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 [...]
Many trauma victims endure years of therapy that never offers any lasting improvement. In fact, they often think that there is very little chance of actually healing from their trauma. The best they can expect to experience is some relief from their symptoms. The Internal Family Systems Model’s approach to therapy is very different from [...]
Many people seeking trauma therapy are frustrated with more traditional therapeutic methods, and rightly so. If they are working with a therapist who does not have a solid understanding of the Internal Family Systems Model, they may be misdiagnosed and not receive the type of therapy that will help them heal. Perhaps you have found [...]
If you have undergone other types of trauma therapy and are just starting your work with a therapist that specializes in the Internal Family Systems Model, you will notice how different it is. This method is unlike other therapies, and clients respond in multiple ways once treatment begins. It is helpful to know what to [...]
Once you begin working with an IFS therapist, you’ll spend a lot of time focusing on the Parts. You’ll grow to understand them, empathize with them, and even communicate with them. You and your therapist may each have your own ideas on what the healing process will look like. However, your Parts will guide the [...]
Traditional trauma therapy takes a much different approach to healing than the Internal Family Systems Model does. However, it is that approach that makes it so difficult for trauma victims to begin and sustain the healing process. If you have never been a part of IFS, it may surprise you to learn some of the [...]
Thirty to forty years ago, traumatized patients in need of Internal Family Systems therapy were typically diagnosed with what they called multiple personality disorder. In those days, the Self was referred to as the “host” because it was seen as more of an empty vessel for the traumatized Parts. The Self offers hospitality. Today, research [...]
Far too many trauma victims enter into therapy to try and get healing while still feeling as though they are not safe to heal at all. This is due to the “blending” of the Parts that has taken place as a result of the traumatic event. It is false to assume that traumatic events need [...]
All trauma victims have Parts that are harder to handle than others. Parts like Rage, Terror, and Judgment are ones that many people would rather just forget about entirely. But trying to forget about them isn’t going to make them go away, and it won’t address the inherent issues the individual is experiencing because of [...]
Many trauma survivors are too blended with their Parts to actively engage in mindfulness. Because they so closely identify with their Parts’ feelings and beliefs, it is challenging for them to see them separately. Practicing externalized mindfulness is an important component of trauma therapy that can help with that. As a therapist, this type of [...]