Trauma therapists have a multi-faceted role during IFS therapy. It is up to them to:
However, therapists are also taking note of and listening for the “voices” that are indicative of multiple Parts, as well as other client qualities and characteristics. Therapists have much to learn from their clients as they work through the IFS model of trauma therapy, and unless they do, they will not be able to help them heal.
How Do Therapists Listen for Parts?
Quite often, traumatized clients are completely unaware that they have Parts. Instead, they think of themselves as whole individuals experiencing complications and problems they cannot control. But many assume those complications and problems are linked to their trauma in some way.
In the book, Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors, author, Janina Fisher gives several examples of clients who discovered their Parts in therapy. One of them was a doctor who practiced family medicine. The doctor underwent a traumatic experience and found that they were unable to drive without panicking. Fisher was able to help the client understand how their traumatized Parts felt threatened, which caused the panic response.
IFS clients typically do not need to share the intimate details of their traumatic experiences. Therapists who practice this model of trauma therapy understand how to identify and introduce clients to their Parts based on the experiences they are currently having in their day-to-day lives.
Signs of the Normal Life Self
Trauma victims seek therapy because their thoughts and behaviors are disruptive to their daily lives. It is extremely beneficial for them to hear and comprehend that their normal life self is different from the Parts that are causing them so much stress.
Identifiers of the normal life self include talking about a person’s:
Anything that represents stability is a part of the normal life self. Accompanying these characteristics is the presence of an ability to observe and comment on the things that are happening in the here and now.
A therapist who can help the client see the difference between the normal life self and the Parts that are causing distress is equipped to walk with the trauma victim through the healing process.
Trauma’s Impact on the Victim’s Life Today
It is normal for trauma victims to feel triggered by aspects of their normal life. So many people who have been victims of traumatic experiences are confused and dismayed because they only want to move on.
Issues like loss of normal functions, internal conflicts, and self-sabotaging behaviors are quite common for trauma victims. And their struggle is very real because they only want to make them go away, they just don’t know how.
Trauma therapy is incredibly valuable for someone in this position, and the IFS model has proven to be effective time and time again.
If you have been the victim of a trauma that is impacting your regular, everyday life, IFS trauma therapy can help you too. Please contact me today for an appointment.
