IFS for Complex Trauma and Dissociation, with Joanne Twombly
Nov 20, 2024
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In this engaging conversation, psychotherapist Joanne Twombly shares insights from her revised book on trauma and dissociation, emphasizing strategies for treating complex PTSD and dissociative disorders. She discusses the significance of integrating IFS therapy with phase-oriented treatment, highlighting effective techniques like stabilization exercises and safe space imagery. Joanne also sheds light on the importance of understanding dissociation, patient engagement with internal parts, and fostering a safe therapeutic environment to facilitate healing and emotional integration.
The second edition of Joanne Twombly's book addresses criticisms from the first edition by expanding on gender identity in trauma-informed therapy.
Integrating phase-oriented treatment within the IFS framework is essential for symptom management and stability before addressing traumatic content in therapy.
Utilizing hypnotic language techniques in conjunction with IFS practices can effectively support clients in managing dissociative symptoms and enhancing therapeutic engagement.
Deep dives
Significant Updates in the Second Edition
The second edition of the book 'Trauma and Dissociation-Informed Internal Family Systems' features key updates aimed at addressing criticisms from the first edition. One notable change includes an expanded section on gender identity, where the author clarified her approach to helping clients explore their gender concerns without suppressing their identities. Additionally, the new edition rectifies previous editorial issues and includes an index, making it more user-friendly. The author emphasizes her commitment to comprehensive and sensitive treatment that accommodates the complexities of gender identity in trauma-informed therapy.
Integrating Phase-Oriented Treatment with IFS
An effective trauma treatment strategy involves incorporating phase-oriented treatment into the Internal Family Systems (IFS) framework, particularly for clients with complex PTSD and dissociative disorders. Phase one focuses on symptom management and stability, enabling clients to build coping skills before confronting more traumatic content. This preparatory work is crucial for those with dissociative symptoms, as stability allows for smoother trauma processing in later phases. The speaker underscored the importance of not relying solely on IFS techniques without addressing the need for and benefits of a structured phase-focused approach.
Utilizing Hypnotic Language for Trauma Treatment
The book discusses the significant role of hypnotic language in facilitating trauma treatment, especially within IFS practices. Hypnotic techniques can aid clients in achieving safe space imagery and managing dissociative symptoms effectively. For instance, approaching therapeutic exercises with a hypnotic framing allows clients to enter a state where they can access and communicate with their inner parts more fluidly. By combining elements from hypnosis and IFS, therapists can enhance their interventions and create a rich environment for clients to explore and understand their internal systems.
Understanding Dissociation in Therapy
The podcast highlights the varying degrees of dissociation that clients may experience, illustrating the importance of recognizing both ordinary and severe dissociative symptoms. The speaker elaborates on how everyday dissociation, such as highway hypnosis, differs from more significant dissociative disorders where clients may lose track of long-term memories or feel disconnected from their identities. This understanding allows therapists to gauge the protective mechanisms that dissociation serves for individuals who have endured trauma. By validating clients' survival strategies, therapists can create a sympathetic therapeutic environment that promotes healing and integration.
Fostering Collaborative Relationships Among Internal Parts
Developing harmonious relationships among a client's internal parts is vital for improving therapy outcomes, especially for those with complex trauma. The discussion emphasizes fostering communication and cooperation among parts instead of solely focusing on self-to-part dynamics. For effective healing, therapists can facilitate teamwork within the client's system by identifying roles and responsibilities of various parts. By enabling parts to support each other, clients can achieve greater emotional regulation and trust in their internal environment, ultimately enhancing their therapeutic journey.
Today we will be speaking with Joanne about the second edition of her book, Trauma and Dissociation Informed Internal Family Systems: How to Successfully Treat Complex PTSD and Dissociative Disorders, and asking Joanne some follow-up questions to the interview we did with her two years ago, in November 2022. We find this conversation very interesting and valuable for those using IFS with clients with severe complex trauma. We hope you enjoy it and find it useful.
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