The Others Within Us is a thoughtful, challenging, and deeply integrative exploration of Internal Family Systems (IFS) theory as it intersects with shamanic and cross-cultural understandings of spirits, entities, and non-self beings. Robert Falconer, a senior IFS practitioner and trainer, dives into the porous nature of mind – a perspective found in many indigenous, animist, and religious traditions – and asks us to re-examine the Western psychological assumption of a strictly bounded self.
Falconer begins by outlining the basics of IFS: that each of us has parts – protectors, exiles, and managers – as well as the deeper Self, characterised by compassion, curiosity, and confidence. He then broadens this internal map, suggesting that not all “parts” we encounter in therapy are necessarily our own. Drawing on anthropological and spiritual traditions, he describes experiences of spirit possession, entity attachment, and non-self influences, framing them within the IFS model without pathologising or dismissing them.
One of the strengths of this book is its grounded approach. Falconer neither romanticises nor demonises the notion of spirits and entities. Instead, he examines the possibility that some experiences labelled as dissociative or psychotic in psychiatry might, in certain contexts, be understood as encounters with non-self beings. This resonates with the cross-cultural research on mediumship, shamanic possession, and spirit release work.
Falconer shares case examples from his own practice where clients encountered “others within” that did not fit neatly into the IFS understanding of parts. In these examples, he demonstrates how integrating shamanic spirit release techniques with IFS can bring relief and healing, especially in cases of unresponsive depression, addiction, or persistent intrusive voices. He emphasises that whether one understands these beings as literal or metaphorical is secondary to how they are worked with in therapy – a pragmatic and respectful stance that honours diverse worldviews.
The writing is accessible and clear, though occasionally assumes familiarity with IFS terminology. Practitioners new to IFS may need to supplement with Schwartz’s foundational texts to fully grasp the nuances. However, Falconer’s tone is warm, invitational, and often humble, sharing his uncertainties and learnings as his worldview expanded.
Critically, the book does not offer a rigid protocol for “spirit release therapy.” Instead, it provides a conceptual and practical framework for therapists and healers to recognise when a client’s experience may reflect non-self influences and how to approach these with care, curiosity, and collaboration. It raises important ethical questions about cultural appropriation, spiritual bypassing, and therapist readiness to engage with such phenomena.
Overall, The Others Within Us is a courageous and important contribution to psychotherapy literature. It bridges psychological models with spiritual realities often excluded from clinical discourse. For therapists working with trauma, expanded states, or cross-cultural clients – or for anyone interested in the boundaries between psychology and spirituality – this book invites a deeper listening to what might be present within and beyond the self. It challenges us to expand our maps of mind with humility, discernment, and compassion.