The Connection Between Trauma and Self-Destructive Behaviors

Surviving a traumatic event is challenging all on its own. But each day, trauma survivors are expected to continue with their daily lives as though nothing has changed for them. They struggle with feeling overwhelmed, afraid, and lonely, and experience consistent emotional ups and downs. It should come as no surprise that so many trauma [...]

By |2024-03-06T22:20:14-05:00March 6th, 2024|Trauma|

What is Trauma?

Trauma is a term mental health treatment professionals use to refer to the psychological damage and emotional pain a person experiences as a result of a particular event. The event could be a natural disaster like a hurricane or tornado and the aftermath of that occurrence. Or, the event could be the betrayal of a [...]

By |2024-01-09T14:38:21-05:00January 9th, 2024|Trauma|

Moving from “I” Language to “Parts” Language

As humans speak about themselves, it is common for them to use the word, “I.” This tendency is the default setting for us, and it is a lot like other learned behaviors that become commonplace. Just as we learn and mindlessly repeat behaviors like how to shake hands when we meet someone, how to ride [...]

By |2024-01-09T14:35:25-05:00January 9th, 2024|Trauma|

Is Internal Family Systems Therapy Right for You?

Trauma affects everyone differently, and it is even possible to have been traumatized without realizing it. This may occur because of memories you have suppressed, or because you simply do not realize the impact a specific event had on you and the way you think, feel, and interact with the world. Internal Family Systems (IFS) [...]

By |2023-11-05T08:49:10-05:00November 5th, 2023|Trauma|

The Therapist’s Role in IFS Therapy: Identifying Parts’ “Voices”

Trauma therapists have a multi-faceted role during IFS therapy. It is up to them to: • Encourage the client to become curious. • Provide trauma education. • Notice certain themes and patterns of behavior. • Help the client identify their triggers. However, therapists are also taking note of and listening for the “voices” that are [...]

By |2023-10-15T09:08:17-04:00October 15th, 2023|Trauma|

Are You Considering Internal Family Systems Therapy?

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 [...]

By |2023-09-18T17:13:00-04:00September 18th, 2023|Trauma|

What is Involved with Healing a Part?

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 [...]

By |2023-07-06T11:10:54-04:00July 6th, 2023|Trauma|

Understanding Conflict Within the Parts During Trauma Therapy

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 [...]

By |2023-06-11T13:20:49-04:00June 11th, 2023|Trauma|

Healing Your Vulnerable Parts with the Internal Family Systems Model in Trauma Therapy

So many trauma victims have vulnerable Parts that feel impossible to reach because the protective Parts are doing their jobs and protecting them. Working through trauma and experiencing healing is possible, but it takes time and patience from an IFS therapist who can guide you through the process. The IFS model has been shown to [...]

By |2023-05-16T15:19:31-04:00May 16th, 2023|Uncategorized|

What to Expect When Beginning Trauma Therapy with the IFS Model

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 [...]

By |2023-03-06T16:46:22-05:00March 6th, 2023|Trauma|