If you are a victim of trauma, or if you have ever been diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder (DID), you have probably struggled with Parts that feel stuck in the past. This is very common, and time confusion can be a normal aspect of working through trauma and the overall recovery process.
The Internal Family Systems (IFS) model of trauma therapy can help tremendously with making that transition. This is a vital step in the healing journey.
Parts that Live in the Past
Traumatized Parts are often hyper-focused on surviving. They may respond defensively while remaining vigilant about quickly identifying perceived threats that remind them of the dangers they faced during the traumatic event that took place. On top of that, they are disconnected. For example, this means that the Anger Part of you and the Childlike Part of you probably do not know about each other at all.
With these facts in mind, it should come as no surprise to learn that the Parts can feel stuck in the past. Time distortion is very real, and even the most mundane tasks – such as driving to work or making meals for the family – can be triggering when they cause flashbacks. This is called hijacking, which is a term that was coined by Pat Ogden that describes how triggers impact trauma victims. Suddenly, you may find yourself experiencing shame, fear, disgust, or a multitude of other negative emotions. This becomes a cycle that feels impossible to break, but it is not.
The Process of Hijacking
When the Parts hijack a client, the individual physically presents with an emergency response that ignites the sympathetic nervous system. They experience changes like a surge of adrenaline and inhibition within their prefrontal cortex. The result is that the Self loses control and awareness of what the Parts are doing.
Trauma victims often see this response as a nervous breakdown or panic attack. However, it is actually more appropriate to view it as the Parts taking over.
Connecting the Present to the Past in a Healthy Way
Unfortunately, traditional trauma therapy models encourage trauma victims to navigate recovery in ways that can make them feel even worse. By requiring detailed explanations and overviews of traumatic events and the feelings and experiences that resulted from those, the risk of becoming re-traumatized is very real.
The IFS model simply encourages clients to acknowledge the emotion that came from the trauma in a way that is both validating and reassuring. In doing so, they can begin to understand a healthy connection between the past and the present. This level of understanding not only helps them to regain control over their own thoughts and behaviors, but it can also help them take their lives back.
The Right Trauma Therapist Can Help You Heal, Too
If you have tried other types of trauma therapy without success, it may be time to consider the IFS model. This method of recovery can give you back the control you feel like you have sacrificed and help you learn how to live without being hijacked by your Parts.
If you would like to learn more, or make an appointment, please contact me today.
