Workshop: An Introduction to Internal Family Systems Therapy: An Emerging Evidence-Based Tool for Trauma-Sensitive Addiction Treatment and Recovery-An Introduction to Internal Family Systems Therapy: An Emerging Evidence-Based Tool for Trauma-Sensitive Addiction Treatment and Recovery

An Introduction to Internal Family Systems Therapy: An Emerging Evidence-Based Tool for Trauma-Sensitive Addiction Treatment and Recovery

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Video Summary

In an engaging session led by Zev Shuman Olivier from Harvard Medical School, the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model is introduced as a potent evidence-based tool for trauma-sensitive addiction recovery. This therapeutic approach, conceived by Richard Schwartz, posits that individuals possess multiple parts or subpersonalities, each with distinct feelings and behaviors. These parts fall into categories such as vulnerable exiles, which might feel young or abandoned, and protective parts that work to safeguard these vulnerable areas, often manifesting in roles like people-pleasing or managing addictive behaviors. The core self, characterized by qualities like compassion, curiosity, and calmness, is envisioned as an internal conductor harmonizing these parts.<br /><br />Key to IFS is the notion that all parts have good intentions, aiming to help the individual, a perspective encapsulated in the idea of "no bad parts." The therapeutic goal is to facilitate the self in leading this internal system, offering care and assisting parts in unburdening harmful roles. The session involves a demonstration where Schwartz interacts with an individual struggling with addiction, revealing how parts interrelate and can transform through self-compassion and understanding.<br /><br />Emerging evidence suggests that IFS yields significant improvements in PTSD and substance use disorder symptoms, enhancing emotional regulation, and increasing self-compassion. Studies highlight its effectiveness across diverse populations, underscoring the model’s potential not only in psychological healing but also in fostering deeper interpersonal empathy and sociopolitical transformation.<br /><br />Overall, IFS is presented as a promising framework not merely for addressing trauma and addiction but for enabling a holistic integration of the self, offering pathways to both personal recovery and broader societal empathy.

Keywords

Internal Family Systems

IFS Model

trauma-sensitive

addiction recovery

Zev Shuman-Olivier

Mindfulness and Compassion

Harvard Medical School

PTSD

substance use disorders

subpersonalities

core self

emotional wounds

Richard Schwartz

addictive behaviors

proof-of-concept study

vulnerable exiles

protective parts

no bad parts

self-compassion

emotional regulation

PTSD improvement

substance use disorder

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