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In my prior article, Integrating Contemporary Psychoanalysis and Experiential Therapy, I discussed integrating experiential therapy and contemporary psychoanalysis.
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| IFS Parts Work and Contemporary Psychoanalysis |
As I mentioned in that article, experiential therapy includes :
- Hypnotherapy (also known as Clinical Hypnosis)
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy
- AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy)
- Parts Work Therapy (Ego States Therapy and IFS: Internal Family Systems)
In the current article I'm exploring the similarities and differences between IFS Parts Work Therapy and contemporary psychoanalysis, in particular, relational psychoanalysis.
For a basic explanation of contemporary psychoanalysis and experiential therapy see my prior article.
Similarities Between IFS Parts Work Therapy and Contemporary Psychoanalysis
Both IFS Parts Work Therapy and contemporary psychoanalysis:
- Recognize the Importance of the Unconscious Mind: Mental processes in contemporary psychoanalysis and parts work in IFS emphasize the importance of the unconscious mind (see my article: Making the Unconscious Conscious).
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| IFS Parts Work and Contemporary Psychoanalysis |
- Non-Pathologizing Stance: Both therapies have moved away from the pathologizing the client's internal world which was common in traditional psychotherapy in the past. Specifically, IFS views the client's internal world as made up of various parts that have good intentions. Contemporary psychoanalysis focuses on understanding the client's internal object relations and defenses rather than labeling them as problems.
- A Goal of Self Understanding: Both therapies promote the client's self understanding and self acceptance.
- The Influence of the Past in the Present Day: Both approaches acknowledge the here-and-now experiences of the client as well as the influence of the client's personal history, including early relationships.
Differences Between IFS Parts Work Therapy and Contemporary Psychoanalysis
The Client's View of Self
- IFS Parts Work: Assumes an inherent undamaged Core Self within every person. Core Self is composed of the 8 Cs: Compassion, calmness, curiosity, creativity, confidence, clarity, courage, connectedness. A primary goal of IFS is to access the Core Self so the client can be lead from Core Self and not by their various parts.
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| IFS Parts Work and Contemporary Psychoanalysis |
- Contemporary Psychoanalysis: Assumes the self is a product of interpersonal relationships and internal representations (object relationships). The focus is on developing a cohesive, authentic self within the relational matrix.
The Therapist's Role
- IFS Parts Work: The therapist is a guide and a mediator to help the client to focus on their Core Self and work with their internal parts (also known as subpersonalities).
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| IFS Parts Work and Contemporary Psychoanalysis |
- Contemporary Psychoanalysis: The therapist is an active participant in the therapy with a "real" relationship between the therapist and the client. The focus is on the therapeutic relationship as a vehicle for an emotional corrective experience and insight.
Technique
- IFS Parts Work: The therapist uses experiential techniques, including internal dialog and visualization, to interact directly with the internal parts.
- Contemporary Psychoanalysis: There is an emphasis on exploring transference and countertransference and the client's internal world as it manifests in the therapy.
Focus on Transference
- IFS Parts Work: Transference is understood as the client's internal parts interacting with the therapist's internal parts. When it is therapeutically beneficial, the therapist might comment on their own parts in an effort to inform the client's process.
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| IFS Parts Work and Contemporary Psychoanalysis |
- Contemporary Psychoanalysis: The client's transference and the therapist's countertransference are central to the therapy. Both transference and countertransference offer important information about the client's internal world as well as past and present relationships.
Use of Metaphor
- IFS Parts Work: Uses a concrete metaphor about the client's "internal family" with specific roles for these parts (managers, firefighters, exiles) to understand the structure of the client's internal world.
- Contemporary Psychoanalysis: Tends to use more theoretical and nuanced language to describe internal dynamics, often viewing parts as metaphors for defended affects and anxiety responses.
Client Empowerment
- IFS Parts Work: Emphasizes "self leadership" (Core Self) to empower clients to foster lifelong skills and internal harmony (see my article: Parts Work Can Be Empowering).
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| IFS Parts Work and Contemporary Psychoanalysis |
- Contemporary Psychoanalysis: Relational approaches to contemporary psychoanalysis have shifted to a more collaborative approach in therapy between the client and the therapist with the understanding that the therapy is co-created between therapist and client.
As I mentioned in my prior article, many psychotherapists who have a contemporary psychoanalytic background, like me, are also trained in IFS Parts Work.
The integration of both approaches is beneficial for clients because they get the benefits of an in-depth, relational therapy, like contemporary psychoanalysis, and an embodied approach, like IFS, to combine the best parts of both approaches.
About Me
I am a licensed New York psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, EMDR, AEDP, EFT (for couples), IFS and Ego States Parts Work Therapist, Somatic Experiencing and Certified Sex Therapist.
I work with individual adults and couples
To find out more about me, visit my website: Josephine Ferraro, LCSW - NYC Psychotherapist.
To set up a consultation, call me at (917) 742-2624 during business hours or email me.
Also See My Other Articles About IFS Parts Work Therapy:
Also See My Article About Contemporary Psychotherapy:
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