Intersections: IFS and EMDR
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, has a natural synergy with IFS
In our new “Intersections” series, we explore the relationship between IFS and other popular therapeutic modalities. By looking at similarities and differences, we hope to highlight the ways that IFS is a standalone approach while also serving as a meta-framework into which other modalities can be incorporated when useful for our clients.
Looking for a therapist can be overwhelming. The number of different types of therapy alone is enough to make the process feel daunting. The many modalities, specializations, and approaches that therapists work with is a confusing alphabet soup of acronyms, not to mention the different professional credentials. And while many different kinds of therapies are useful, it’s reassuring to know that IFS can serve as a container, or an overarching umbrella, for the many others.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is more than just the latest approach to capture the zeitgeist. Years in the making, its roots run deep in the histories of important therapy movements. As developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, IFS is what we call a “meta-framework,” acting as a container for other therapeutic approaches, and offering both you and your therapist an expansive map of the mind. In conjunction with other therapeutic approaches, IFS acts as an umbrella, integrating and shaping other lenses. In this way, IFS makes space for other types of therapy to work within its holistic understanding of the inner world.
One quality that sets IFS apart from the others is its unique perspective on the therapist-client relationship. Unlike traditional methods that position the therapist as an expert with an objective viewpoint, IFS therapists deeply trust that the client's inner system inherently makes sense and holds the answers for its own healing rhythm. This trust fosters a collaborative environment where the client's internal wisdom guides the therapeutic process.
EMDR: An Overview
A new and oft-researched therapy that has gained popularity in recent years is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), developed by Francine Shapiro in 1987. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing was originally designed to help people suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). EMDR has since been found effective for a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, phobias, and even chronic pain.
EMDR was among the first theories to posit a simple yet profound idea: our brains have a natural ability to heal from psychological trauma, much like our bodies can recover from physical injuries. However, sometimes traumatic experiences can get "stuck" in our nervous system, stored in ways that keep them feeling fresh and disturbing. EMDR helps "unstick" these memories, allowing our brains to process them properly so they no longer cause intense emotional or physical reactions.
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation—typically side-to-side eye movements, but sometimes alternating taps or tones—to mimic the processing that occurs during Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. In REM sleep, our brains integrate and make sense of our experiences. By recreating this state while focusing on a distressing memory, EMDR helps the brain reprocess that memory in an integrated way.
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation to help the brain reprocess events.
An EMDR session doesn't require you to discuss the traumatic event in great detail. Instead, you identify a specific image that represents the memory, along with negative beliefs about yourself that stemmed from the event (like "I'm not safe") and the emotions and physical sensations you experience. Then, while focusing on these elements, you engage in the bilateral stimulation, often by watching the therapist's fingers move back and forth. The goal is for the memory to be stored as "past" rather than feeling like it's still happening.
IFS and EMDR: Getting Protectors on Board
One of the most powerful synergies in therapy today is the combination of IFS and EMDR. These two approaches compliment each other. You might have parts that are more comfortable processing the charge of traumatic memories using EMDR before exploring parts in more depth through IFS. On the other hand, the foundation of IFS might make EMDR feel safer and more approachable as you do that work. In any case, there might be a variety of reasons you might wish to combine IFS with EMDR because there are many ways it can support you in your healing.
Both are experiential approaches, as opposed to simply “talk therapy”, but IFS adds a layer of safety that can significantly reduce the risk of backlash (when symptoms resurface with greater intensity) or overwhelming experiences in session. This layer of safety is Self, the innate, compassionate, and wise energy within that exists beneath a person’s various parts. During therapy, Self energy can be held by both the therapist, and most importantly, by the client. This safety net makes IFS an excellent container for any experiential therapeutic method.
Is Combining EMDR with IFS Right for Me?
Before the EMDR process begins, working with the framework of IFS can help get your protective parts on board, securing their permission and cooperation. This preparation ensures a smoother EMDR experience, and makes it less likely that protective parts will sabotage the effects or “backlash” with greater intensity after sessions.
During EMDR sessions, IFS can also be used as a framework for processing what arises. When certain parts of the your internal system surface between EMDR “sets” of bilateral stimulation, the therapist can engage directly with these parts in the moment, facilitating deeper processing during and after EMDR.
The nuanced understanding IFS brings to therapy is particularly evident when working with trauma. For many trauma survivors, traditional grounding exercises for EMDR that encourage body awareness can be counterproductive or even distressing. Being in the body doesn't necessarily feel safe for those who’ve been traumatized. IFS encourages attunement to each internal system, which helps your therapist to know whether certain interventions are well-timed or potentially harmful.
Reasons to Combine EMDR and IFS
Combining EMDR and IFS may be helpful if you’ve experienced trauma.
The question remains: should you bring both of these modalities together for healing? Here are some examples for when using the two together can be helpful:
If you’ve experienced trauma and have difficulty with traditional grounding or resourcing techniques such as following the breath or paying attention to sensations in your body in moments of distress.
If you’d like to be able to deeply process and integrate your experience in EMDR with a holistic framework.
If you struggle with accessing or expressing emotions related to past experiences, and you’re struggling with long-standing issues that haven't fully resolved with either modality alone.
If you’re looking for a highly skilled therapist who works with both IFS and EMDR, several of our clinicians have EMDR training, and every clinician on our team is trained in IFS. Learn more about all of our clinicians on our About Page.
IFS and EMDR: A Natural Synergy
If you’re healing from trauma or hoping to do deep work in therapy, the combination of IFS with EMDR can lead to powerful healing. IFS and EMDR compliment each other, as both are experiential approaches. But IFS adds a layer of safety to trauma processing in EMDR, reducing the risk of an overwhelming experience in a session or the chance that your protective parts will “backlash” and go into overdrive.
The combination of EMDR and IFS has a powerful ability to heal and process trauma. Both of these modalities have their own unique methods and underlying theories. But while methods can be explained and systematized, the practice of therapy is, in essence, an art form. While both EMDR and IFS have unique interventions and some common ground, finding a therapist who is a good fit for you is crucial to successful treatment.
The quality of the therapeutic relationship and the presence of Self energy in session are consistently found to be reliable determinants of success in psychotherapy. If you’re looking for a therapist with accessible Self energy, or hoping for a supportive, streamlined process to find a therapist that’s right for you, schedule your free consultation with us today!
Are you looking for a proven method to process and heal trauma? A therapist at IFS Telehealth Collective can help you find and connect with the parts that need to be seen, heard, and ultimately healed. If you live in California, Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, or Oregon, please contact our Client Care Coordinator or call 503-447-3244.
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