Consultants & Consultation Groups I Recommend
Looking for dynamic case consultation by clinicians who use Trauma-Informed IFS? These groups are lead by clinicians I have trained, and I highly recommend them.
A review of We All Have Parts…
When I published this book in 2021, I just wanted it to be useful to people with childhood trauma who were starting IFS therapy and to the therapists who serve them. Over 15,000 copies later, I am humbled for sure. The explosion of IFS has a lot to do with the book’s success, of course! But here is a recent review, for those of you who are on the fence.
My Inner Critic…
How many times have you gotten stuck in a thought loop in which your critic (who sounds a lot like you—) is making a case for how badly you messed up? How unattractive you look? How stupid you sound?
Are Tinnitus and Emotional Trauma Linked?
At this point the research says there is correlation of emotional trauma associated with tinnitus, not causation. But since I have many clients who experience it, and all are trauma-survivors, I have always wondered about the correlation. There is a link between depression and tinnitus--as well as correlation with other psychological traits (see the research summaries below).
Change How You Talk to Yourself, Change How You Feel
When you're faced with a difficult decision, stressful situation, or an upsetting event, how do you talk to yourself about it? Do you think things like this? "I'm so unhappy," or "I just don't know what to do." If the answer is yes, you can help yourself a lot with a small but significant change to your mental vocabulary.
Treating OCD with IFS
Just a word about treating OCD with IFS. Treating obsessive and compulsive parts with IFS is quite different from treating it in the Exposure and Response Prevention, the most commonly recommended approach. IFS treats OCD parts as what they are--managers and fire fighters who have jobs to do. If you can help the exiles underneath these protectors, there will be less need for the OCD protective behaviors. (This might be complicated if there are still constant stressors in the client's life, from which they need protection.)
Letting Go does not mean to Stop Caring...
To 'let go' does not mean to stop caring, it means I can't do it for someone else.To 'let go' is not to cut myself off, it is the realization that I can't control another.To 'let go' is not to enable, but to allow learning from natural consequences.To 'let go' is not to try to change or blame another, it is to make the most of myself.
Books I love: There's a Part of Me...by Jon Schwartz & Bill Brennan
For clients who are curious about 'parts' work--for therapists who want a gentle way to introduce Internal Family Systems thinking to their clients--this is the book! It's not about the use of parts in therapy, but about the use of parts in life.
Doing Parts work with Derek Scott (#3 of 3 videos)
Helpful demo of parts work. Third in series of three.
Doing Parts Work with Derek Scott (#2 of 3 videos)
Helpful demo of parts work. Second in series of three.
Doing 'Parts' Work with Derek Scott (#1 of 3 videos)
This is a straightforward video about actually doing Internal Family Systems parts work. Less than 10 minutes. Thanks Derek Scott.
Inner Critics: Everyone has one, trauma survivors have MORE
Everyone I work with has a cast of fierce inner critics. It comes with being neglected or abused in childhood. But critics also are just plain part of being human. No child gets out of childhood without difficulties. Humiliations come with growing up. Losses come with being alive. Inner critics are parts of the human psyche who say, "I'm gonna keep you from getting hurt again by criticizing you before anyone else can." In other words, they are our fiercest protectors!
How to get the RIGHT Weighted Blanket
I know--! Everyone is raving about weighted blankets--at least the trauma therapists I know--but I would like to add my voice to the discussion. Recently, I heard they are selling them at Costco and Target. But all weighted blankets are not equal, as I have found through trial and error.
Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving | A helpful book for clients
Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving, by Pete Walker. This book is aimed at clients trying to recover from painful childhoods, and is quite comprehensive. You will likely see your spouse, friends, former friends, difficult coworkers illuminated here, as well as your own lifelong patterns.
OCD and Strep Infection in Kids or 'PANDAS'
This is an important thing to know about if you are a parent, grand parent, or treat children! New research about the occurrence of OCD symptoms following a strep infiection, AND their possible treatment with doses of antibiotics
Program to Heal your Shame
The Center for Creative Growth is a wonderful gem in the East Bay therapy community. The jewel in their crown is what they call the 20 Week Intensive, a truly fantastic resource for people who struggle with Codependence and the SHAME that is at the core of it.
2 minutes on Internal Family Systems
A succinct 2 minute description of Internal Family Systems.
Recorded after his first IFS session...
12 minutes about how a client feels after his first IFS session--a bit rambling, but worth it.
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