested in exploring the inner reaches of their consciousness and the nature of healing.
Key Themes
- Internal Family Systems Therapy: A therapeutic approach that sees the mind as composed of multiple parts. Each of these parts have their own perspectives and emotions. Through the transformative power of “Self-leadership,” IFS aims to harmonize these sometimes conflicting parts, facilitating healing and growth.
- Swedenborgian Spirituality: Emanuel Swedenborg’s writings offer profound insights into the nature of the human soul and its connection to the divine. His teachings emphasize the importance of inner transformation and spiritual enlightenment.
- Bridging Spirituality and Psychotherapy: What Swedenborg found through his exploration of the spiritual realms and human psyche lines up in surprising ways with the IFS model. When the two perspectives meet, what results is a practical, clarifying, and inspiring basis for understanding the spiritual dimension of healing.
Meet the Authors
Robert Falconer: A dedicated therapist and teacher of the IFS model, Robert Falconer has contributed significantly to the field through his research and writings. His work focuses on how our minds are not just multiple, but also porous. He brings this lens to IFS, especially in the context of trauma and spiritual experiences.
Jonathan Rose: A scholar of Emanuel Swedenborg and Neo-Latin translator, Jonathan Rose has published extensively on Swedenborg’s theological and philosophical ideas. He serves as the Series Editor for the New Century Edition of Emanuel Swedenborg’s Theological Works. His expertise brings a deep spiritual dimension to the book, offering readers insights into concepts in Swedenborg’s spirituality that resonate with IFS.
Chelsea Odhner: A lifelong student of Swedenborg’s teachings, Chelsea has extensive professional experience synthesizing Swedenborg’s teachings into content for a global audience through her work previously as the Director of Content Strategy for Off the Left Eye and now as the Vice President of Publishing for the Swedenborg Foundation. Combined with her work as a bodyworker, and an IFS practitioner and coach, Chelsea adds a unique and informed perspective to integrating IFS therapy with the system of the spiritual world that Swedenborg describes.
Why This Book Matters
By publishing this book, we hope to offer our readers a path toward deeper healing and self-understanding and a new point of view on these two theories of consciousness. At once heartfelt and lighthearted, the conversations in this book are entertaining, informative, and inspiring. The work offers a thorough exploration of both the IFS model and Swedenborg’s teachings, taking the reader on a journey through learning what each perspective has to say about:
- Inner sense cultivation and interoception
- The relationship between parts and Self
- The nature of burdens
- Porosity and the inflow of spirits into our minds
- The process of healing
As revealed through the unique conversations found in this book, the integration of IFS therapy with Swedenborg’s spiritual teachings represents a new frontier for incorporating the spiritual dimension of consciousness into psychotherapy.
Stay Updated
We invite you to stay connected with us for more updates on this project. Email editor@swedenborg.com to join our email list and be the first to know about the book’s progress, release date, and exclusive previews.
