The Integration of Spiritual Experiences

Colorful illustration of the position of chakras in the body.

In this article I will explore the impact of spiritual experiences on the psyche in terms of the brain, the personality system and our response to novel situations that challenge our worldview. I will then offer ways to understand and work with our own protective systems that facilitate the integration of emergent spiritual experiences.

Exploring your Own System

‘Me and My Parts’ Internal Family Systems (IFS) diagram illustrating parts work and the Self.

If you want to review what IFS is all about or don’t have access to a therapist then this post has a video, handout and link to a facebook page all designed to help you out.

A Critique of EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique)

Illustration of EFT tapping points on the face.

Emotional Freedom Technique acknowledges multiplicity and holds the promise of tapping our troubles away. Yet when we look at the popularity of this technique from an IFS perspective we can perhaps glean a deeper understanding of what is going on in our system.
Available as a PDF

Vicarious Trauma & Empathic Overwhelm

Illustration with the words ‘Giving Empathy’ above two animals hugging.

This article considers vicarious trauma in realtion to empathic parts. It discusses the limits of empathy, introduces the term “empathic overwhelm” which is to a degree synonymous with burnout and compassion fatigue, and invites those working in human services to foster compassion and compassionate connection as the healing response.

Grief & IFS: Mapping the Terrain

Black and white line drawing of a woman in a defeated position, expressing sorrow.

Compassion heals.
This article explores contemporary approaches to grief and loss then outlines an IFS perspective. It is written for both therapists and non-therapists and offers practical strategies for working with the “Loss Cluster” activated as a result of lost attachments.
This article is available as a PDF file.

Monogenderism & Self Oppression

Book cover for the book Transgender Warriors: Making History from Joan of Arc to Dennis Rodman by Leslie Fineman.

Monogenderism refers to the pervasive and oppressive belief that an individual has only one gender – as opposed to many parts with different genders. This belief limits our awareness and supports transphobic violence. This article argues that transphobia is a form of reaction formation related to the disowned gender variant parts in the personality system.