Many see therapy for addiction recovery as a challenging and unique aspect of mental health counseling.  Some models of therapy try to fit addiction into their theoretical model in unhelpful ways.  Others use a more cognitive approach.

IFS is a powerful way to work with addiction.  In treating addictive behavior as a part, we can facilitate clients diving deeper into the roots of this disease.  In being non-pathologizing, IFS is also de-shaming.  This is a huge help in addiction recovery since shame tends to live beneath the surface of clients struggling with addiction.

As I explain both IFS and the disease of addiction, I share that addictive behavior is both a disease and a part,  not one or the other.  It is a disease with genetic and environmental components.  From an IFS lens, this is a part - a firefighter born to protect the client - albeit in unhelpful ways.  Befriending the part is the path to healing.

If you want to deepen your work with clients in addiction recovery, adding IFS will lead to greater outcomes.  Learn more about implementing IFS with addiction through Serenity and Courage:  Applying the Wisdom of IFS in Work with Addiction at Bareiter Counseling Center in Charlotte, NC.

By Carol J. Hollandsworth

MA, LCMHCS, LMFT, AAMFT Approved Supervisor

Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor (NC, SC)

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy (NC, SC), Level III Certified IFS Therapist