Internal family systems theory?

[elizabeth]

My T is IFS trained and we use it a lot. I have friends who practice it (as T's) and have read quite a bit about it. Basically, it is a nonpathologizing way to acknowledge that we all (DID or not) have parts in us. For those with DID, the parts are much more separate and often feel as other. In trauma it is thought thta layers develop to protect what are called exiles (parts who took the pain). There are firefighters, who basically use anything at hand to stop the exile from pain. Their ways may seem odd (such as SI to stop a part from feeling more pain from others). They are most likely to cause the extreme reactions. The managers kind of take care of everyday life. Part of the IFS treatment is getting the self (which is good, whole and compassionate) to relate to parts and create a loving environment to those who hurt. It is not an easy and often not fast process for those who have been traumatized. I find it very helpful.