Internal Family Systems Therapy for Addiction Recovery
IFS & Inner Child Work Therapy at Acqua Recovery
Internal Family Systems therapy for addictions offers a transformative approach to substance use recovery at Acqua Recovery. This evidence-based therapy helps individuals understand how different parts of themselves contribute to addictive behaviors. At Acqua Recovery, we understand that healing is an intricate process that involves addressing symptoms and diving deep into their roots. Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is a particularly effective form of therapy that allows the client to connect with different “parts” of themselves, like the inner child, whose needs are often overlooked.
How Internal Family Systems Therapy Treats Addiction
Internal Family Systems therapy for addictions recognizes that substance use is rarely about the substance itself—it’s about the unmet needs and unhealed wounds that different parts of ourselves are trying to manage. At Acqua Recovery, we use IFS as a cornerstone of our addiction treatment approach because it addresses the root psychological patterns that fuel addictive behaviors.
Developed by Richard Schwartz, the IFS Internal Family Systems Model is an evidence-based model of psychotherapy that views each person as containing multiple “parts”—sub-personalities with their own perspectives, emotions, and roles. In addiction recovery, IFS helps individuals understand how certain parts developed substance use as a coping mechanism to protect them from overwhelming emotions or traumatic experiences.
IFS therapy for addiction works by:
- Identifying protector parts: These are the parts that turn to substances to numb pain, avoid difficult emotions, or manage anxiety. Rather than viewing addiction as a character flaw, IFS recognizes these parts were trying to help—they just developed a harmful strategy.
- Accessing exiled parts: Beneath the protective addiction behaviors are often “exiled” parts carrying deep pain, shame, or trauma from past experiences. These wounded parts drive the compulsion to use substances because they’ve been suppressed for so long.
- Strengthening the Self: IFS therapy helps individuals access their core “Self”—the calm, compassionate, curious center that can lead the healing process. From this Self-led state, individuals can address their parts’ needs without substances, creating lasting recovery.
- Why IFS is particularly effective for substance use disorders: Traditional addiction treatment often focuses on stopping the behavior without addressing the underlying internal system that created it. IFS therapy goes deeper, helping individuals understand why certain parts developed addictive patterns and offering those parts healthier ways to meet their protective intentions.
Healing with Inner Child Work
In tandem with the IFS model, Inner Child Work therapy focuses on connecting with, understanding, and nurturing the child within us all. Rooted in Carl Jung’s concept of the “divine child,” this approach emphasizes that our experiences and traumas during childhood shape our behaviors and responses as adults.
When we neglect our inner child, we often find ourselves facing problems like addiction, anxiety, and depression. Conversely, by embracing and caring for our inner child, we can heal past wounds and replace unhealthy coping mechanisms with constructive responses.
Implementing IFS and Inner Child Work in Therapy
At Acqua Recovery, our trained professionals are skilled in facilitating both the IFS model and Inner Child Work. We understand the importance of recognizing, acknowledging, and nurturing each part of an individual to achieve overall well-being.
Our unique therapeutic approach enables our clients to explore their internal family system, sometimes for the first time. By fostering a non-judgmental and compassionate environment, we allow individuals to delve into their inner world, meeting and understanding each part and its function. Concurrently, we help them reconnect with their inner child, providing a nurturing space for the “child” to express their fears, insecurities, and desires.
How IFS and Inner Child Work Benefit Addiction Recovery
Integrating IFS and Inner Child Work into the recovery process assists individuals in understanding their addiction or mood disorder from a different perspective – as a coping mechanism employed by one or more “parts.” This perspective shifts the focus from shame and blame to understanding and compassion.
Inner child work, on the other hand, offers a chance to heal the deep-seated traumas or emotional distress that might be fuelling the disorder. It enables individuals to reframe their narrative, moving from a place of pain and confusion to a space of love and clarity.
The Acqua Recovery Approach
At Acqua Recovery, we use a holistic approach to addiction and mood disorder treatment, and we incorporate IFS internal family systems therapy and Inner Child Work as integral components of our recovery programs. Our trained professionals utilize these powerful therapeutic tools to delve into the source of your struggles, helping you understand, acknowledge, and transform the internal dynamics that have led to problematic behaviors.
Embracing Self-Leadership
A critical aspect of the IFS model is the notion of “Self-Leadership.” In IFS, the “Self”’ is an individual’s core, and it’s characterized by qualities like compassion, curiosity, confidence, and creativity. It’s through this Self that we’re able to foster constructive relationships with our “parts.” By encouraging Self-Leadership, we empower you to navigate your internal family system, promote harmony among your parts, and drive meaningful change in your life.
