The Further Reaches of IFS and Beyond with Bob Falconer
May 7, 2023
auto_awesome
Bob Falconer, an accomplished IFS practitioner and author, dives deep into the spiritual dimensions of healing in his latest discussion. He reveals the concept of unattached burdens and its transformative effects on therapy. Bob shares insights from a powerful session involving a malevolent entity, exploring how such experiences intersect with personal identity. He emphasizes the importance of Unburdened Parts in healing and advocates for a more porous understanding of the mind, ultimately blending psychology with spirituality for profound trauma recovery.
Unattached burdens can infiltrate mental health systems, demonstrating the importance of recognizing and addressing these influences for effective healing.
The porous mind concept encourages therapists to understand the fluid influence of external energies, enhancing holistic approaches to mental health care.
Deep dives
Understanding Unattached Burdens
Unattached burdens (UBs) are external energies that can infiltrate an individual's system and significantly impact their mental health. This concept was illustrated through a case study in which a woman presented a hostile internal presence that eventually identified itself as an unattached burden, not part of her psyche. The practitioner was able to expel this negative influence using basic techniques, leading to a profound change in the woman's life, demonstrating how UBs can affect individuals who feel misunderstood or unsupported. The practitioner’s experience highlights the need for therapists to recognize and address these phenomena to facilitate healing.
Distinguishing Between Parts and UBs
In Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, it's crucial to differentiate between extreme protectors and unattached burdens based on their intentions and behaviors. Protectors may present themselves as harmful but actually serve protective roles, while UBs act without a beneficial purpose and can be seen as parasitic influences. Evaluating the underlying intentions of these parts helps therapists guide clients effectively, and practitioners are encouraged to approach all parts with curiosity and compassion. This careful discernment allows for healthier therapeutic outcomes and prevents damage from mislabeling parts of the psyche.
The Role of Spiritual Guidance
Guides and UBs can represent a deeper spiritual dimension within IFS, where the distinctions of positive or negative energies blur, emphasizing the fluidity of the mind. The therapeutic space allows for the emergence of guides, which clients often perceive as benevolent forces providing comfort and direction. Practitioners are encouraged to respect clients' unique language and beliefs about their experiences, fostering an environment where guidance can flourish. This approach aligns with a broader understanding that addressing patients' spiritual needs can substantially enhance their healing journey.
Porous Mind Concept and Healing
The notion of a porous mind challenges rigid understandings of the self, suggesting that we are influenced by energies beyond our individual experiences. This correlates with broader cultural beliefs regarding the permeability of mental states, where societal constructs shape our understanding of mental illness and healing practices. By embracing this concept, therapists can facilitate connections with both internal and external healing energies, promoting holistic care. Ultimately, this perspective encourages a shift from viewing the mind as a closed system to recognizing its dynamic interactions with various influences.
Today on Explorations in Psychotherapy, we are welcoming IFS practitioner, teacher, and author, Mr. Robert Falconer. Bob has an undergraduate degree in cultural anthropology, with a focus on the history of religions, and a Master’s degree in psychology. Bob has been extensively trained in multiple therapeutic modalities, but he has devoted himself to the Internal Family Systems model for over 10 years, as he has found it to be the most compassionate and potent way to work with severe trauma. At this point in his career, he is increasingly focused on the spiritual dimensions of healing. He has published 7 books and co-edited four. Today, we will be speaking with him about his new book, which represents the culmination of decades of in-depth research, calledThe Others Within Us: Internal Family Systems, Porous Mind, and Spirit Possession.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode