How IFS and Brainspotting Work Together to Heal Trauma
Trauma has a sneaky way of hanging around. One minute you’re fine, and the next, you’re overthinking a text you sent three years ago or crying because your toast burned. (We’ve all been there.) But here’s the good news: there are therapies that go deeper than just talking about your feelings. Two of the most powerful tools for healing trauma are Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Brainspotting.
On their own, these approaches are like peanut butter and chocolate—great individually, but magical together. When combined, they create a holistic, mind-body healing experience that can help you feel like yourself again (or maybe for the first time).
What Is Internal Family Systems (IFS)?
IFS, aka “parts work,” is a type of therapy that helps you get to know all the different “parts” of yourself. Think of your inner world as a cast of characters:
There’s the inner critic, always pointing out what you could’ve done better.
The anxious part, convinced disaster is lurking around every corner.
And maybe the perfectionist, trying to keep it all together.
These parts aren’t just here to annoy you—they’re coping mechanisms that developed to help you survive life’s challenges. The goal of IFS is to connect with your Self (the calm, compassionate leader inside you) so you can help these parts heal and work together like a dream team.
What Is Brainspotting?
Brainspotting is like the GPS of therapy—it helps you locate and process trauma stored in your brain and body. By using eye positioning to focus on a specific “brainspot,” you can access those emotional hotspots without needing to spill all the details of your trauma. (Introverts, rejoice!)
This gentle, nonverbal approach allows your brain and body to do the heavy lifting of healing while you simply stay present.
Why IFS and Brainspotting Are a Power Couple
IFS and Brainspotting are like peanut butter and jelly—they complement each other perfectly:
Deeper Access to Trauma: IFS helps you pinpoint the parts of yourself holding trauma, while Brainspotting allows you to process it on a neurological level.
Mind-Body Connection: Brainspotting works with the physical sensations of trauma, and IFS helps you understand the emotional stories behind those sensations.
Safety and Compassion: IFS builds self-compassion, making the deep processing of Brainspotting feel safe and supported.
Together, they help you heal from the inside out, addressing both the emotional and physical layers of trauma.
What Happens in a Combined Session?
Here’s what a session blending IFS and Brainspotting might look like:
Meet Your Part: We’ll start with IFS, identifying a part of you that’s feeling hurt, anxious, or overwhelmed. (Think of it as checking in with your inner team.)
Find the Brainspot: Once we’ve connected with that part, we’ll use Brainspotting to locate the spot in your brain that’s linked to its emotional or physical sensations.
Process and Release: As you focus on the brainspot, your body and mind will naturally begin to process and let go of the trauma. Your compassionate Self will be there to support the part through this journey.
Wrap It Up: We’ll end with reflection and a plan for self-care, so you leave feeling grounded and ready for whatever’s next.
Who Benefits from This Dynamic Duo?
This combination is especially helpful for:
People with complex trauma or PTSD: When one therapy isn’t enough, this tag team can go deeper.
Those feeling stuck in talk therapy: If you’ve hit a wall with traditional approaches, this might be the breakthrough you need.
Anyone seeking a holistic approach: It’s like yoga for your emotions—addressing both mind and body.
Healing Is About Reconnection
Healing isn’t about “fixing” yourself. You’re not broken—you’re just carrying parts of yourself that need some TLC. IFS and Brainspotting work together to help those parts feel safe, supported, and ready to let go of the pain they’ve been holding onto.
Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?
If you’re curious about how IFS and Brainspotting can help you, I’d love to guide you through this transformative process. Book an appointment today, and let’s get started on the path to healing.