Nurturing Wholeness: Exploring the Essence of Somatic Internal Family Systems (SIFS)

Somatic IFS (SIFS) is a unique and innovative model that can have a profound impact on personal growth and healing. Created by Susan McConnell, SIFS works within the Internal Family Systems (IFS) Model, to deepen the somatic experience in the healing process. Somatic IFS is based on Susan's vast experience in IFS, bodywork, therapy, and spiritual practices. In this blog, we will delve into the essence of Somatic Internal Family Systems, exploring its core principles and benefits.

Understanding Internal Family Systems (IFS):

Before delving into SIFS, it's essential to grasp the foundation upon which it stands—Internal Family Systems therapy. Developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, IFS views the mind as a collection of subpersonalities, or "parts," each with its own beliefs, emotions, and functions. These parts often play specific roles in protecting the individual and can lead to inner conflicts.

The core tenet of IFS involves accessing the Self, a calm and compassionate inner presence that holds the wisdom and healing power to guide and harmonize the various parts. Individuals can navigate and transform their internal dynamics by helping the parts establish a relationship with the Self, fostering self-discovery and deep and lasting healing.

Introducing Somatic Internal Family Systems (SIFS):

Somatic Internal Family Systems acknowledges the intricate connection between the mind and the body in the healing journey. This approach recognizes that trauma and emotional distress are not only stored in the mind but are also imprinted in the body. SIFS aims to address these imprints and facilitate holistic healing by incorporating somatic awareness and techniques.

Key Principles of Somatic Internal Family Systems:

Somatic Awareness:

Somatic Awareness leads to restoring and cultivating embodied Self energy. Susan describes it as “being a body” rather than “having a body.” Somatic Awareness guides us in tuning into the body’s experience, story, and messages. We notice how parts may be communicating through the body and welcome the sensations. This awareness is the first step in healing what the parts and body hold.

Conscious Breathing:

With Somatic Awareness, we uncover and develop our innate capacity to be aware of our bodies. We can now apply this awareness to our breathing. The act of breathing is largely outside our awareness much of the time. Bringing consciousness to it is a simple yet radically effective act. Conscious Breathing connects our inner experience with the outside world. Tuning into breathing patterns can reveal parts that need attention. The therapist can then lead the client in breathing techniques that attend to these parts and can be a bridge to radical resonance.

Radical Resonance:

"Resonance" is a term that refers to the interaction between vibrating systems. Susan uses the example of two musical instruments becoming "in tune" with each other. Somatic IFS views resonance as the healing between the Self and the parts. Radical Resonance is a phenomenon in which bodies impact each other at a vibrational and energetic frequency. Just as two finely made violins will resonate to the same vibration when only one string is played, the Embodied Self of the therapist and client reverberate in a somatic duet. This may look like the use of energy work, voice, or sound in sessions.

Mindful Movement:

Movement is a primary way for emotions to be expressed and yet much of the time we repress our urges to move. Mindful Movement brings awareness to spontaneous gestures and movement styles to witness, access, and unburden parts. It encourages movement practices that foster and stabilize Self energy. In sessions, the therapist may lead the client in tuning into these spontaneous movements or moving intuitively.

Attuned Touch:

Attuned Touch communicates the presence of Self and helps to facilitate the trust between the Self and the parts. In sessions, this is often utilized in the client acknowledging where the part is held in the body through their touch or as imaginary touch between Self and the part.

Benefits of Somatic Internal Family Systems:

Holistic Healing:

By addressing both the mental and physical aspects of an individual's experience, SIFS promotes comprehensive healing. This holistic approach can lead to a more profound and lasting transformation.

Increased Self-Awareness:

Somatic practices in SIFS facilitate a deeper understanding of one's emotions and bodily responses. This heightened self-awareness becomes a powerful tool for managing stress, anxiety, and other challenges.

Integration of Trauma:

SIFS provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals to process and integrate traumatic experiences stored in the body. This can lead to a release of pent-up emotions and a sense of empowerment over one's own narrative.

Somatic Internal Family Systems broadens and deepens the somatic wisdom and experience of the Internal Family Systems model. Individuals can embark on a transformative journey toward self-discovery, compassion, and wholeness. As SIFS continues to gain recognition in therapeutic circles, it stands as a testament to the profound interplay between the mind and body in the intricate dance of personal healing and growth.