Blog Layout
Why Does that Voice in Your Head
Keep Criticizing You?
Have you ever felt like there's a constant inner critic or judge inside your head, telling you that you're not good enough? Or maybe you have a part of you that is always trying to protect you from pain and discomfort, even if it means sabotaging your goals and relationships?
These different "parts" of ourselves are the focus of a powerful therapeutic approach called Internal Family Systems (IFS). IFS recognizes that we all have a core, authentic self that is whole and untarnished - what IFS calls the "Self."
However, we also have various protective parts that have developed over time to help us cope with difficult emotions and experiences.
The key insight of IFS is that these parts are not the enemy. In fact, they are trying to help us, even if their methods seem counterproductive. By getting to know these parts with compassion and curiosity, we can learn to work with them, rather than against them.
One of the first steps in IFS is to simply become aware of these different parts.
Notice your inner dialogue and when they are in control. Do you have a harsh inner critic that is constantly putting you down? Or maybe a people-pleasing part that is always trying to be perfect? Identifying these parts is the first step towards reclaiming your wholeness.
From there, the IFS process involves engaging in a dialogue with these parts, understanding their origins and intentions, and ultimately integrating them back into the whole.
It helps to become curious about these parts. If you can accept that they are actually on your side and trying to protect you from something, you can gain insight into what the part is fearing. Once we learn what the fear is, we can naturally access compassion and understanding toward the part. This allows us to access our core Self - the part of us that is loving, curious, and resilient.
Ultimately, IFS is about remembering that we are whole, even with all our different parts. By embracing the full complexity of our inner landscape, we can find greater self-acceptance, emotional freedom, and the ability to show up more authentically in our relationships and in the world.
When starting to integrate IFS into how you relate to yourself, it is hugely valuable to have a trained guide to help you access these parts in a way that is potentially healing, instead of retraumatizing. Working with these parts will be a core component of a local retreat we are offering from September 6-8 called “Reclaim Your Wholeness.” If you are interested, register soon as our limited spots are filling up.
You can also work with one or our therapists one-on-one who trained or are training in IFS to guide you through the process. It's a powerful path towards reclaiming your wholeness.
Finally, if you're interested in exploring IFS further, I encourage you to check out the book No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz, the founder of the IFS model. Many people have found it to be a helpful introduction to a new way of relating to yourself that results in more conscious choice and feeling more in alignment with who you are meant to be.
New Paragraph
In our increasingly digital world, it can be tempting to opt for the convenience of online therapy sessions.
The holiday season is upon us, bringing its familiar whirlwind of twinkling lights and festive music. However, many of us feel the ever-present pressure to make everything perfect.
The recent election results have left many feeling anxious, worried, and uncertain about the future.
The holiday season can be particularly challenging for those experiencing grief. While others are celebrating, you may be grappling with a profound sense of loss and emptiness. It's important to remember that grief is a normal response to loss. Whether your loss was recent, a year ago, or ten years ago, the holidays have a way of activating our grief. During this time, you might find yourself struggling with conflicting emotions. On one hand, there's pressure to participate in festivities and appear joyful. On the other, you're dealing with the pain of missing a loved one or processing a significant loss. This internal conflict can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation. It's crucial to acknowledge that there's no "right" way to grieve, especially during the holidays. Some may find comfort in maintaining traditions, while others might need to create new ones. The key is to be gentle with yourself and allow space for your grief. At Insight Counseling and Wellness Center, we understand the complexities of navigating grief during this season. That's why we're offering a special "Grief and Loss During the Holidays" group series. This supportive environment will provide you with tools to cope with your loss, connect with others who understand your experience, and find meaning during this challenging time. Our series will cover various topics, including: Understanding grief and its impact during the holidays Coping strategies for difficult emotions Creating new traditions or adapting old ones Finding ways to honor and remember your loved ones Planning for the new year while acknowledging your loss You'll gain valuable insights, share experiences with others who understand, and develop strategies to navigate this season with more ease and self-compassion. You don't face the holidays alone in your grief. Register now for our " Grief and Loss During the Holidays " group series and take a step towards healing and finding moments of peace during this challenging time. Your journey matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way.
As children, we are wired for connection. Our very survival depends on being accepted by our family and community.
Do you practice yoga with the secret wish that you might meet people like you who are interested in slowing down, connecting to a spiritual practice, and getting some healthy exercise too?
We live in a world that is moving faster than ever before. Our days are packed with endless to-do lists, distractions are constant, and the anxiety of trying to juggle it all can be overwhelming.
In our fast-paced, constantly-connected world, it's all too easy to lose touch with ourselves.
Fear, hopelessness and anxiety are common experiences in the United States right now.
Summer vacations often turn into nonstop itineraries as we try to cram in as many experiences as possible.
Insight Counseling & Wellness Center: Your home for healing, connection,
and wellbeing
Copyright 2023 © All Rights Reserved.
Where to find us:
We have offices in the
City Park West and Capitol Hill
neighborhoods of Denver
