How I Integrate Internal Family Systems (IFS) Parts Work.
I integrate Internal Family Systems (IFS) parts work into a psychodynamic, relational framework when appropriate and useful. More about how I work here. Parts work is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and working with different "parts" of the self that have developed in response to the challenges of life.
As a trauma therapist in Oakland and Berkeley, CA I use IFS helpful in compassionately integrating and healing parts we have difficulty with (like angry parts, jealous parts, and self-hating parts).
Individuals who have success with IFS often notice results like increased self-awareness and self-compassion, decreased emotional reactivity, decreased trauma symptoms and distrubance around traumatic memories.
“Parts are little inner beings who are trying their best to keep you safe.”
Core Concepts
Multiplicity of Mind: The therapy is based on the idea that our minds are made up of different parts, each with its own perspective, feelings, and motivations. These parts can be seen as sub-personalities.
Self: The Self is considered the core of a person’s identity, characterized by qualities like compassion, curiosity, and calmness. The goal is to help the Self lead the internal system of parts.
Process
Identifying Parts: The therapist helps the client identify and understand their various parts. This can include protective parts (managers and firefighters) and exiled parts (parts that carry pain, trauma, or shame).
Unblending: The therapist guides the client to separate or "unblend" from their parts to help them observe these parts without being overwhelmed by their feelings or behaviors.
Dialogue with Parts: The client is encouraged to engage in a dialogue with their parts to understand their roles, fears, and needs. This can involve talking to parts, visualizing them, or even writing to them.
Healing Exiled Parts: By accessing the Self, the client works on healing exiled parts, often by revisiting and reprocessing past traumas or emotional wounds in a safe and supportive environment.
Integration: The ultimate goal is to integrate these parts harmoniously, allowing the Self to lead. This can lead to a greater sense of inner harmony, self-understanding, and emotional balance.
Techniques
Visualization: Imagining parts and their interactions.
Direct Dialogue: Speaking directly to parts in therapy sessions.
Role Play: Acting out parts to explore their perspectives.
Somatic Awareness: Paying attention to physical sensations that may be associated with different parts.
Experience in Sessions
Safe Environment: Sessions are conducted in a safe, non-judgmental space.
Emotional Exploration: Clients explore deep emotions, often related to past experiences.
Empowerment: Clients often feel empowered as they learn to understand and manage their internal parts.
Ongoing Process: Parts work is an ongoing process that can lead to profound self-awareness and healing over time.
“We often find that the harder we try to get rid of emotions and thoughts, the stronger they become. This is because parts, like people, fight back against being shamed or exiled.”