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Adina Silvestri

Why your ‘Good Witch’ and ‘Bad Witch’ aren’t actually fighting

Published 5 days ago • 1 min read

Hi friend,

Are you a fan of Wicked the movie or Broadway musical?

If so, you probably already know that it’s not just a story about good versus bad.

It’s a tale of identity, vulnerability, and the tension between seeking external validation and staying true to oneself.

​Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy helps us explore both the Good Witch and Bad Witch parts of ourselves and understand that together, they help us lead from a balanced sense of Self.

In IFS Therapy, we call these opposing forces polarities.

But it’s important to understand that just like Elphaba and Glinda aren’t enemies, neither are our inner polarities.

Instead, IFS sees them as internal protective mechanisms shaped by experience.

Our inner Glinda often tries to keep the peace in whatever way possible.

Our strong-willed inner Elphaba may assert boundaries and safeguard core values — even at the risk of being misunderstood.

When we explore these inner parts, the goal isn’t to erase them…

…but to create awareness and harmony.

If you’d like to start exploring your own inner polarities, here’s a simple IFS-inspired exercise you can try.


​✨ Step 1

Grab a pen and paper and divide the page into two columns.

Begin naming polarities you notice within yourself.

Start simple — happy vs. sad — then move toward more nuanced tensions like self-compassion vs. self-criticism.

Reflect on a recent moment where these polarities showed up and jot down what you observe.

✨ Step 2

Now it’s time to get curious.

You might gently ask:

• What are the motivations behind each part?
• How might each be trying to protect me?
• Could these parts work together rather than oppose each other?

Or even:

• What is my “Good Witch” trying to achieve?
• How is my “Bad Witch” trying to help?

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In IFS, we talk about the Self as the calm, compassionate leader within.

When you lead from Self, your parts no longer need to fight for control.

They are seen, heard, understood, and supported.

By the end of Wicked, Elphaba and Glinda didn’t find peace by continuing to loathe each other.

They found it by understanding each other — for good.

So I’m curious…

👉 “Which part of you has been running the show lately?”

Hit “REPLY” and let’s talk about it!
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💭 This Week's Journaling Prompt

Where in my life am I trying very hard to be liked…​
​and where am I trying very hard to protect myself?

Holding space for all of your parts,

Adina

P.S. Want to explore your inner Glinda and Elphaba more deeply?

IFS therapy offers a gentle, structured way of understanding your internal system and easing inner conflict.

As your parts feel understood, clarity and relief often follow.
​Click here to book a free consultation to see if IFS therapy feels like the right next step for you.​

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Adina Silvestri

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