Understanding the human person as a beautiful, complex multiplicity through an Internal Family Systems (IFS) lens acknowledges that individuals consist of various modes or parts, each with its own thoughts, feelings, and experiences ie “inner critic” or “mama bear mode” or “my rebel part”. By exploring and integrating these parts in therapy, individuals can cultivate self-compassion, healing, and a greater sense of wholeness.
Depression, anxiety, and trauma can be interconnected in that experiencing traumatic events can contribute to the development of parts of ourselves stuck in certain protective/defensive modes, which is understandable. Trauma can be sustained from life-threatening events but not every person who experiences a catastrophic event is traumatized. Trauma is also likely after physical/sexual/emotional abuse or chronic physical/emotional neglect as it can severely disrupt one’s sense of safety and well-being, leading to the onset of depressive symptoms and heightened anxiety.
Good family therapy can provide a safe and supportive environment for families to explore their dynamics, improve communication, and build healthier relationships. It offers opportunities to enhance understanding, clarify boundaries, promote resilience, and facilitate positive, lasting change for all family members involved.