Internal Family Systems

Brainspotting

NARM

NARM

Rachelle is currently training in NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) which is a relational and nervous system-based approach that addresses life-long psychobiological symptoms and interpersonal difficulties.

NARM is a depth-oriented approach that resolves complex trauma, (attachment, relational and developmental trauma). Depth-oriented approaches are different from supportive therapy whereby you might receive temporary catharsis by getting your story, your thoughts and your emotions out. Depth-oriented approaches focus on reshaping what is happening internally. NARM is a resource-based model with an emphasis on helping individuals embody greater agency, authenticity and connection.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) resonates with me as it aligns with my studies of spiritual psychology.

IFS is an evidence-based therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz who was a systemic family therapist. He began to recognize that his clients would speak about various aspects of themselves which can be understood with the multiplicity of the mind recognized by Freud, the theory of hypnotherapy and many Eastern spiritual philosophies.

IFS helps individuals to understand and work with their inner parts which can be made up of thoughts, emotions and agendas. Parts can be compliant, rebellious, highly anxious and afraid of uncertainty, deeply lonely or depressed. You may have parts that are in direct conflict with each other, for instance, a part that wants you to be spontaneous and adventurous and another extremely cautious part. Parts work helps individuals make sense of where thoughts, beliefs and behaviours are rooted and work toward developing greater internal trust that leads deep-rooted fears and protectors to relax within your internal system.

None of your parts are bad, as much as they may seem to cause difficulties in your life. Within every person, beneath myriad parts, is a centred, relaxed, confident, calm, clear, courageous, creative, compassionate core, referred to as Self. The aim of IFS is to unblend from parts to access Self in your system. You could think of Self as your true nature that exists beyond all the hurt and protective shields, a place that is unfettered and untouched. Although, you do not need to be a spiritual person to benefit from parts work, in many spiritual traditions the Self is well understood and referred to. In Samkyya philosophy the Self is referred to as Purusha.

Your inner parts are like clouds that prevent you from seeing clearly. Some of your clouds are dark and stormy, some are wispy and flexible and some are more dense and unmovable. Doing parts work helps you to get to know why each cloud has formed and what it is protecting inside your internal system.

Research:

The Efficacy of Internal Family Systems Therapy in the Treatment of Depression Among Female College Students: A Pilot Study

Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among Survivors of Multiple Childhood Trauma: A Pilot Effectiveness Study

Parts work (Internal Family Systems)

Brainspotting

Brainspotting (BSP) is a bottom-up therapeutic approach that helps individuals process trauma in the subcortical brain via points in their visual field. It was developed by David Grand, PhD who discovered it while using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

BSP works on the midbrain which is the part of the brain which controls parts of the central nervous system. During traumatic events, this part of the brain goes into freeze as a defence mechanism and is unable to fully process the incident. BSP harnesses the visual field to gain access to neural networks and deeper parts of the brain that talk therapy cannot access, enabling processing and healing to occur. BSP does not require that you speak during processing; you are encouraged to stay mindfully aware of your inner process and any sharing of what is happening is determined by you (the client). The therapist maintains attunement with your process throughout, however, without interfering. BSP is a somatic form of therapy that combines well with other approaches that are talk therapy-based.

During a session, you can choose if you would like to listen to bilateral music through headphones. During virtual sessions, you would use a pair you have a home. BSP can help to address attachment issues, depression, anxiety, physical pain and PTSD. You may feel physically exhausted after a session and it may take a few days to process and integrate the session. The effect of BSP is decreased activation around specific memories, changes in thought patterns and overall mood and increased internal capacities to address life's challenges.

Well + Good Article

Research:

Psychotherapeutic Techniques for Distressing Memories: A Comparative Study between EMDR, Brainspotting, and Body Scan Meditation

"Connection is both our deepest desire and greatest fear"

Laurence Heller founder of NARM