Integrating Internal Family Systems and Psychedelic Therapy | Robert Falconer
Aug 6, 2022
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Guest Robert Falconer, an expert in Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and psychedelics, discusses the unique benefits of combining IFS with psychedelic therapy. Topics covered include generative change, the healing power of connection, working with spirit entities, and integrating IFS with psychedelics for trauma. The podcast also explores the importance of considering socioeconomic context in therapy, recognizing ecocide as a crime, different types of medicines used in psychedelic therapy, and ways to support the show.
Integrating Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy in psychedelic therapy enhances the therapeutic process by addressing internal conflicts and ensuring smoother experiences.
The porous nature of the mind in IFS challenges the Western concept of an enclosed mind, recognizing the relational nature of our experiences and the potential interaction with separate intelligences or entities.
Recognizing the interconnectedness and sacredness of all life forms aligns with the indigenous perspective and encourages a deeper exploration of the spiritual and healing experiences in psychedelically enhanced journeys.
Deep dives
The Benefits of Internal Family Systems in Psychedelic Therapy
Internal Family Systems therapy (IFS) offers unique benefits in the context of psychedelic therapy. By understanding the delicate ecology of a person's mind and being respectful of all internal protectors, IFS helps to get them on board before the psychedelic session. This prevents potential conflicts and ensures a smoother therapeutic process. During the session, IFS encourages following the medicine and trusting the self and the healing potential of the substance. Additionally, incorporating IFS allows therapists to address and support the internal reorganization that occurs after the psychedelic experience. Proper integration and follow-up sessions are important to welcome back protectors and navigate the potential insights and changes that arise from the medicine journey.
The Porous Mind and Relational Nature of Experience
The porous nature of the mind, as understood in IFS, implies that our experiences, thoughts, and emotions can be influenced by factors beyond our own brain. This perspective challenges the Western concept of an enclosed and private mind. Instead, it acknowledges the relational nature of our experiences, including the possibility of interacting with and experiencing seemingly separate sentient intelligences or entities. While IFS recognizes that some of these experiences may be aspects of our own internal system, it encourages treating them as if they are full-spectrum personalities. This approach allows for a more effective and respectful engagement with these experiences in the therapeutic context.
Porous Mind and the Interconnectedness of All Life
The concept of the porous mind, as discussed in IFS, aligns with perspectives found in various indigenous cultures that recognize the interconnectedness and sacredness of all life forms. This perspective emphasizes that we are not separate from nature or other beings, but rather intrinsic parts of a vast, interdependent web. Recognizing the relational nature of the mind and our connection with all life forms enables a deeper understanding and exploration of the spiritual and healing experiences that can arise in psychedelically enhanced journeys. This perspective encourages humility, respect, and an open-mindedness towards the intelligence and intentionality that can be encountered in these experiences.
Working with Medicines and Recognizing Their Intelligence
When working with psychedelic medicines, IFS suggests treating them as if they possess a full personality and intending to establish a respectful and collaborative relationship. This intentional approach allows for better interaction and understanding with the medicine, and acknowledges the potential for intelligence and intentionality beyond our own human perception. Recognizing the unique qualities of different substances, such as MDMA, ketamine, psilocybin, or LSD, can inform the therapeutic process, but it's important to approach each experience with an open mind and respect for the potential intelligence and wisdom that may emerge.
Utilizing IFS with Psychedelic Therapy
Using Internal Family Systems (IFS) framework in psychedelic therapy provides a way to explore and befriend different parts of ourselves. MDMA, psilocybin, and ketamine all have their own unique effects in this process. MDMA increases compassion and helps people connect with and befriend parts that were previously repressed. Psilocybin is often used after MDMA therapy to further explore and integrate experiences. Ketamine offers a unique experience, loosening and reorganizing the mind's connections. However, it is important to have therapeutic support during ketamine therapy to navigate any difficult experiences that may arise.
DIY Integration of IFS framework
For individuals interested in incorporating IFS into their personal psychedelic journeys, there are a few recommendations. The book 'Introduction to Internal Family Systems' by Richard Schwartz provides a user-friendly introduction to the IFS framework. Additionally, practicing a technique called 'parts mapping' can be helpful. During parts mapping, individuals identify and visually represent different parts of themselves, exploring their interconnections and relationships. This practice can assist in preparing for psychedelic experiences by providing insight into which parts of oneself to focus on. Working with a trusted sitter or therapist during psychedelic journeys is also important for support and integration.
Robert “Bob” Falconer has been bridging his long history of IFS and psychedelics together into the body of work that informs the conversation you will hear today.
Bob lays the groundwork for what Internal Family Systems therapy is; its foundational propositions about the nature of the mind; and both how IFS works and how therapists work with IFS to bring about healing.
From there we go into the unique benefit IFS has to offer psychedelic therapy and how to use IFS in both preparation for and integration of psychedelic experiences.
We also talk about generative change vs counteractive change; the harms of isolation and the healing of connection; the porous nature of the mind and relational nature of reality; and even Bob’s perspective on how to work with spirit entities, demons, and the intelligence of psychedelic medicines.
Enjoy
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For links to Bob's work, full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/ATTMind163
