🕯️IFS and Stigma

Stigma in IFS is the burden of being unseen — by others, by culture, or even by one’s own system. It’s the pain of a part believing it must hide to stay safe.

• A social part may adapt, performing acceptability to avoid judgment.

• A shamed part may internalize stigma, whispering, They’re right about me.

• A protective part may attack others first, fearing exposure.

IFS listens beneath the mask:

• “Who inside feels labeled or misunderstood?”

• “What are they protecting you from feeling again?”

When Self meets these parts with steady compassion, stigma loses its grip. What once was hidden begins to unfold without fear of exile.

In IFS, liberation comes not from convincing the world — but from telling the truth inside: You are not bad. You are burdened by a story that was never yours to carry.