Internal Family Systems (IFS) & Trauma Therapy
Across households, individuals are dealing with the impacts of trauma, whether it be due to a recent traumatic experience or previous trauma that was left untreated. Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a unique approach that has begun gaining a lot of traction in helping people resolve trauma. Internal Family Systems is an integrative approach to therapy that was developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz in the 1980s. At its core, IFS views an individual as composed of different parts or sub-personalities, each with its own role in managing life's experiences. Each part holds its own unique values, beliefs, and emotions and plays a vital role in creating a mindful internal environment. The goal of any IFS session is to help each person identify their parts and create a relationship through facilitation of internal dialogue between the Self and the individual’s parts so the individual can better understand their parts and ultimately achieve harmony within their inner system.
In IFS therapy, clients learn to identify their various parts and give them names so that they can better understand them. The therapist then helps the client explore how these parts interact with each other and how they might be contributing to current problems or difficulties. Through this process, clients gain insight into their beliefs, values, emotions, and behaviors and can begin to make changes that support healthier functioning. One of the most powerful aspects of IFS is its emphasis on self-compassion; instead of seeing certain parts as “bad” or “wrong”, clients learn to accept them as part of themselves without judgment or criticism.
Internal Family System therapy offers a unique approach to addressing trauma. As clients explore their internal family system through this process, they gain insight into how their past experiences are impacting their present lives—and can begin making changes that support healthier functioning in all areas of life. Research on using IFS as a means of treating trauma has been overwhelmingly positive. In one study, exploring how IFS could be used to support healing from traumatic events, researchers found that clients experienced enhanced connection with their parts while also obtaining insight into their experiences of trauma which allowed for greater emotion regulation, increased self-compassion, and decreased intrusive thoughts related to their past.
Additionally, research shows that working through unresolved issues from childhood through this internal dialogue done in IFS sessions can foster greater feelings of safety, security, acceptance, and connection with others. Ultimately, taking an IFS approach to treatment can provide great therapeutic value for those struggling with past traumas. If you’re interested in learning more about the therapeutic potential of IFS for yourself or a loved one, consider scheduling a consultation with a trained IFS therapist. With the right guidance and support, IFS can be a powerful tool for healing.
Robyn Sonnier, LPC, LCMHC, NCC, CCTP-II, CMCC
Co-Owner of Clarté Counseling, LLC
