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Does anyone have anything helpful to read/other resources about Internal Family Systems besides the book (Internal Family Systems Therapy)? I found the book very interesting and it’s a helpful way for me to process inner polarization. But as distinct as my parts feel, i can’t seem to identify...

Yes. I had a really hard time writing a sentence or even a phrase to flashback images I was having and placing them on a timeline. The way I was able to do it was to go to Barnes and Noble, get a good coffee drink, put headphones on, and write (not type. It may feel different writing it by...

I read the IFS book recently and my T who doesn’t use this method but is familiar with it, was asking me tonight to identify some of the parts that are obvious to me. I can do that. But I don’t feel like i have a “self.” I’m always operating as one of the managers or else i am overtaken by the...

Mine doesn’t. She does push me when she finds a sensitive area, but over a length of time and with plenty of warning (as in-“we can set this aside, but it will be something we return to in time”). And by pushing I mean probing gently for an answer if I’m being silent and she knows I have...

After two years I have what I would consider a close relationship with my T. We have some cross over in other realms and interact on occasion in those realms with ease. If I wasn’t her client, we would be friends as we are not far apart in age and have similar personalities. But as it is, I am...

Yes, me. I did not suffer beatings as a result. However I was very strong willed and I believe I was treated as if my emotions were to get attention, or to manipulate, so I learned early on to not show emotions. I learned to take everything out on myself. I also think that contributed to my...

It must be really hard not to feel you’re “allowed” to say anything you want to your T. What happens outside of session isn’t technically any T’s “responsibility” but it seems like that’s fairly harsh? Mine certainly “takes care of me” between sessions- with a text or email check in if I’ve had...

I struggle with the same feelings ALL of the time. How long have you been with your T? I’ve been with mine for 2 years and even though I still really struggle with these things, I have a deeper trust/belief that she means it when she says I’m not a burden and it’s ok to need her. It has taken...

My T went out of the country for two weeks, 6 months into my work with her. I freaked out. I lost it and was a mess leading up to it. But the leading up to it was worse than the time she was away. Before she left she gave me a couple of books to read, and asked me to keep a journal to give to...

Talk about that, too. Let your T know what you think will happen as a result of you talking and ask for ways to handle it.

I have this same issue as I’m not sure how reliable my csa memories are and I always feel guilty talking about them, afraid I’m falsely accusing someone. But since therapy is for YOU and the memory clearly holds some weight, it’s important for you to talk about. You can always preface it by...

I came here looking to see if a conversation had been started about the hashtag. I think I love what it stands for because I’m reading comments and seeing a lot of support. I haven’t assumed it’s just for cat calls and harassment as I’ve seen some posts about childhood abuse as well. In theory...

Hey, so I relate to this back and forth and it’s so hard. Have you read anything about internal systems therapy? I’m finding it so helpful to understand that we all have “parts,” (not as distinct as DID but separate from each other in how they feel, think and react to the world.) Its helpful to...

Yup. I HATE it. I can’t control it. I’ve never cried a tear in therapy. I laugh instead. And I make my T laugh. It’s the only way I can handle vulnerability. It’s the only way we ever dealt with hard things while I was growing up. Now it’s super frustating and I’m trying to change it. You’re not...

Sounds like she was trying to sell herself to you. And that feels unsafe because you need someone confident enough in their abilities that they wouldn’t need to do that, so that you can eventually let your guard down. I think a lot of us have trouble trusting ourselves and it’s hard to go with...

May I ask why you’re switching? Are you looking for a specialist and your current T isn’t one? From what you wrote, I would say try a face to face before you decide. People can be hard to read on the phone and/or in writing. I think the things you picked up on that were bothersome may be related...

I know I am when I start to feel floaty and/or dizzy. Sometimes I fixate on a spot in the room and everything on the peripheral becomes dark, like tunnel vision and my T’s voice sounds far away. Sometimes it’s more mild and I feel floaty or foggy and have to concentrate hard to take in what...

My T tells me sometimes about how she learned about DID while working with a DID client. She did what yours is doing. And they were very successful together. I struggle with dissociating in sessions so she will use examples from her first client and what she learned working with her. And it’s...

I struggle with dissociating in sessions and sometimes remember very little from the conversation when I leave. That means I’m not able to carry over and use what I’m learning or feel whatever validation is coming my way. In order to work on this issue, I have to concentrate REALLY hard on what...

If it weren’t for email I would disclose very little. I don’t know if that’s an option for you. But usually I send one email between sessions and she pulls it up in session and we discuss it. It’s hard and awkward but so helpful. I click with mine though. When I was with one I didn’t feel an...

I’ve struggled with this push/pull intensely since I first started with my T, a little over 2 years ago. I’m reading about Internal Family Systems therapy now and it’s helping me understand that I have parts that try to attach to others and look to be rescued and parts that try to protect me...

That’s amazing!! What a relief that must be for you. I’m happy you found this T!

... You're right. We have a slight dual relationship and she also may share more than a lot of other T's. I think this has so far worked for us. However I do have a hard time putting my needs out there if I see someone else has anything they could possibly put first. I'm sure a lot of use are...

Yes. I feel the vulnerability hangover and can't sleep after. I feel exposed and triggered usually and toss and turn all night. Not always having nightmares but always feeling messed up and always feel like I wish I had a session the next day, like Emotional girl said.

How'd it go @hermione ? How are you feeling?