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Writer's pictureHeather Louise

Embracing Healing Potential: IFS-Informed Somatic Hypnotherapy

We have all felt the weight of our past experiences hindering our ability to fully enjoy life. Traumas can infiltrate our daily lives in many ways, profoundly impacting our well-being. The combination of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and hypnotherapy offers a gentle yet powerful approach to healing our traumas and fostering resilience. By integrating the principles of IFS with the transformative techniques of hypnosis, we can embark on this journey of self-discovery, healing and transformation.


I needed help integrating powerful flashbacks of early childhood abuse that arose during a de-armouring retreat, as well as processing additional information from plant medicine ceremonies. Conversational hypnotherapy and learning about Internal Family Systems (IFS) were instrumental in the cognitive aspect of my integration work, which is why I now offer this approach as well. My goal is to create a powerful yet gentle and soothing container for integrating whatever may be showing up for you. I've often found such support lacking after deep shamanic work. This approach is deeply heart-centred, embodying a 'Yin' philosophy where you are empowered to uncover the precious gems hidden behind the cracks of trauma.

Understanding Internal Family Systems (IFS)

At the core of IFS therapy lies the concept of the 'internal family' — the understanding that our psyche comprises various parts or sub-personalities, each with its unique thoughts, emotions and motivations. These parts serve as protective mechanisms or coping strategies, often rooted in past experiences and trauma.


In the process of IFS, we learn to recognise, acknowledge and nurture a compassionate relationship with our inner parts. Obtaining full permission from our protective parts is crucial for accessing the deeper layers of our psyche, helping us prevent triggering the nervous system into fight or flight, or shut-down, and avoiding re-traumatisation. When we connect with our Self, the core essence of our being beyond these parts, we immediately restore harmony within our internal system, unlocking our capacity for healing and returning to a state of well-being.





Exploring Hypnotherapy: Accessing the Subconscious Mind

Hypnotherapy utilises techniques of deep relaxation and focused attention to access the subconscious mind. In a hypnotic state, we are more receptive to suggestion and are able to bypass the critical faculties of the conscious mind. This allows for direct communication with the subconscious where deeply rooted beliefs, memories and emotions reside.


By being guided into a state of 'enhanced consciousness', hypnotherapy facilitates profound shifts in perception, behaviour and emotional processing. It offers a gateway to the subconscious mind, allowing for the exploration and transformation of unresolved trauma and limiting beliefs, thus paving the way for healing and growth. The level of trance I use is light, akin to the state we are often in while driving and arriving at our destination without recalling how we got there! You'll remain able to communicate with me throughout the session maintaining full control.


"Trance is a natural process that allows the mind to reprogram itself."

— Milton H. Erickson


The Synergy of IFS and Somatic Hypnotherapy

When integrated, IFS and hypnotherapy synergise to facilitate healing and transformation. IFS provides a structured understanding of the inner psyche, while hypnotherapy offers direct access to the subconscious. Together, they offer a holistic approach to trauma healing, conflict resolution and personal growth. I refer to this approach as somatic hypnotherapy because I guide you to connect with bodily sensations, ensuring both safety and grounding. Additionally, the body serves as the repository of our emotional memories.


During an IFS-informed somatic hypnotherapy session, we are guided into a state of deep relaxation and inner focus. Within this state, we are invited to connect with our internal parts, explore underlying emotions and release stored trauma. By accessing the subconscious mind, hypnotherapy facilitates the reprogramming of limiting beliefs and the integration of new and empowering perspectives.


Benefits of IFS-Informed Somatic Hypnotherapy

The integration of IFS and hypnotherapy offers a wide range of benefits for individuals seeking healing and transformation:

1. Trauma Recovery: IFS-informed hypnotherapy provides a safe and effective approach to healing trauma, allowing individuals to process and release unresolved emotions and memories stored in the subconscious mind.

2. Emotional Integration: By accessing and connecting with inner parts, we can cultivate greater self-awareness, self-compassion and emotional resilience, leading to greater inner harmony and balance.

3. Neural Reprogramming: Hypnotherapy enables the reprogramming of subconscious beliefs and patterns, fostering positive behavioural changes and personal transformation.

4. Empowerment: Through the process of IFS-informed hypnotherapy, we are empowered to take an active role in our healing journey, reparenting ourselves and developing a strong and stable inner authority in our lives with strong boundaries, too.


Healing trauma and nurturing personal growth are deeply personal processes, and the path of each individual will unfold uniquely. Through this healing journey, we can unlock the profound wisdom and energy stored within our unconscious.


 

Recommended Reading:


  • "Somatic Internal Family Systems Therapy: Awareness, Breath, Resonance, Movement, and Touch in Practice" by Susan McConnell: This book explores how somatic techniques can be integrated into Internal Family Systems therapy, enhancing awareness, healing, and integration through practices such as breathwork, movement and touch.


  • "Introduction to the Internal Family Systems Model" by Richard C. Schwartz: This foundational text introduces readers to the Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy model, explaining its core concepts, techniques and applications in psychotherapy.


  • "Internal Family Systems Skills Training Manual: Trauma-Informed Treatment for Anxiety, Depression, PTSD & Substance Abuse" by Frank Anderson, Richard C. Schwartz, and Martha Sweezy: This manual offers practical guidance and exercises for implementing Internal Family Systems therapy, particularly in trauma-informed treatment settings, addressing conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD and substance abuse.


  • "The Complex PTSD Treatment Manual: An Integrative, Mind-Body Approach to Trauma Recovery" by Arielle Schwartz: This fabulous book provides a comprehensive guide to treating Complex PTSD, integrating mind-body approaches for trauma recovery, including Internal Family Systems therapy.


  • "Hypnotherapy: A Client-Centered Approach" by Erika Flint: This book introduces a client-centred approach to hypnotherapy, focusing on empowering clients and facilitating positive change through hypnosis.


  • "Hypnotherapy Scripts: A Neo-Ericksonian Approach to Persuasive Healing" by Ronald A. Havens and Catherine Walters: Offering a collection of scripts, this book presents a Neo-Ericksonian approach to hypnotherapy, emphasising persuasive healing techniques for various therapeutic goals.


  • Last but least, a must-read: "Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving: A Guide and Map for Recovering from Childhood Trauma" by Pete Walker: Pete Walker's guide offers insights and strategies for recovering from Complex PTSD, providing a roadmap for healing from childhood trauma and fostering resilience.

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