At a Glance IFS is a psychotherapy model that can be used in trauma treatment and understands your inner reactions as distinct parts of you, each trying in its own way to keep you safe. Most parts fall into three groups: managers that try to keep life under control, firefighters that rush in to shut [...]
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 [...]
Sexual addiction is one of the most misunderstood topics in mental health. For individuals experiencing compulsive sexual behaviour, confusion and shame often appear long before clarity or support. For partners and families, the questions can feel overwhelming. Why is this happening? Why does it continue despite the consequences? Is this about desire, self control, or [...]
Many trauma victims can only imagine what it must be like to operate from the Self. They often spend years experiencing their Parts (without realizing it, of course), and the Self remains mostly silent. Working with the right Internal Family Systems therapist for trauma therapy can make a big difference and allow you to change [...]
One of the biggest concerns for anyone who is in recovery from sex addiction is the possibility of relapse. Not only is this a major setback, it can also be incredibly discouraging and demoralizing for the sufferer. Although you cannot 100% guarantee that you will never relapse from an addiction of any kind, setting goals [...]
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 [...]
We have discussed some of what you can expect when you begin working with an internal family systems therapist. For example, you will be instructed to focus internally, reminded that you are the one in control, and why “Parts” language is used. But there is more you should be aware of as well, which I [...]
As a Registered Psychotherapist, Betzalel specializes in the treatment of trauma and addictions. He is trained in EMDR and is a Certified Multiple & Sex Addiction Therapist-Supervisor, providing evidence based treatment to individuals and their partners dealing with these types of challenges. To learn more, please click here.
