Episode 4: Introducing internal family systems therapy, and how there can be hope for healing when you learn about your own trauma

In this episode I explain the therapeutic model and approach of internal family systems therapy (IFS), a relatively new and truly ground breaking way of helping people understand how the various parts of themselves work, as well as healing from trauma. Many types of therapy focus on talking and identifying trauma but don’t always focus on what the actual issues the person coming to therapy have right now, or they dive straight into text book areas like the relationship with parents. Similarly, other types of therapy may help you identify your trauma but then don’t always offer you a way to deal with it - this is partly why some people are afraid of coming to therapy. In this episode I explain the model, help you understand how it works, how it could work for you, and the hope that can be offered in truly healing our trauma rather than just knowing we have it and trying to power through.

For information about IFS go to the IFS Institute

If you are looking for an IFS therapist the international directory of qualified IFS therapists can be found here

If you are looking to talk about using IFS with others there is a page on Reddit here

The qualities of the Self are:

Compassion, Creativity, Curiosity, Confidence, Courage, Calm, Connectedness, Clarity, Presence, Persistence, Perspective, Playfulness, Patience