Internal Family Systems & Food Addiction
4-Week Live Experiential Group
The group is a space for viewing food addiction recovery through the lens of the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model in a small, closed, and supportive group for compassionate and curious exploration of the parts of us that play key roles in our addictive food behaviours. The group runs for 4 weeks with a theme for each week.
Group Overview
Being Internal Family Systems-informed means that we are curious about the natural multiplicity of the mind; everyone has sub-personalities or parts. Sometimes, these parts have opposing needs, which can create internal conflict and extreme behaviours. This perspective acknowledges that our addictions are usually well-intentioned protective responses to challenging experiences.
It signifies a shift from “what’s wrong with me?” to a gentle inquiry into “how are my parts wanting to protect me?”.
The Group is happening online using Zoom from the comfort of your safe space, and comprises of four 90-minute sessions.
Each 90-minute session begins with a check-in, a short presentation and experiential exercise based on a weekly topic, and opportunity for sharing.
A little homeplay experiment may also be offered.
THE DATES & WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
Introduction to the group and basic IFS concepts
Meet your group companions and learn the basics of IFS
Saturday, 3rd of February 2024, 9:30am - 11:00am (AEST)
Moving towards Self-led recovery
Learn about what it means to be in Self, and what recovery looks like when we are in Self-leadership and not driven by our parts
Saturday, 10th of February 2024, 9:30am - 11:00am (AEST)
Mapping your addictive system of parts & noticing polarisations
Explore the energies of internal conflict and how to map the parts involved in it
Saturday, 17th of February 2024, 9:30am - 11:00am (AEST)
Getting to know your parts with the 6 Fs
Gain basic skills in dialoguing with your parts in a structured way
Saturday, 24th of February 2024, 9:30am - 11:00am (AEST)
Is this Group for you?
This group is best suited for those who wish to refresh, consolidate or deepen their recovery and explore their addiction from a compassionate angle. It's for you if you:
- Identify as having a food addiction
- May be in a peer or commercial food program and have a food plan
- May be having trouble sticking to your food plan
- Are curious about what keeps you stuck and wish to gain new insights
- Wish to try basic techniques of dialoguing with your parts
- Are comfortable with guided meditations
- Are willing to commit to join for the whole duration of the group
Identify as having a food addiction
May be in a peer or commercial food program and have a food plan
May be having trouble sticking to your food plan
Are curious about what keeps you stuck and wish to gain new insights
Wish to try basic techniques of dialoguing with your parts
Are comfortable with guided meditations
Are willing to commit to join for the whole duration of the group
Please Note:
This group does not constitute personal or group therapy. It is a self-enquiry group and aims to offer opportunity for group mutuality and connection. Being involved with a broader support team such as a GP, therapist or other healthcare practitioner is encouraged.
Before you book:
Cancellations received 30 days or more in advance of the group will be refunded in full. Cancellations made with less than 30 days’ notice cannot be refunded, as places in the workshop are limited and there is insufficient time to offer your place to someone else.
Be sure to check my full Terms of Service
Be sure the times and dates suit you. You can convert your timezone here.
Reviews
I learned so much about myself. I have two parts which want to make sure I don’t fail in my sugar free eating. One part (F. It) wants to make it as easy as possible as if it’s too hard I won’t sustain it. The other (Watch it!) part wants to get it done and do it right, with structure, discipline and no wiggle room. My Self (not a part) brings these two parts compassion and understanding.
Joanne
Taking part in the IFS group was a very positive and enriching experience for me. Vanessa is a caring facilitator who created a safe and judgement-free environment where I felt comfortable sharing freely with other participants. Learning to identify and dialogue with my various inner parts helped me understand the root of my compulsive behaviours. Internal Family Systems is a fascinating theory, but what I really enjoyed was the way the sessions brought theory into practice through the experiential visualisations and meditations.
