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 [...]
If you have never experienced the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model of therapy, the concept is probably very unfamiliar to you. It is normal to wonder what you can expect to experience during your sessions and throughout the healing process. Let’s take a few moments and talk about some of what happens when you work [...]
Every trauma victim’s Parts share the same body, brain, and environment. When the victim experiences a thought or feeling, it is important for them to be able to differentiate the “voice” behind it. That requires the person to stop, listen, and understand when that Part is speaking. There is a lot of healing that can [...]
Many trauma survivors find it easy to be compassionate toward others, but when it comes to offering themselves that same level of compassion, they struggle. They learn to tolerate hurt, disappointment, and even rejection in their relationships with the people they care about. Yet, they lack the ability to accept themselves unconditionally. Mindfulness plays an [...]
It may seem hard to believe, but the different types of Parts – managers, exiles, and firefighters – can be transformed into something completely different and inherently beautiful for all trauma victims. Though each one has its own extreme role to play, none of them have to remain in those roles. They can be transformed, [...]
The manager parts work hard to protect trauma victims from harm. This protection is often manifested as control over everything they do. It affects their relationships with others, their professional lives, and even their interactions with complete strangers. But sometimes managers are not as efficient as they want to be, and no matter how hard [...]
The New Year is a great time to set good intentions and develop healthier habits. While there are often negative connotations surrounding New Year’s resolutions, they can be very positive if approached correctly. The mistake people often make is that they only focus on the things they shouldn’t be doing. Quitting smoking and not eating [...]
Many trauma victims are completely unaware of the Parts storm that is brewing inside of them. They only know what they feel and experience in any given moment. It should come as no surprise that they are also not aware of the Self. The key to healing trauma is found in not only identifying the [...]
There are struggles within every family, and the internal family is no different. In fact, it really should be expected. But when a person is dealing with significant trauma, those struggles can feel like a storm is constantly brewing on the inside. Parts that cry for help or that have attachment issues can trigger fight [...]