Using ART & IFS Therapy to help heal from Trauma
With an excerpt on Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and Internal Family Systems (IFS) toward the bottom of the page
How does Trauma impact us?
Trauma takes different forms and affects many people. It’s not limited to physical or sexual abuse. If you’re struggling with emotions from a distressing event, seeking a trauma therapist can help reduce their intensity and bring peace. Trauma is unique to each person and can stem from any situation that creates lasting emotional distress.
Trauma is treatable, the problem is most people keep it to themselves for years and never get the healing they need. Several methods we use to treat trauma include ART therapy, IFS, trauma narratives, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness.
Trauma can affect us in many ways, such as:
Difficult relationships
Verbal/emotional abuse
Sexual/physical abuse
Neglect as a child
Life transitions
Ending of a relationship
Being in an accident
Being in highs stress environments
Death of a loved one
Natural disasters
What is Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)?
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a revolutionary form of therapy that aims to quickly relieve the symptoms of trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Unlike traditional talk therapies, ART incorporates techniques such as rapid eye movements (or any version of bilateral stimulation), similar to what you do in EMDR, to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories and emotions more effectively. The beauty of ART lies in its efficiency and effectiveness – many clients report significant improvements in as little as one to five sessions. It targets the body sensations that are associated with a triggering event and works toward desensitizing those feelings so you can feel relief from symptoms. By providing a safe and streamlined way to process difficult experiences, ART empowers individuals to overcome emotional barriers and live more fulfilling lives.
What is Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapeutic approach that views our inner selves as a system of various parts, each with its own thoughts, feelings, and motivations. Just like in a family, these parts can have different roles and sometimes conflicting needs. The goal of IFS is to help individuals understand and heal their inner parts to achieve a sense of balance, harmony, and self-awareness.
In an IFS session, you will work with a therapist to identify and communicate with these different parts of yourself in a safe and supportive space. By getting to know your inner parts and their underlying motivations, you can start to address any internal conflicts, heal past wounds, and ultimately achieve a deeper sense of self-compassion and wholeness.
IFS can help you gain a better understanding of your behaviors, emotions, and beliefs by exploring the internal dynamics that drive them. It can also empower you to take control of your reactions, make more conscious choices, and cultivate a sense of inner peace and resilience. If you're interested in exploring your inner world and creating positive change in your life, IFS may be a valuable tool for your personal growth and healing journey.