Internal Family Systems and Trauma
Why do stories matter for our trauma?
Across every culture, no matter the period in time, we find evidence of humans telling stories. Why? Many theories hold this as a way to pass down information and morals to the next generation as a form of a database, continually absorbing information as it moves along, adapting and conforming to the needs of the next generation. I hold that another reason we tell stories is for a critical need as well: to process trauma.
What is Trauma
Trauma is stress (internal and externally imposed). Sometimes, this stressor can become toxic in that it does not help us in our growth. So where do stories come in? Stories often give us a framework to emulate and process that trauma, a way to see the beginning, middle, and end of how our healing process could look. Stories evolve and grow, as many of us do. Often the way we see ourselves in a story does too, let me give you an example.
I grew up with what scientifically and clinically is considered a ‘traumatic childhood’, however, to me it was just my story. Along the way, I was gifted The Lord of The Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. The main characters of this three-part series are a Wizard who is worried about the world to the point he almost can’t speak clearly, a Man who carries the shame of his forefathers on his back (a shattered sword called Narsil), an Elf who doesn't fit into the majority of his own people due to his beliefs, a Dwarf who only wants to prove himself worthy of exaggerated standards.
Oh, and a group of physically small, emotionally durable yet tested, group of Hobbits whose superpower seems to be joy and loyalty. Any of these sound familiar? I feel I have been closer to each of these characters at different times in my life. A soldier, an outcast, a child unworthy of the stories told from long ago, a bumbling fool with greater strength inside, an overwhelmed person in a world I don’t quite understand.
Internal Family Systems and Trauma
This is almost the framework for Internal Family Systems, a therapeutic method I and my colleagues often utilize with clients who have experienced trauma. Tolkien himself wrote this book series for many reasons throughout his life, inventing multiple languages that are fully viable and living, preserving an amalgamation of Northern European Lore, and if you get real nerdy, a history book to this story (it’s fascinating!). He also wrote as a way to cope with a war he served in and the trauma he described he suffered because of it.
From a therapeutic standpoint, this story tells ways a person can face the world and where they can find a space that works for them, embracing trauma and learning to accept the process of dealing with it as many good stories do.
“Not all that have fallen are vanquished; a king may yet be without a crown, A blade that was broken be brandished; And towers that were strong may fall down.”
Therapy for Trauma in Utah
If you or a loved one are struggling with a traumatic past or recent events that have caused trauma, the therapists at Wasatch Family Therapy are ready to stand beside you and support you on your journey. Schedule your initial appointment by texting or calling 801.944.4555 or filling out this form here.
