Through this way of looking at mental health, we can begin to understand and conceptualize our clients mental health symptoms, not as a pathology, but more simply as a consequence of their interactions with the social systems in their lives.
Richard Schwartz (1995) explains that this relational view of humanity lends itself to a highly collaborative therapist-client relationship. The therapist understands and values the many strengths and abilities brought to the work of healing by the client, and this interaction empowers the client to better understand themselves and self in relation to others. Great insight into the self can be gained through understanding our family system. Through better understanding the emotional complexities of our upbringing, we are able analyze, empathize, and make changes to our own relationship and communication style.
Healing occurs in many different ways for individuals and families. One of the ways we can begin to progress is by looking at our own childhood experiences from a place of empathy and understanding, and by doing the inner-child work with a trained therapist, we can understand the parts of ourselves that have become wounded, that have repressed pain and sadness, and need to be nurtured by our adult selves. This aspect of psychotherapy is available at AG & Associates for those who are interested and able to work through these complex emotions and memories.
Schwartz emphasizes the value in understanding aspects or parts of ourselves, to discover our wise, compassionate self. Through looking closely at one’s inner critic, and making connections to our family of origin, as well as intergenerational trauma, IFS/Parts theory can be an extremely effective tool for therapists and clients working together. By identifying triggers, intergenerational emotions, as well as understanding consciousness, our clients are able to address PTSD, relationship challenges, Anxiety and Depression.
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