Managing Chronic Pain with Internal Family Systems Therapy
Understanding the Experience of Pain
Chronic pain affects every aspect of life—physical health, emotional well-being, and relationships. Pain can activate protective parts that try to manage or suppress suffering, often leaving individuals feeling disconnected from their bodies.
Meeting Parts Affected by Pain
IFS helps clients connect with the parts that hold frustration, hopelessness, or anger about pain. These parts may feel ignored or invalidated. By listening to them, clients begin to understand the emotional layers of their experience and reduce suffering.
The Role of Trauma in Pain
For some, chronic pain is linked with unresolved trauma. Pain can act as a messenger from parts holding trauma memories. IFS provides a safe pathway to connect with these parts and gradually release the burdens they carry, which may alleviate both emotional and physical symptoms.
Restoring Trust in the Body
IFS encourages clients to reconnect with their bodies through Self-energy. By approaching the body with compassion instead of frustration, clients can foster resilience and regain a sense of control. This shift often leads to improved coping and, in some cases, reduced pain perception.
Living Well with Chronic Pain
While IFS may not eliminate chronic pain, it transforms the way individuals relate to it. Clients learn to lead from Self, balancing acceptance with hope, and creating a more empowered relationship with their bodies.
Call to Action:
If chronic pain is affecting your life, IFS can help you find new ways to heal. Book a session today.
References:
Lumley, M. A., Schubiner, H., Lockhart, N. A., Kidwell, K. M., Harte, S. E., Clauw, D. J., & Williams, D. A. (2017). Emotional awareness and expression therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and education for fibromyalgia: A cluster-randomized controlled trial. Pain, 158(12), 2354–2363.
Gatchel, R. J., Peng, Y. B., Peters, M. L., Fuchs, P. N., & Turk, D. C. (2007). The biopsychosocial approach to chronic pain: Scientific advances and future directions. Psychological Bulletin, 133(4), 581–624.
Hassett, A. L., & Gevirtz, R. N. (2009). Nonpharmacologic treatment for chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain. Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology, 23(2), 275–284.