Internal Family Systems meets the System of Selves
Extraordinary "parts work" for storytellers

At the heart of Character Mapping is the System of Selves, a unique approach to the inner workings of the mind and its many layers—featuring the wildly popular Internal Family Systems (IFS), developed by Richard Schwartz, PhD.

Mariel Pastor has been deeply involved with IFS for all of her professional life. She worked closely with family therapy historian Dr. Schwartz in the model’s early stages, when IFS was recognized as a distinctive systemic approach that acknowledged the mind’s natural multiplicity and asserted, quite radically, the presence of a wise core Self within everyone. When the field of neuroscience and trauma studies took off, IFS surged in popularity. Scores of therapists and clients were relieved to find an approach that was accessible, intuitive, and deeply respectful of both the challenges and beauty of being human.

Yet, IFS is much more than a transformative, evidence-based approach to psychotherapy. For many, it represents a psychospiritual approach and viewpoint that fosters self-knowledge and compassion, aligning with other philosophies and practices that value wholeness, balance, harmony, and interconnectedness. Diverse fields, such as education, business, and community building, have embraced the systemic wisdom this model has to offer.

As an international trainer for IFS, Mariel is known for the clarity, warmth, and humor she brings to this complex and nuanced work. She is the principal author of the IFS official training manual, as well as the creator of the Unburdened Internal System mandala and curriculum, providing a vision of hope and relief.

Through Character Mapping, Mariel creatively weaves together IFS and other body-mind approaches within an Integral framework, recognizing the profound power of stories and the act of storytelling. This acknowledgment comes from her experience guiding clients and fellow storytellers on journeys of self-discovery, as well as from her dedication to her own personal work and growth.