Here is another article about a pattern from the Pattern System^SM. It tells the story of someone with the pattern and how they worked it through and developed the Self-Interst Capacity.

The Caretaking Pattern

If you have the Caretaking Pattern, you are caring and compassionate toward others, but often at the expense of your own needs or desires. If you have this pattern strongly, you will find yourself literally taking care of others, financially, logistically, and emotionally. At some level, though, your caring comes with some strings attached. You have a deep desire to be appreciated for all that you give to others, rather than giving without any thought of attention being returned. You may be aware of hoping that people will care more for you and give you their time and attention in return for your efforts. Read the rest of this entry »

Internal Family Systems: Eating Disorders
Richard Schwartz, Ph.D.

When:    Saturday, January 14, 2012
Time:     9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M
Where:  Seacliff Inn
                  7500 Old Dominion Court
                 Aptos, CA Read the rest of this entry »

We have a schedule of interesting phone classes this winter, including a new class on procrastination and a new time for the IFS Basic Class that should make it accessible to people in Europe.

Winter 2011
Introductory Phone Calls

Intro Call on IFS
Taught by Bonnie Weiss
Monday 10am – 12 noon pacific (1-3pm eastern)
Jan. 9
Free Read the rest of this entry »

This article is one of a series on the Pattern System, a way of understanding personality that looks at the various parts of your psyche rather than your personality as a whole. Each article focuses on a specific personality pattern. This one highlights the Procrastination Pattern.

Read over the following statements to see if they apply to you under some circumstances:

• I avoid taking actions that I know are needed
• I can’t get my priorities clear or make decisions that would allow me to take action
• I put off making needed changes in my life
• I get stuck in the middle of a project and let it slide
• I get distracted and forget about something that has to be done
• I avoid doing certain things that involve risk or putting myself out publicly
• I spend my time thinking, planning, or daydreaming but I don’t actually take action
• I spend my time relaxing and enjoying myself rather than doing something important
• There is something I really want to do, but I never get around to it
• I start on a practice of discipline or self-care, but I don’t stick with it.
• I miss a deadline for a project at work (or school) or stay up all night to get it finished
• I don’t carry thru on something I have committed to do Read the rest of this entry »

The Pattern System contains ten interpersonal dimensions, each of which describes a certain aspect of human relating. Each dimension contains both problematic patterns of relating and healthy capacities. By exploring a dimension, you can determine what your strengths and problems are in that area, so you know what issues to work on and what capacities you want to develop. Read the rest of this entry »