What's happening in the mind? The Neuroscience behind Internal Family Systems (IFS)

As a practicing psychologist with a fascination for the intricate workings of the brain, I understand that certain therapeutic models may come across as too abstract or metaphysical. For many patients, IFS really is a completely new experience. It does not use the usual psychological or medical jargon and most immediately question whether they are doing it right or not. Often, I get the sense that they trust me more than the process. Until at least we get into the work. But for others, It's completely natural, and I'd argue essential, to question and scrutinise before we embrace new ideas, particularly when it comes to our inner world. Today, I'd like to take you on a journey through my experiences with a therapeutic model known as Internal Family Systems (IFS), backed by compelling neuroscience evidence, trauma-related studies, and memory factors.

IFS: A Crash Course

Developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz in the 1980s, IFS is a type of psychotherapy that views the mind as a collection of subpersonalities, or "parts," each with its unique perspectives, motivations, and emotions. The goal is to achieve a harmonious internal system where the "Self" - characterized by qualities of curiosity, compassion, and calmness - serves as the wise and loving leader.

Understanding the 'Self' in IFS Therapy and Its Neurological Correlates

The core concept in IFS therapy, the 'Self', plays a crucial role in helping individuals navigate their emotional world. When we talk about the 'Self', we're referring to the compassionate, calm, and clear core of our being that can interact with and heal our various internal parts. When the 'Self' is activated, neurologically, it corresponds to the increased activation of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), which is key in emotion regulation, self-referential processing, and decision-making.

A Healthy Brain vs. A Trauma Brain: Understanding the Difference

In a healthy, well-regulated brain, the mPFC and the amygdala (emotion centre of the brain) work in harmony. The mPFC, like a wise elder, keeps an eye on the emotionally reactive amygdala. When the amygdala flares up (say, in response to a threat), the mPFC steps in to assess the situation. If the threat isn't real, the mPFC, through intricate neural connections, calms the amygdala down. For instance, imagine you're stuck in heavy traffic after a long day at work and feeling frustrated. Suddenly, someone cuts you off. A part of you, powered by the amygdala, flares up with anger. If you're in a 'Self-led' state, you'll acknowledge this angry part, understand its protective role, and using the mPFC's control, respond differently, effectively dampening the amygdala's intense response.

On the contrary, in a traumatic brain, this balance is disrupted. Trauma can cause the amygdala to become hyper-reactive, and the mPFC's calming influence may be diminished, leading to overwhelming emotional responses and decreased ability to regulate them.

The Symphony of Neural Correlates and Trauma: An Expanded View

To fully appreciate the impact of IFS on our brain's function, we need to delve deeper into the intricacies of our neural correlates and understand how trauma affects these structures. Neural correlates refer to specific areas or activities in our brain that directly correspond with specific experiences, behaviors, or phenomena. In terms of IFS, different "parts" or subpersonalities may activate various neural correlates in our brain and bodies.

Trauma, Memory, and the Brain

Trauma has a profound impact on our brain. The areas particularly affected include the amygdala, hippocampus, and the prefrontal cortex. The amygdala, as mentioned earlier, is central to fear responses. When we experience trauma, the amygdala can become hyperactive, causing heightened fear and anxiety. The hippocampus, on the other hand, plays a crucial role in memory formation and storage. Trauma can disrupt the functioning of the hippocampus, leading to fragmented and intrusive memories.

IFS: A Therapeutic Light in the Neural Dark

IFS therapy operates at the intersection of these neural correlates and structures. By cultivating a compassionate, curious, and calm "Self", it fosters the activation of the mPFC, promoting emotional regulation and self-awareness. Additionally, IFS aids in the processing of traumatic memories by facilitating a healthier interaction between the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex. Through the process of unburdening in IFS, these memories are acknowledged and understood from a safe distance, leading to more integrated and less intrusive memory recall.

IFS and Psychopharmacology: A Complementary Approach

While psychopharmacology can help manage symptoms and provide relief, it often doesn't address the root cause of the problem. In contrast, IFS digs deep to unearth the underlying issues and works towards resolution and self-healing. However, IFS and psychopharmacology are not mutually exclusive. They can work hand in hand. In many cases, psychopharmacological treatments can help stabilize a client's mood or anxiety to a level where they can effectively engage in IFS therapy.

Trusting the Process

Engaging with the IFS model is not just a cerebral exercise; it's a deeply personal journey. It is not without challenges, but the neuroscience, trauma, and memory evidence validate its effectiveness, reassuring both me and my clients. As we embark on this journey, we can trust in the process and the innate healing power that each one of us holds within.

So, for those of you who are skeptical, I hear you, and I was once in your shoes. But my experience with IFS, paired with the growing body of neuroscience research, has shown me its transformative potential. I invite you to keep an open mind, delve into the research, and perhaps even experience it for yourself. The journey might just surprise you.

The realm of the mind is vast and complex, but with every scientific and therapeutic stride we take, we get one step closer to unraveling its mysteries. IFS, with its roots in neuroscience, offers a promising path towards this understanding.

Do you have any questions about IFS?

Azaan