Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Internal Family Systems Therapy and Parts work?
A: Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy is a transformative approach to psychotherapy that delves into the intricate dynamics of our inner world. Developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, IFS views the mind as composed of various parts, each with its own unique thoughts, emotions, and motivations. Through guided exploration and compassionate inquiry, IFS helps individuals understand and heal these parts, fostering harmony, resilience, and self-compassion. By accessing the innate wisdom of the "Self," or what I like to refer to as your True Self. IFS empowers individuals to navigate life's challenges with greater clarity, authenticity, and inner peace.
Internal family systems (IFS) is a type of therapy that believes we are all made up of several parts or sub-personalities. The underlying concept of this theory is that we all have several parts living within our psyche that fulfil both healthy and unhealthy roles. Life events or trauma, however, can force us out of those healthy roles into extreme roles.
Parts work is what we can IFS Therapy when we are working with these Parts of ourselves or or psyche.
To learn more about this, you can access my free IFS Masterclass and meditation here that gives you a more in depth explanation.
Q: What is Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy used for?
A: Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy is used to help people understand and heal the different parts of themselves. Just like in a family, our minds have various "parts" that may have different thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Sometimes these parts can cause inner conflicts or emotional struggles. IFS Therapy helps individuals work with these parts in a compassionate and understanding way. It's used to address a wide range of issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, low self-esteem, and more. By exploring and healing these inner parts, individuals can experience greater harmony, self-awareness, and emotional well-being.
Q: What is the goal of Internal Family Systems Therapy?
A:
To achieve harmony and balance internally
To create a loving relationship with ourselves and improve our relationships with more compassion, clarity and confidence.
To differentiate our Protector Parts from our True Self
To release negative beliefs that are holding you back in life and no longer serving you
To free ourselves from selves from extreme emotions, self sabotaging behaviours, being triggered and unhealthy patterns in our relationships.
To develop an ability to lead from our True Self, that naturally calm, confident, curious version of yourself. Think how you operate from Soul, Love, Flow, Creative, Grounded Self, all those feels every day.
Q: Is Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy evidence-based?
A: Yes, Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy is an evidence-based type of Psychotherapy. Research studies and clinical trials have demonstrated its effectiveness in treating a variety of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma-related symptoms, and relational difficulties. Additionally, IFS Therapy has been endorsed by professional organisations such as the American Psychological Association (APA) and is recognized as a validated therapeutic approach by experts in the field. Its evidence-based status reflects its efficacy in helping individuals achieve lasting positive changes in their lives.
Q: How does IFS therapy work?
A: Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy works by helping individuals explore and understand the different "parts" of themselves. These parts represent various aspects of our personality, emotions, and beliefs. During therapy, individuals learn to identify and communicate with these parts in a compassionate and non-judgmental way. The therapist helps clients navigate internal conflicts and challenges by facilitating a deeper connection with their core Self—the wise and compassionate centre of their being. Through this process of self-discovery and healing, individuals can integrate their parts, leading to greater harmony, resilience, and emotional well-being. Ultimately, IFS therapy empowers individuals to cultivate a healthier relationship with themselves and others, fostering lasting positive change.
Q: Is IFS therapy legit?
A: Yes, Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is considered a legitimate and respected therapeutic approach within the field of psychotherapy. Developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz over several decades, IFS has gained recognition for its effectiveness in helping individuals address a wide range of mental health issues and interpersonal challenges. Its legitimacy is supported by empirical research, clinical evidence, and endorsements from professional organizations. Many licensed therapists and mental health practitioners are trained in IFS and utilize its principles to support clients in achieving profound and lasting healing.
Q: What is a mental health coach?
A: A mental health coach specializes in supporting individuals with their mental and emotional well-being. Unlike psychiatrists and psychologists who diagnose and treat mental health conditions, mental health coaches focus on providing guidance, education, and practical tools to help clients improve their mental health and resilience. They work collaboratively with clients to identify areas of concern, set goals, and develop personalized strategies for managing stress, enhancing self-care practices, improving communication skills, and fostering emotional regulation. As a mental health coaches I may also provide accountability and support as clients work towards their goals, empowering them to overcome challenges and cultivate greater mental wellness and life satisfaction.
Q: What is plant medicine?
A: Plant medicine refers to the use of natural substances derived from plants for therapeutic or spiritual purposes. This term encompasses various plants and fungi that contain psychoactive compounds believed to have healing properties. Two examples of plant medicine-assisted therapies gaining attention are MDMA-assisted therapy and Psilocybin-assisted therapy.
MDMA-assisted therapy involves the controlled use of MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) in conjunction with psychotherapy sessions. MDMA, commonly known as "ecstasy" or "molly," is a synthetic compound with empathogenic and entactogenic effects. In therapeutic settings, MDMA is used to facilitate deep emotional processing, enhance introspection, and promote feelings of trust and connection between the individual and therapist. This approach has shown promise in treating conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
Psilocybin-assisted therapy utilizes psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in certain species of mushrooms, known colloquially as "magic mushrooms." Psilocybin-assisted therapy involves the administration of carefully controlled doses of psilocybin in conjunction with psychotherapy sessions. Psilocybin is believed to induce altered states of consciousness characterized by profound introspection, ego dissolution, and mystical experiences. Research suggests that psilocybin-assisted therapy may be effective in treating depression, anxiety, addiction, and existential distress in terminally ill patients.
