Richard C. Schwartz – New Perspectives for the Trauma Therapist: An Internal Family Systems (IFS) Approach

New Perspectives for the Trauma Therapist – Richard C. Schwartz

One of the chief obstacles to effective trauma treatment can be the therapist’s view of trauma symptoms like dissociation, rage, and suicidal thoughts as frightening evidence of deep pathology, rather than an expression of the natural human impulse toward self-protection. This workshop will demonstrate how the IFS model offers a way to enter into clients’ inner ecology without the overemphasis on containment and stabilization that’s common in trauma work today. You’ll learn an approach that moves more quickly by honoring clients’ inner protectors, getting their permission to access inner exiles, and contacting the core Self—a reservoir of calm, wisdom, and inner leadership. You’ll discover how to:

• Distinguish among a client’s “parts”—including protectors, managers, and exiles—and communicate and negotiate with each one
• Honor clients’ inner protectors and transform them to move quickly and effectively through the process of healing
• Shift the role of the therapist from primary attachment figure to a container who opens the way for the client’s core Self to emerge
• Use methods for honestly and transparently handling situations in which traumatized clients may trigger you

• Determine how to distinguish among a client’s “parts”—including protectors, managers, and exiles—and communicate and negotiate with each one
• Determine how to honor clients’ inner protectors and transform them to move quickly and effectively through the process of healing
• Explore how to shift the role of the therapist from primary attachment figure to a container who opens the way for the client’s core Self to emerge
• Explore how to use methods for honestly and transparently handling situations in which traumatized clients may trigger you

The Parts Perspective

Goal of Therapist

Understanding the Goal of the Parts

Reducing the Client’s Fear

Accept the Voices

Vulnerable Parts and How to Work with Them

Improve the Relationship Between Parts

Map of Parts: Exiles, Managers, Firefighters

Rules of Parts That Protect the Self

Respect the Protectors

Vulnerability Reveals the Gift

Process of Therapy

Working with the Parts

Appreciating the Gift

Developing Trust with Parts

Including the Body

Inviting Qualities to Enter the Body

Clove of the Garlic