Treatment Approach

Approach to Treatment

My approach to trauma therapy follows the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model of healing and is informed by extensive trainings in somatic therapies.  In this way I have come to understand and treat the effects of trauma that can live on in our body as well as our mind.

The IFS approach is not like traditional talk therapies in that it considers the many feelings, thoughts, and impulses that make up our inner world as coming from individual “parts” of our personality.   These parts are like little sub-personalities that live inside of us, each with their own points of view and way of responding to the outside world.  [See Resource page for a trailer from the movie "Inside Out" that illustrates this concept graphically.]

Usually, we are easily guided by the helpful prompts of our parts as we navigate our daily lives.   But when unresolved traumas persist, any reminder of the original trauma can cause our mind & body to respond as if that threatening event is still happening.

To prevent us from feeling such difficult emotions, "protector" parts form whose role is to keep the bad feelings from emerging.  For example, protector parts may urge us to avoid people or places associated with the traumatic event; over-control ourself or others to ensure we are not vulnerable; or, find ways to distract, numb or do whatever it takes to stop those bad feelings and memories if they do begin to arise. 

Often, these protector parts can limit us, forming internal conflicts with other parts that just want us to get on with life. Over time, such inner tensions can result in anxiety, depression, indecision, or feelings of helplessness/hopelessness and more. This type of chronic mental stress can even affect our physical health. [See the Resource page for a short intro video: "How Trauma Affects the Body".]

IFS offers a roadmap to work with those parts that are trying to help, but instead create cycles of harm, limitation, and suffering.  Becoming curious about how these protector parts operate and developing appreciation for the difficult job they have taken on is the first step in healing from trauma.

As understanding, appreciation, and trust builds between You and your various parts, you may begin to discover a wise, compassionate quality of presence that you can bring to each of your parts. Some call this Wise Mind, Higher Self, or Observer Self.  IFS calls it "Self Energy".  The cultivation of this Self Energy is the critical component that allows healing to occur.

With the guidance of an experienced IFS therapist,  you can learn to bring that Self Energy to the hidden parts of you that have carried the memory of the original trauma(s).   And this can be done safely without feeling overwhelmed -- a feature of IFS therapy that distinguishes it from other trauma therapy methods.  When that happens there is often an enduring shift in how you feel about yourself and how you interact with the world around you. 

[For a brief explanation of how IFS works by its founder, Richard Schwartz, PhD, see the Resources page, Intro Video section.]