Psychedelic-assisted therapy is a broader term that encompasses the therapeutic use of various psychedelic substances, including LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), ayahuasca, iboga, and mescaline, among others. These substances are known for their profound effects on perception, cognition, and consciousness. When used in therapeutic settings under the guidance of trained professionals, psychedelics can facilitate deep emotional healing, spiritual insights, and personal transformation. Psychedelic-assisted therapy shows promise in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, PTSD, addiction, and end-of-life anxiety.
Overall, plant medicine therapies offer a unique approach to mental health and well-being, harnessing the potential of natural substances to catalyse healing and growth in individuals undergoing psychotherapeutic treatment. However, it's important to note that these therapies are still being researched and are typically administered in controlled, supervised settings by trained professionals.
Q: What is psychedelic-assisted therapy?
A: Psychedelic-assisted therapy is an innovative approach to mental health treatment that involves the use of psychedelic substances, such as LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), psilocybin (found in certain mushrooms), ayahuasca, or MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), in conjunction with psychotherapy sessions. These substances are known for their profound effects on consciousness, perception, and emotions.
During psychedelic-assisted therapy sessions, clients are administered carefully controlled doses of psychedelic substances in a supportive and supervised environment by trained therapists. The psychedelic experience is then utilized as a catalyst for deep introspection, emotional processing, and psychological healing.
Research suggests that psychedelic-assisted therapy can be effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction, and existential distress in terminally ill patients. Psychedelics are believed to work by disrupting rigid patterns of thinking and behaviour, promoting neuroplasticity, and facilitating profound insights and emotional breakthroughs.
Psychedelic-assisted therapy typically involves a series of sessions, with each session preceded by thorough preparation and followed by integration of the experiences into daily life. The therapeutic process aims to help clients uncover and address underlying psychological issues, gain new perspectives, and cultivate greater self-awareness and resilience.
While psychedelic-assisted therapy shows promising results in clinical trials and research studies, it is important to emphasize that these therapies are still in the experimental stage and should only be conducted by trained professionals in legal and ethical settings. Additionally, ongoing research is needed to further understand the mechanisms of action and long-term effects of psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Q: What is a Psychedelic Assisted Therapy Facilitator?
A: A Psychedelic Assisted Therapy Facilitator is a trained professional who guides and supports individuals through psychedelic-assisted therapy experiences. These facilitators play a crucial role in creating safe and supportive environments for clients undergoing psychedelic therapy sessions.
Psychedelic Assisted Therapy Facilitators typically have backgrounds in mental health, counselling, psychology, or related fields. They receive specialized training in psychedelic-assisted therapy techniques, including how to navigate the unique challenges and experiences that may arise during psychedelic sessions.
During therapy sessions, Psychedelic Assisted Therapy Facilitators work closely with clients to provide emotional support, facilitate introspection, and help individuals navigate the psychedelic experience. They may assist clients in preparing for sessions, provide guidance during the session itself, and offer integration support afterward to help clients integrate insights and experiences into their daily lives.
Additionally, Psychedelic Assisted Therapy Facilitators adhere to ethical guidelines and legal regulations governing the use of psychedelic substances in therapeutic settings. They prioritize the safety and well-being of their clients and maintain a professional and compassionate approach throughout the therapeutic process.
Overall, Psychedelic Assisted Therapy Facilitators play a vital role in the emerging field of psychedelic-assisted therapy, helping individuals harness the transformative potential of psychedelics for healing, personal growth, and spiritual exploration.
Q: Is Plant medicine and psychedelic-assisted therapy evidence-based?
A: A: Yes, plant medicine and psychedelic-assisted therapy have garnered increasing attention from the scientific community due to a growing body of evidence supporting their effectiveness in treating various mental health conditions. Numerous clinical studies and research trials have demonstrated promising results, particularly in the context of conditions such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction, and end-of-life distress.
For example, studies on psilocybin-assisted therapy for depression and anxiety, MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD, have shown significant improvements in symptom reduction and long-term therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, research into the neurobiological mechanisms of action of psychedelic substances has provided valuable insights into their therapeutic potential.
In 2023, Australia legalized MDMA and Psilocybin assisted therapy for clinical trials, marking a significant step forward in the recognition and acceptance of psychedelic-assisted therapies in mainstream medicine. This decision was influenced by mounting evidence from international studies demonstrating the safety and efficacy of these therapies, as well as growing public demand for alternative treatments for mental health conditions. The legalization of MDMA and Psilocybin assisted therapy in Australia opens up new opportunities for research, innovation, and the integration of these therapies into mainstream mental health care practices, ultimately providing hope for individuals seeking relief from debilitating mental health challenges.