Patriarchy and our mental health

Richard C. Schwartz, the founder of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, has extensively explored the concept of legacy burdens in the United States, with patriarchy being a notable example.

According to Schwartz, here are three ways patriarchy can impact our mental health:

1. “Patriarchy encourages us to suppress qualities that don’t fit the prescribed masculine ideal. This leads to self-rejection, shame, and disconnection from our true selves, perpetuating cycles of pain and inequality.”

2. “The patriarchal framework creates a split within us—encouraging men to suppress vulnerability and women to silence their power. To heal, we must recognize and integrate these divided parts of ourselves.”

3. “True healing requires not just the transformation of the individual, but the systems and structures that reinforce disempowerment. If we don’t address the societal impact, like patriarchy, we can never fully heal our internal family dynamics.”

What do you make of these? I would love to hear your thoughts. You can add comments below or get in contact with me here.

Chris Warren-Dickins
Psychotherapist & Author​