Internal Family Systems Therapy for Addictions: Trauma-Informed, Compassion-Based Interventions for Substance Use, Eating, Gambling and More

Book excerpt: So often, addiction is viewed as a disease or an uncontrollable habit that signals a lack of willpower. In Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy for Addictions, IFS educator Cece Sykes, IFS author Martha Sweezy, and IFS founder, Richard Schwartz, suggest a paradigm shift. Rather than viewing addiction as a pathology, they propose that it reflects the behavior of polarized, protective parts struggling to manage underlying emotional pain. In this manual, therapists will learn how to access their core, compassionate Self and collaborate with clients in befriending protective parts who engage in addictive processes; healing the vulnerable, wounded parts they protect; and restoring balance in their system. Included inside: - Experiential exercises to help clients (and therapists) get to know their own parts - Guidelines for conducting assessments in an engaging, collaborative way - Clear strategies for negotiating internal conflict and navigating polarization between opposing parts - Case examples annotated with step-by-step explanations - Downloadable worksheets, handouts, and meditations