fbpx

Using Internal Family Systems (IFS) to complement ACT: addressing avoidance 

Addressing experiential avoidance is a key aspect of ACT intervention, and such behaviours can significantly hinder personal growth and emotional well-being. We wanted to consider how internal family systems (IFS) offers a complementary approach that can effectively tackle avoidance by fostering internal dialogue and self-awareness. Here’s some of our ideas on how IFS can help in addressing these behaviours. 

Understanding avoidance in ACT 

In ACT, avoidance is viewed as a strategy individuals use to escape uncomfortable thoughts and feelings. This might manifest as: 

  • Emotional avoidance: Steering clear of emotions that are painful or distressing. 
  • Cognitive avoidance: Ignoring or distracting oneself from negative thoughts. 
  • Behavioural avoidance: Avoiding situations or activities that trigger anxiety or discomfort. 

ACT encourages individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings, in order to commit to actions aligned with their values, rather than avoiding them. 

The role of IFS in addressing avoidance 

  1. Identifying internal parts: IFS posits that we all consist of our various parts, each with its own beliefs and emotional reactions. Some of these parts may engage in avoidance to protect the individual from emotional pain. For example, consider feeling sadness after a loss; we may have a manager part that sees this sadness as weak, so employs avoidant actions (such as berating oneself or distraction) to protect against this threat. By identifying these parts, clients can begin to understand the motivations behind their avoidance behaviours.
  2. Creating a safe space for exploration: IFS encourages a compassionate exploration of all parts. This safe space allows clients to engage with the manager part that encourages this avoidance without judgment. Understanding the fear or trauma these parts are trying to protect against can reduce the hold of avoidance; something that can also help with self-criticism. In the example above, if the manager part is understood, and validated, then alternative methods for managing this sadness can be explored and this part is less likely to promote avoidance.  
  1. Accessing the self: In IFS, the self  represents a core, compassionate aspect of the individual. By accessing this self, clients can approach their parts with curiosity and compassion; they can access the part that feels the sadness, alongside the manager part which is promoting the avoidance. This can help to soothe fears and reduce resistance, allowing for greater acceptance of uncomfortable feelings. 
  1. Facilitating communication between parts: Using IFS, clients can learn to facilitate dialogue between these different parts, including the avoidant promoting part and other parts that may be more willing to confront discomfort. This internal communication can create a more balanced internal system, where parts collaborate rather than conflict. 
  1. Transforming avoidant strategies: Once clients understand their  parts, they can work on transforming these strategies by promoting alternative ways of managing the sadness, using the example above. So, instead of avoiding, they can learn to engage with discomfort in a more constructive and flexible manner, aligning with the ACT principle of psychological flexibility. 
  1. Connecting with values: IFS can help clients clarify their values and (re)connect with what truly matters to them. By integrating this values-based approach, clients can be motivated to confront avoidance behaviours in favour of actions that align with their deeper goals. 

Practical steps for integration 

  1. Self reflection: Encourage clients to reflect on their avoidance behaviours and identify which internal parts are involved. Journalling or guided imagery can be effective tools. 
  1. Dialogue with parts: Facilitate exercises where clients engage in dialogue with their avoidant parts. Ask questions like, “What are you trying to protect me from?” or “What would happen if I faced this discomfort?” 
  1. Mindfulness practices: Incorporate mindfulness practices from ACT to help clients stay present with their thoughts and feelings, fostering acceptance rather than avoidance. 
  1. Values clarification: Guide clients through values clarification exercises to help them understand what actions are meaningful, which can motivate them to confront avoidance. 

Through exploration of the self in a compassionate way, our clients can learn to accept and decode emotions, thoughts and sensations, hold multiple and complex perspectives, and commit to values-based action.

To learn more about creating powerful therapeutic interventions using IFS and ACT frameworks we are hosting an exciting new online workshop: Internal family systems: flexible selfing and parts work with Dr Aprilia West. This course will teach you how to use both IFS and ACT to activate psychological flexibility. Aprilia is also joining us for an Introduction to emotion efficacy training (EET) this year. Empower your clients to harness their emotions and take action aligned with their values. Sign up to both courses at once and save 20% off your workshop fees! 

Upcoming live training

Introduction to emotion efficacy training (EET) featured image
4 hours
Introduction to emotion efficacy training (EET)

Aprilia West

Read more
Internal family systems: flexible selfing and parts work featured image
6 hours
Internal family systems: flexible selfing and parts work

Aprilia West

Read more

Knowledge hub

Related to your search/filter:

Emotional efficacy and ACT

What do we mean by emotional efficacy? Emotional efficacy refers to an ...

Read more
Internal family systems (IFS) and ACT

What do we mean by internal family systems (IFS)? Internal family syst ...

Read more

Knowledge hub

Blog: Latest insights into ACT

Related to your search/filter:

Using Internal Family Systems (IFS) to complement ACT: addressing avoidance 

Addressing experiential avoidance is a key aspect of ACT intervention, ...

Read more
The impact of low emotional efficacy on wellbeing and performance

Emotional efficacy plays a crucial role in our overall wellbeing and p ...

Read more

Blog: Latest insights into ACT

Resource hub

Related to your search/filter:

Resource hub

Join our newsletter to be the first to receive updates on our upcoming events, exclusive free resources and other valuable goodies. Sign up now and embark on your ACT journey with us!

You can unsubscribe at anytime. Read our full privacy policy here: Privacy policy