In this conversation with Sarah Bergenfield, a Somatic Psychologist and IFS practitioner specializing in autism, she delves into how IFS therapy adapts to the unique needs of autistic individuals. Topics include the significance of interoception and emotional understanding, the impact of self-energy, and the complexities of masking versus authenticity. Sarah also discusses the role of predictive models in shaping emotional responses and the vital role of reassurance and safety in therapeutic practices. Prepare for a thought-provoking exploration of autism and therapy!
Effective communication in IFS therapy for autistic clients focuses more on dialogue about their experiences than on identifying bodily sensations.
Understanding the unique manifestations of self-energy in autistic individuals allows therapists to support clients' self-acceptance and emotional well-being more effectively.
Deep dives
Adapting IFS for Autistic Clients
The IFS protocol can be challenging for autistic clients, particularly when it comes to interoception, the awareness of internal bodily sensations. Many autistic individuals find it difficult to identify where they feel certain parts in their bodies, leading therapists to adapt their approach. Rather than focusing solely on bodily sensations, therapists can engage clients through dialogue about their experiences with various parts, asking questions about what those parts say and how clients respond. This shift allows for effective communication and understanding without overwhelming clients with demands to connect with their physical sensations.
Understanding Autistic Self-Energy
The concept of self-energy in autistic individuals may differ significantly from the traditional understanding of self in IFS theory. Autistic self-energy can manifest in unique ways, such as a subdued emotional expression or a preference for solitude, rather than the abundance typically associated with self-energy. Recognizing that self-energy can coexist with autistic characteristics allows for a more nuanced approach to therapy. By acknowledging the validity and functionality of autistic self-energy, therapists can better support clients in their journey toward self-acceptance and understanding.
Updating Predictive Models to Reduce Dysregulation
Autistic clients often face uncertainty and dysregulation that stems from rigid predictive models formed in childhood based on past experiences. IFS therapy can play a vital role in updating these models, providing clients with context and explanations that help them reinterpret their emotions and behaviors. When clients understand the reasons behind their dysregulation, they can differentiate between responses driven by the past and present realities. This clarity allows for a more grounded self-awareness and can significantly mitigate anxiety during challenging situations.
The Role of Masking in Autistic Lives
Masking is a common behavior among autistic individuals, often driven by an urge to blend into non-autistic society for safety and acceptance. While masking can serve to protect autistic traits, it can also create emotional burdens and exacerbate the feeling of disconnection from one’s true self. Understanding the reasons behind masking—from emotional defense mechanisms to practical necessity—can help clients navigate their social interactions more authentically. IFS therapy encourages self-acknowledgment and autonomy, empowering clients to decide when masking is necessary while fostering a deeper connection to their identity.
Our guest today is Sarah Bergenfield, a Somatic Psychologist, and a Level 3-trained and Certified IFS practitioner, specializing in autism. Sarah holds a master’s degree in embodiment studies and wrote her thesis on autism as an embodied condition that impacts the brain, body, and mind. Sarah is a student in the Applied Neuroscience program at Kings College in London and begins her Ph.D. in Psychology in September at the California Institute of Integral Studies. She is a wife, mom to three children, and dog mom to Magnus, her assistance dog. Sarah is the co-author of the book, Embodying Autism – Navigating your Autistic Brain, Body, and Mind, written with Martha Sweezey and published next year by New Harbinger. She is an international speaker and educator on the topic of understanding autism as an embodied condition. We will be speaking with Sarah about the nature of autism (Episode Part 1) and (Episode Part 2) how IFS concepts and techniques can be understood through the lens of autism, how IFS therapy can be helpful for autistic clients, and some special considerations to keep in mind when working with autistic clients with IFS. Hope you enjoy the episode and find it useful.
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