Internal Family Systems (IFS) describes "parts" within the psyche as having specific roles, often related to protecting a vulnerable core Self.
Within this framework, a possible interpretation or story connecting the left and right brain to the roles of protector and exile could be:Left brain (protector story): The left brain, often associated with logic, order, and language, may act as a "protector" part in the IFS model. Its function could be to rationalize difficult experiences, create coping mechanisms, and manage daily life to keep intense emotions or past traumas from overwhelming the system. For example, the left brain might construct a narrative or a set of beliefs to explain away or minimize a painful experience, effectively keeping the raw emotional impact from being fully felt. This acts as a protective mechanism, shielding the individual from intense emotional discomfort.
Right brain (Exile Experience): The right brain, associated with emotions, memories, and intuition, might hold the "exile experience". These exiled parts within the right brain carry the burdens of traumatic experiences and unresolved emotional pain, such as feelings of shame, fear, or worthlessness. These painful emotions and memories are often pushed out of conscious awareness by protector parts, like the left brain, because they are overwhelming and feel too difficult to confront directly.
This is a metaphorical interpretation of the left brain/right brain concept within the framework of Internal Family Systems. It's important to remember that brain functions are complex and interconnected. Thinking about how different parts of the self (or brain) might contribute to coping with difficult experiences can be a helpful way to approach self-understanding and healing.
Michael S. Gazzaniga original studies of human brain laterality and function:
LB_RB_Neuroscience_Research.pdf...::" I used to think that top global environmental problems were biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse, and climate change. I thought that with 30 years of good science we could address these problems, but I was wrong. The top environmental problems are selfishness, greed, and apathy, and to deal with these we need a spiritual and cultural transformation. And we scientists dont know how to do that." ~Gus Speth