Frank Anderson – 2-Day Advanced Workshop: Clinical Applications of Internal Family Systems (IFS) with Frank Anderson MD

Outline

Internal Family Systems (IFS) Internal Family Systems (IFS)

• Comprehensive, compassionate, non-pathologizing treatment approachComprehensive, compassionate, non-pathologizing treatment approach
• Paradigm-shifting perspective on “psychopathology”Paradigm-shifting perspective on “psychopathology”
• Easily integrated into other therapeutic modalitiesEasily integrated into other therapeutic modalities
• Teach clients to access inner wisdom and self-compassion to heal traumatic woundsTeach clients to access inner wisdom and self-compassion to heal traumatic wounds

Evolution of the Model Evolution of the Model

• Development of the IFS model by Richard C. Schwartz, Ph.D.Development of the IFS model by Richard C. Schwartz, Ph.D.
• IFS as an empirically validated treatment: Summary of research supportIFS as an empirically validated treatment: Summary of research support
• Goals of IFS therapyGoals of IFS therapy
• Starting an IFS session and the flow of the modelStarting an IFS session and the flow of the model

The Neuroscience of IFS The Neuroscience of IFS

• The mind and the brainThe mind and the brain
• Neurons-networks and partsNeurons-networks and parts
• Meditation and self energyMeditation and self energy
• Understanding the fear responseUnderstanding the fear response

IFS STEP-BY-STEP IFS STEP-BY-STEP

Step 1: Using Meditative Processes to Identify and Connect with a Target Part Step 1: Using Meditative Processes to Identify and Connect with a Target Part

• Differentiate the person from the symptomDifferentiate the person from the symptom
• Access a state of compassion and curiosity essential for healingAccess a state of compassion and curiosity essential for healing
• Establish a relationship with the target partEstablish a relationship with the target part
• Learn the history and benevolent intention behind the symptomLearn the history and benevolent intention behind the symptom

Step 2: Working with Protective Parts Step 2: Working with Protective Parts

• Facilitate internal attachment workFacilitate internal attachment work
• Learn to address the fears/concerns of protective partsLearn to address the fears/concerns of protective parts
• Establish a trusting relationship with proactive and reactive partsEstablish a trusting relationship with proactive and reactive parts
• Resolve internal conflictsResolve internal conflicts
• Gain permission to proceed with healingGain permission to proceed with healing

Step 3: Healing the Wound Step 3: Healing the Wound

• Connect with the wounded partConnect with the wounded part
• Witness the pain rather than relive itWitness the pain rather than relive it
• Retrieve the wounded partRetrieve the wounded part
• Release/unburden thoughts, feelings, and physical sensationsRelease/unburden thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations
• Life without the wound, the post-healing processLife without the wound, the post-healing process

Therapist Parts Therapist Parts

• Countertransference redefinedCountertransference redefined
• Identifying parts that get in the wayIdentifying parts that get in the way
• The Science of extreme reactions in therapists and clientsThe Science of extreme reactions in therapists and clients

CLINICAL APPLICATIONS OF IFS CLINICAL APPLICATIONS OF IFS

Trauma and Attachment Trauma and Attachment

• Roadblocks to healing traumaRoadblocks to healing trauma
• Neurobiology of PTSD and DissociationNeurobiology of PTSD and Dissociation
• Dealing with the extreme symptoms and staying in SelfDealing with the extreme symptoms and staying in Self
• Healing attachment wounds: What IFS offersHealing attachment wounds: What IFS offers

Depression and AnxietyDepression and Anxiety

• Differentiating feelings from symptomsDifferentiating feelings from symptoms
• Address the biology and process the woundAddress the biology and process the wound
• Protection or geneticsProtection or genetics

Psychosis and Bipolar Disorder Psychosis and Bipolar Disorder

• Addressing psychotic partsAddressing psychotic parts
• Differentiating psychosis from trauma dysregulationDifferentiating psychosis from trauma dysregulation
• Treating biological issues while addressing emotional painTreating biological issues while addressing emotional pain

Substances and Addictions Substances and Addictions

• Befriending addictive partsBefriending addictive parts
• Healing wounds or stopping use?Healing wounds or stopping use?
• Addressing the biology and the behavior after healingAddressing the biology and the behavior after healing

Eating Disorders Eating Disorders

• When food “abstinence” is not an optionWhen food “abstinence” is not an option
• Multiple eating partsMultiple eating parts
• Self-led eatingSelf-led eating

Shame and Grief Shame and Grief

• The shamer and the shamedThe shamer and the shamed
• Critical and neglect shame cyclesCritical and neglect shame cycles
• Loss, letting go, and healingLoss, letting go, and healing

IFS With Specific Client Populations IFS With Specific Client Populations

• Children and adolescentsChildren and adolescents
• ParentingParenting
• CouplesCouples
• Groups and inpatient settingsGroups and inpatient settings
• LGBTQLGBTQ
• Spirituality and cultureSpirituality and culture