The Power of Internal Family Systems in Healing Trauma

What is the dynamic between protective and wounded Parts in trauma survivors?

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapeutic model that explores the interplay between various "parts" or sub-personalities within an individual, aiming to foster self-awareness and healing. Tanner, a trauma survivor who transitioned from academia to coaching, offers a unique perspective on IFS, shaped by her personal journey and professional development through Level 1 IFS training. She views IFS as crucial for understanding the protective and wounded Parts that trauma survivors develop, which can lead to seemingly inconsistent behaviors. Tanner emphasizes the significance of recognizing and working with these parts to achieve emotional relief and self-discovery, particularly highlighting the role of the Self-like part in connecting to one's core self for deeper healing in complex trauma recovery.

Key TakeAways

- Tanner's professional growth and personal healing journey led to a newfound sense of liberation and authenticity in her professional life.

- Trauma survivors develop protective parts of their personality to safeguard wounded younger parts of themselves, resulting in different behaviors and survival strategies.

- Reparenting Protective Parts is crucial to accessing one's True Self beyond trauma distortions and survival codes.

- Complex Trauma survivors can benefit from recognizing Protective Parts and connecting with a true Self-like part for healing.

- Tanner highlights the importance of building a knowledge base on trauma healing, emphasizing the journey of healing as transformative rather than waiting for complete healing to start living fully.

Actionable Insights

- Understand the interplay between protective and wounded parts for healing and self-awareness

- Reparent protective parts to access true self beyond trauma distortions

- Recognize and connect with self-like parts for transformative healing in trauma survivors

- Build a knowledge base on trauma healing to create an effective recovery strategy

- Start the healing journey to transform lives, rather than waiting for full healing