*Photo credit: Monique Feil
When Mind Over Medicine was first published in 2012, I was not yet familiar with Internal Family Systems (IFS). However, for the previous 6 years, I had been writing daily love letters from my “Inner Pilot Light” to my wounded parts, both for myself and for my online community as The Daily Flame (which later became a book). Little did I know that I was actually practicing a part of the IFS model, reuniting hurt parts of myself with the wise, loving Self within and fostering connection and compassion between Self and parts.
In the original 2013 version of Mind Over Medicine, the Six Steps To Healing Yourself included a thorough assessment of potential root causes of medical illness, such as childhood traumas and ongoing adult traumas that could disrupt the body’s natural self-repair mechanisms. At the time, I did not have the deep understanding of healing trauma that the IFS model provides. I discovered IFS after the book’s release, thanks to my trauma therapist cousin, Rebecca Ching, who introduced me to it as a game-changer for both myself and my patients.
Since then, I have integrated IFS into the Six Steps To Healing Yourself, creating a new approach to practicing medicine. This revised understanding is now a foundational part of the 2020 edition of Mind Over Medicine. Working alongside IFS founder Dick Schwartz, I have taught classes on healing parts related to medical conditions, combining the Six Steps with IFS principles.
In an upcoming workshop, psychiatrist and IFS master trainer Frank Anderson, MD, and I will delve deeper into the topic of IFS As Medical Treatment. This workshop aims to educate therapists, doctors, patients, and healthcare practitioners on using IFS to address medical conditions arising from psychological trauma.
Now, let’s break down the first three steps of The Six Steps To Healing Yourself from an IFS perspective. Starting with Step 1: Believing that healing is possible, we explore the importance of opening up to the possibility of cure and shifting limiting beliefs that may hinder the healing process.
Step 2 involves connecting with your inner Self and surrendering to its guidance, cultivating internal support for your healing journey. Balancing proactivity with acceptance of uncertainty is key in navigating the path to wellness.
Keep an eye out for Part 2, where we will cover Steps 4-6 and continue to explore how to utilize IFS in the healing process.