Nurturing the Inner Child
Inner Child Work at Acqua Recovery goes beyond merely acknowledging the existence of an inner child. We provide a safe space for you to interact with your inner child, listen to their needs and concerns, and address unresolved issues from your past. Our therapists are there every step of the way, providing guidance and support as you explore these often challenging emotional landscapes.
Client Testimonials
As soon as I stepped through the doors at Acqua I was welcomed into a family – I was treated with dignity and respect. It was the first time in a while I felt like I belonged, which helped me take an honest look at myself. I learned how to love myself again and for that, I am forever grateful.
Matt B. Northeast USA
Embarking on a Journey of Self-Discovery and Healing
At Acqua Recovery, we believe that the journey towards recovery is essentially a journey toward self-discovery. IFS and Inner Child Work are critical tools in this journey. They offer a deeper understanding of oneself, a new sense of self-compassion, and a transformation that is more than just recovery from addiction or mood disorders – it’s a metamorphosis into a healthier, more powerful self.
The road to recovery might seem daunting, but with the right support, tools, and guidance, we are confident that you can navigate this path and emerge stronger. We invite you to join us at Acqua Recovery, where we provide the safe, nurturing environment necessary for effective IFS and Inner Child Work and where your healing journey truly begins. Let’s embark on this path together: a path of understanding, healing, and transformation.
Take the first step to transforming your life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Internal Family Systems (IFS) & Inner Child Work
How do IFS and Inner Child Work complement each other?
Both therapies focus on understanding and healing parts of oneself. IFS Internal Family Systems deal with various parts that influence behavior, while Inner Child Work specifically addresses the part that carries childhood experiences and traumas.
Who can benefit from IFS and Inner Child Work?
Individuals who suffer from mood disorders, who are healing from addiction and trauma, or who are grappling with personal and emotional issues can benefit from IFS and Inner Child Work. They’re also effective for individuals looking to better understand themselves and their reactions to life’s challenges.
How long does it take to see the benefits of IFS and Inner Child Work?
The timeline varies significantly from person to person. However, after just a few sessions, many report feeling a shift in their perspectives and an increased understanding of their emotions and behaviors.
Is it possible to do Inner Child Work on your own, or do you need a therapist?
While certain aspects can be explored individually, working with a trained professional to guide you through the process is highly recommended, particularly when dealing with traumatic experiences or deep emotional wounds. For the most effective results, do an internet search for “IFS therapy near me” and seek out a licensed therapist that suits your needs.
Can IFS and Inner Child Work be combined with other therapies?
Yes, these therapies often complement other treatment strategies such as Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). They form part of a comprehensive approach to mental health and addiction recovery.
Is Internal Family Systems therapy effective for addiction?
Yes, Internal Family Systems therapy has proven highly effective for addiction treatment. IFS addresses the underlying psychological patterns that drive substance use rather than just focusing on stopping the behavior. At Acqua Recovery, clients who engage with IFS therapy for addiction develop deeper self-awareness, reduced shame, and more sustainable recovery outcomes. When integrated with other evidence-based treatments like MAT and CBT, IFS provides a comprehensive framework for lasting addiction recovery.
How does IFS therapy help with substance use disorders?
IFS therapy helps with substance use disorders by identifying and healing the internal parts that drive addictive behaviors. Therapists help individuals recognize that their substance use is managed by “protector parts” that developed addiction as a survival strategy to manage pain, trauma, or difficult emotions. Through IFS therapy, individuals learn to access their core “Self”—a calm, compassionate state from which they can address their parts’ needs without substances.
What makes Internal Family Systems different from traditional addiction therapy?
Internal Family Systems therapy recognizes that substance use serves a protective purpose within a person’s internal system, while conventional treatment often focuses on willpower or behavior modification. IFS therapy for addictions helps individuals understand why their addiction developed and addresses the root causes rather than just asking people to stop using through discipline. At Acqua Recovery, clients who understand their addiction through the IFS lens often experience more authentic and lasting recovery than approaches that treat addiction as something to battle against.
Dr. Pickrell is a board-certified psychiatrist with interests in addiction and psychiatry. He strives to identify the underlying cause of substance use. His understanding of addiction as the overlapping symptoms of biopsychosocial development is the foundation to his care model. He is committed to helping both patients and families understand that addiction is a treatable medical illness. He has been involved in the treatment of addiction for the last 17 years and completed his residency training at the University of Utah.
