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

Outline

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

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

Evolution of the Model

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

The Neuroscience of IFS

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

IFS STEP-BY-STEP

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

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

Step 2: Working with Protective Parts

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

Step 3: Healing the Wound

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

Therapist Parts

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

CLINICAL APPLICATIONS OF IFS

Trauma and Attachment

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

Depression and Anxiety

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

Psychosis and Bipolar Disorder

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

Substances and Addictions

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

Eating Disorders

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

Shame and Grief

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

IFS With Specific Client Populations

• Children and adolescents
• Parenting
• Couples
• Groups and inpatient settings
• LGBTQ
• Spirituality and culture