Our protectors, managers and firefighters alike, are devoted parts in our internal system, even if their methods sometimes create struggle or disconnection. When we meet them with curiosity and love, we open the door to change and invite every part of us to work together in harmony.

The felt sense is a concept developed by philosopher Eugene Gendlin. It refers to a deep, internal bodily awareness of a situation, emotion, or experience, something more nuanced than just a physical sensation or a named emotion.

Art therapy is innately creative, embraces metaphor, often explores unconscious thought, and brings about meaning-making from imagery. Art therapy easily aligns with IFS because of its reliance on internal dialogue, metaphors, communication, and connections.

Art therapy offers a powerful, natural approach to alleviating the symptoms of PTSD and traumatic experiences. A 2016 study by Drexel University found that engaging in art-making for just 45 minutes can significantly reduce cortisol levels, a stress-related hormone which correlates with prolonged nervous system dysregulation.

Art therapy is innately creative, embraces metaphor, often explores unconscious thought, and brings about meaning-making from imagery. Art therapy easily aligns with IFS because of its reliance on internal dialogue, metaphors, communication, and connections.