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 expect when beginning to work with an IFS therapist as the healing process begins.
Common Responses to Parts Work During IFS Therapy
As you begin IFS therapy, you may hear your therapist refer to some exercises as “going inside.” This phrase means that your therapist is guiding you to begin communicating with your Parts. Examples include conversing with a childlike Part, an angry Part, or a depressed Part.
IFS therapists are careful to obtain permission from the Parts before the work begins. However, sometimes the Parts can still become anxious or even regret giving permission. When that occurs, you may experience several responses.
Abandoning Therapy
You may begin having thoughts about quitting therapy altogether or finding a different therapist to help you. These thoughts are often because of internal anxiety. Your Parts may be nervous about what lies ahead for them.
Sometimes, clients begin thinking about quitting therapy as a result of the therapist going too fast and trying to get too much information. It could also be that too many Parts were disturbed at once, and some may prefer to wait longer before communicating.
Disturbing Dreams
One of the ways your subconscious mind works through challenges is by processing those thoughts in your dreams. If you are having bad dreams, they could be a sign that your Parts are hard at work. You may notice some similarities between the content of your dreams and the work your therapist has done with certain Parts.
Ongoing bad dreams could indicate that one or more of the Parts is having an extremely difficult time with what you are discussing during therapy. However, if the bad dreams stop, it could mean the Parts’ processing was successful.
Emotional Rollercoasters
Just as the Self has to navigate the emotional rollercoaster of therapy, the Parts must do the same. It is completely normal to feel a little extra emotional when you begin trauma therapy, or at any time during your healing. You may find yourself experiencing new triggers from time to time, and this is a part of the process of working through trauma.
How to Proceed
When beginning with an IFS trauma therapist, it is vitally important to keep the lines of communication open. If you experience a negative response, your therapist should know. The same is true if you have a positive response after one or more sessions. Your therapist should explore and assess every reaction you have and adjust their approach to therapy as needed.
Trauma therapy with the IFS Model is a collaborative process between you and your therapist. Really, it is a delicate dance that requires communication and adjustments to ensure you remain as comfortable as possible.
If you would like to make an appointment to begin trauma therapy with the Internal Family Systems Model, please contact me today.
