CREDITS
By Dr Melane van Zyl
When we have experienced trauma, it can lead to the formation of complexes. Many Jungian analysts and scholars argue that the discovery of complexes was Jung’s most important contribution to psychology.
A complex is a form of energy, and we are not aware of it until it is triggered. It also has a “felt” sense, meaning that it affects our bodies. A triggered complex can lead to an outburst of emotions and behaviours that is almost impossible to control.
Luckily, we have techniques to deal with complexes and the consequences of trauma.
EMDR, IFS, and Schema therapy are three distinct psychotherapeutic approaches, each with its own theoretical basis and techniques. While they differ in many ways, they can be integrated to provide a comprehensive approach to addressing psychological issues, particularly those related to trauma. Here, we will briefly compare these three therapies and discuss how they can be combined.
1. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR):
• Developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s.
• Primarily used to treat trauma-related issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which posits that psychological distress results from unprocessed traumatic memories.
• Uses bilateral stimulation (e.g., eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones) to facilitate the processing and reprocessing of traumatic memories, reducing their emotional intensity and associated symptoms.
2. Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy:
• Developed by Richard Schwartz in the 1980s.
• Based on the premise that individuals have multiple “parts” or sub-personalities within them, each with its own characteristics, roles, and intentions.
• Aims to help individuals develop a harmonious relationship with their parts and foster an integrated and balanced sense of self, referred to as the “Self.”
• Uses techniques such as guided imagery, mindfulness, and internal dialogue to access, understand, and integrate parts.
3. Schema therapy:
• Developed by Jeffrey Young in the 1990s.
• Focuses on identifying and modifying deep-rooted cognitive and emotional patterns called schemas, which underlie many psychological issues.
• Schemas develop during childhood due to unmet emotional needs and persist into adulthood, influencing cognitive, emotional, and behavioural patterns.
• Uses a combination of cognitive, behavioural, and experiential techniques to address maladaptive schemas and promote healthier patterns.
Combining EMDR, IFS, and Schema therapy:
These therapies can be combined to provide a comprehensive and integrative approach to addressing a wide range of psychological issues, particularly those related to trauma. Here’s how they can be integrated:
• EMDR can be used with IFS therapy to process and reprocess traumatic memories that are associated with specific parts. This integration can help clients resolve their trauma, allowing their parts to shift roles and function more harmoniously within the internal system.
• EMDR can also be integrated with Schema therapy to process and reprocess traumatic memories that contribute to the development and maintenance of maladaptive schemas. By resolving these memories, clients can re-evaluate and modify their schemas, promoting healthier cognitive, emotional, and behavioural patterns.
• IFS and Schema therapy can be combined to address both the parts-based and schema-based aspects of an individual’s psychological issues. This may involve using IFS techniques to access and understand parts while employing Schema therapy techniques to identify and modify maladaptive schemas.
In summary, EMDR, IFS, and Schema therapy are distinct therapeutic approaches that can be combined to provide a comprehensive and integrative treatment for individuals with psychological issues, particularly those related to trauma. This integration can maximize the benefits of each approach and facilitate holistic healing. However, it is essential to work with a trained and experienced therapist who can safely and effectively integrate these approaches.
I currently offer EMDR to my patients. Read more about EMDR