An examination of internal family systems interventions for trauma with implications for ethical psychedelic-assisted treatment

Bibliographic Data

ID4619862
AuthorsM Earleywine (0000-0002-6870-0623, University at Albany, State University of New York, corresponding author), Achille Bonito Oliva (0000-0003-4522-0309, University at Albany, State University of New York), Joseph A De Leo (0000-0002-1793-119X), Robyn Banks
Year2024
Publication date2024-03-05
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Psychedelic Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2559-9283 • E-ISSN: 2559-9283
PublisherAkademiai Kiado Zrt (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1556/2054.2024.00265
OpenAlexW4392453668
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited12

Though several treatments effectively address the pervasive impact of trauma, they do not achieve complete symptom resolution for all clients, inspiring the search for alternatives. Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy has grown popular, especially in informal psychedelic-assisted treatments (PAT). Compared to stereotypes of empirically validated, exposure-based treatments, IFS has novel facets with widespread appeal. The model encourages improved quality of interactions among multiple, naturally arising "parts" or subpersonalities potentially generated by traumatic experience. The body of IFS literature is extensive, enthusiastic, and thought-provoking. Outcome data for applying the model to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder are limited. Attempts to operationalize and falsify the theory's assumptions and proposed mechanisms will likely prove challenging. Nevertheless, the model's popularity underscores a problem with perceptions of the empirically-supported treatments. Contemplating ethical ways to present the IFS approach given the state of relevant research, we note strategies that would apply to recommendations for PAT of any type. These strategies include detailed psychoeducation about empirically-supported treatments, candid description of the experimental nature of alternatives, frequent assessments of improvement, and detailed monitoring of potential iatrogenic effects. Drawing on facets of IFS to improve perceptions of the empirically validated treatments might provide an efficient way to appeal to more clients, decrease drop out, and increase gains as we await results of empirical investigations of IFS-influenced PAT. These steps can allow clients to choose an approach consistent with their own impressions of a credible intervention, potentially leading to better outcomes

Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Psychotherapist · Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research · Psychedelics and Drug Studies · Psychology · Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications

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