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LucilleAaronWayne OP t1_j8o2cfv wrote

Reply to comment by TylerJWhit in Hi, I'm Lucille Aaron-Wayne, MA - Certified IFS therapist (Internal Family Systems therapy). Ask me anything! by LucilleAaronWayne

Hello back, u/TylerJWhit!

  1. Re. avoiding retraumatization with solo IFS, see my reply here: https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/112yhjm/comment/j8nym68/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3 Lmk if you have more questions around that.
  2. I've not worked with anyone formally diagnosed with DID, although I have in-person witnessed another IFS therapist working with such a client who generously allowed therapists-in-training to observe. Typically with IFS, the person will be aware of what each of their parts have said in an IFS session. But with DID, the person will not necessarily be aware of such. DID involves a high level of polarization between parts, a distinct Self-Like part being in charge, and parts blending fully with the person (such that there is no space for Self at all, as I explain regarding the "Regular You" here: https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/112yhjm/comment/j8nv7yc/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3) There can also be a quality of rigidity of parts in contrast to a more harmonious system, in which there is more dynamism and parts might meld in and out of particular forms (Ex. a part met in one session might not appear in the same recognizable form in another session, and that's okay!) Regarding integration, I don't have a particular stance, but I'll say that IFS says that DID is an extreme form of a natural inner dynamic. Therefore, the path to healing in IFS would be applicable to DID.
  3. As with any social psychological phenomenon, the detrimental effects of social media are complex. I don't have a set of general thoughts to share because I don't specialize in this. But if you want to ask a more specific question about social media and mental health, you're welcome to.
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TylerJWhit t1_j8o9ogw wrote

First, let me say, thank you for taking the time to do this AMA. It's highly informative and insightful.

I asked questions pertaining to DID as I know someone with DID that I'm close to. Their therapist has discussed IFS to help frame my understanding of DID (I was requested to be a part of one of their sessions so that I understood DID better) and has used IFS (although how much, I am unsure) to help their patient.

I have also read "The Body Keeps Score" to better understand therapy and mental health and it's been transformative to understand how trauma plays out for people.

One more question if you don't mind. After reading the Body Keeps Score, I am struck by the fact that a lot of new therapeutic practices are integrating the entire body in recovery. Has there been any research or practices regarding integrating the body into IFS therapy, like mindfulness, yoga, art, etc?

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LucilleAaronWayne OP t1_j8onuk3 wrote

I'm glad this is helpful. I love The Body Keeps the Score. Author Bessel van der Kolk is originally from the Netherlands, in fact!

Yes, there are a lot of therapists combining IFS with such practices. A Google search for IFS + (any of these terms) will probably be fruitful.

I'm an art therapist myself and teach people how to integrate solo IFS and art therapy in my 9-month Soul-Led IFS mastermind which involves live 1-on-1 guidance from me in learning how to do IFS on yourself - https://seekdeeply.com/mastermind One of the important ritual steps involves the body, so that we can do IFS with wholeness rather than splitting off from our physical selves.

Susan McConnell has a well-received book all about IFS and somatics https://www.amazon.com/Practitioners-Guide-Somatic-IFS-Therapy/dp/1623174880

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