The Couples Therapist Couch 157: Internal Family Systems and Couples with Liz Phillips
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Jun 22, 2021 In this conversation, therapist Liz Phillips, an expert in sensory motor therapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS), shares her journey into IFS therapy. She highlights the transformative power of self-compassion in healing relationships. Liz discusses how IFS helps couples understand their emotional responses and navigate their inner dynamics more effectively. With practical insights on fostering intimacy, she emphasizes the importance of recognizing protective roles within ourselves to enhance communication and develop healthier relationship patterns.
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IFS Explains Our Multiplicity
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) views people as naturally multifaceted, with many parts having different roles.
- Parts called managers and firefighters protect vulnerable 'exiles' that hold painful emotions or trauma.
Firefighters Are Protective Parts
- Firefighter parts engage in reactive behaviors to suppress painful feelings like shame or flashbacks.
- These protectors, although disruptive, act as resources trying to help manage overwhelming emotions.
Self Leads Internal Healing
- Healing requires gaining trust of protective parts before addressing vulnerable exiles.
- The client's self is essential for validating and soothing these parts internally, beyond therapist support.
