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

nSo 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. n n n nIn this manual, therapists will learn 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 to their system. n n n nIncluded inside: n n- Experiential exercises to help clients (and therapists) get to know their own parts n- Guidelines for conducting assessments in an engaging, collaborative way n- Clear strategies for negotiating internal conflict and navigating polarizations between opposing parts n- Case examples annotated with step-by-step explanations n- Downloadable worksheets, handouts, and meditations n nn