When it comes to addressing mental health issues, particularly those that are trauma-related, there are different approaches that mental health professionals can use. Two of the most popular ones are family therapy and internal family systems. At Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health in Sharon, MA, both of these approaches are offered to clients who need intensive care for their mental health issues. Call us today at 855.520.0531 to learn more about the differences in our Massachusetts internal family systems vs. family therapy programs.
Family Therapy vs. Internal Family Systems
Understanding internal family systems vs. family therapy is crucial in finding the treatment approach that works for you. Family therapy is a therapeutic approach that involves the entire family in the treatment process. It is based on the belief that the family unit is an interconnected system and that the problems of one member affect the whole family. Family therapy aims to improve communication, build healthier relationships, and resolve conflicts within the family.
On the other hand, internal family systems (IFS) is a type of therapy that focuses on the individual’s internal family of sub-personalities or “parts.” IFS believes that a person’s psyche is made up of different parts, each with its own unique function and personality. The goal of IFS is to help the person become more self-aware and to develop a more harmonious relationship with their internal parts.
Internal Family Systems vs. Family Therapy
At Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health, both family therapy and internal family systems are available to clients who need mental health treatment. However, IFS is particularly useful for people who are dealing with situations and behaviors that are fueled by trauma. For example, cutting, burning, and other self-injurious behaviors; self-medication with substances or alcohol (not clinically diagnosed substance use disorder); anxiety; and panic attacks.
Internal family systems is an approach that is evidenced-based, non-shaming, and effective for people who are dealing with trauma-related disorders. It helps clients to understand their internal parts, their roles, and how they interact with each other. The therapist helps clients to recognize their internal parts, their triggers, and how to communicate effectively with them.
Family therapy, on the other hand, can be useful for clients who need to address family dynamics that may be contributing to their mental health issues. For example, if a client’s anxiety is triggered by their relationship with their spouse or their parents, family therapy can help to improve communication and reduce conflict within the family.
Explore Internal Family Systems and Family Therapy at Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health
If you are looking for mental health treatment that can help you address your trauma-related disorders, you may want to consider internal family systems in Massachusetts or family therapy. At Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health, both of these approaches are available to clients who need intensive care for their mental health issues.
Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health is a mental health treatment center located in Sharon, MA. Our treatment approach is evidence-based and non-shaming, with a focus on helping clients become more self-aware and develop more harmonious relationships. We offer a range of programs and services to meet the unique needs of each client, including, but not limited to:
- Men’s and women’s programs
- Intensive outpatient program
- Partial hospitalization program
- Internal family systems
- Solutions-focused therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Narrative therapy
- Acceptance and commitment therapy
We provide intensive, compassionate care without requiring clients to put their lives on hold, making it a valuable resource for individuals who need mental healthcare but are unable to take extended time away from work, school, or other responsibilities. Contact us today at 855.520.0531 to learn more about internal family systems in Massachusetts.