Healing the Parts in Trauma Therapy: What Happens After Witnessing?
As we have discussed, witnessing is the part of trauma therapy that involves “listening” to a Part tell the story of its trauma. This may come in the form of scenes or images in your mind, or you could experience it like you are watching a movie about the event that took place.
Witnessing is only the beginning of the healing process. Though it may be the most challenging aspect, there is still a lot of work to be done. There are several things you may notice as you move forward in your healing.
Resistance from Other Parts
One common mistake many trauma victims make during the healing process is to try to heal as many Parts as possible as fast as possible. The problem with this approach is that it’s probably going to slow the overall healing process down significantly.
The Parts may “hang on for dear life” if they don’t feel safe enough to heal. Take your time and go at a pace that you and they are comfortable with.
More Impulsive Behaviors and Physical Symptoms
Sometimes when we approach vulnerable Parts for healing, we see more impulsive behaviors as a result. Some patients binge on substances, sex, or food. Others may bury themselves in work in an attempt to escape how they feel. It’s also common to feel more angry or irritated and some trauma victims report an increase in suicidal thoughts.
Many people report physical symptoms as well. It’s very common for recovering trauma victims to experience headaches, have physical pain, or come down with various illnesses.
These responses are the result of protective Parts becoming afraid when you begin working in more vulnerable territory. Fortunately, it’s possible to navigate these situations and usually,all it takes is offering some reassurance.
You and your therapist may need to remind those Parts that what they’re going through is all a Part of the more extensive healing process. Even though there is some emotional pain and turmoil now, eventually, that will subside and the Parts will become healthy again.
Sometimes, it’s necessary to consider medication or even hospitalization. However, for the most part, consistent reassurance is all that’s needed to move forward.
Memory Loss
Finally, you may find that it’s difficult to remember things after you’ve gone through an Internal Family Systems Therapy session. This is a normal response, and there are ways to cope with it, such as:
It’s a good idea to talk with your therapist about any potential memory loss. Together, you can come up with a coping strategy that will work well for your situation.
The IFS model of trauma therapy is quickly becoming the most effective way to heal from trauma. If you’re considering talking with an IFS therapy, I can help.
Please contact me today to make an appointment.
