IFS Therapy in Dubai-Dr. Millia Begum

What Is IFS Therapy?

Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is a gentle, evidence-based approach developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz for healing trauma, anxiety, addictions and emotional distress. IFS Therapy perceives the mind as composed of distinct “parts” — each with feelings and roles — and a calm, compassionate core called the Self.

What are the different types of parts in the IFS model?

The brief examples of these Parts of the system include:

Exiles are our true young selves, vulnerable and easily rejected or shamed by external systems, leaving wounds of unlovability. Triggers activate these burdens. Protectors hide exile’s pain through suppression, distraction, or seeking validation. The Self, our core essence, embodies qualities like caring, curiosity, and connection, but protectors’ fears often obscure this essence.

How does Internal Family Systems therapy work in practice?

IFS therapy is a gentle, relational process fostering self-leadership. Its goals include freeing protector parts from past extreme roles, healing exiled parts’ painful burdens, harmonising internal conflicts, and restoring trust and safety within the parts toward the Self.

What kinds of symptoms or struggles does IFS help with?

Dr. Millia uses IFS therapy for various psychological issues, including complex PTSD, PTSD, dissociation, grief, childhood trauma, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, emotional dysregulation, burnout, stress, addictions, disordered eating, identity, gender, career, spiritual conflicts, cultural crises, and racial or sexual trauma and inequalities.

How might parts work in IFS help someone cope with trauma and dissociative experiences?

Studies show IFS therapy benefits those with PTSD and Complex PTSD, including symptom reduction, improved depression, anxiety, self-awareness, and healing via emotional integration.

Is IFS therapy effective for treating depression?

IFS Therapy supports protector parts overwhelmed into depression by pressures, and heals exiled parts carrying trauma, abandonment, neglect, or rejection, freeing them from despair and hopelessness.

In what ways might IFS therapy help with panic attacks?

Internal Family Systems Therapy effectively addresses panic attacks, which involve parts triggered by overwhelm or stress. When parts sense a survival threat, they activate responses like fight, flight, freeze, or flee as emergency defences.

Can Internal Family Systems help someone with body image concerns or disordered eating?

IFS therapy enhances awareness of parts related to body, image, eating, and appearance. Protecting parts engage in impulsive behaviours like binge eating, purging, or controlling diet and weight through food restrictions, appearance focus, and calorie monitoring. They may criticise appearance, enforce perfectionism, and uphold high standards. IFS helps individuals understand inner conflicts, often leaving the body as a battleground for self-hatred.

What role can IFS play in healing personality-related struggles?

IFS Therapy is a non-pathological, non-stigmatising approach. Dr Schwartz’s book “No Bad Parts” reinforces this message. Those struggling with self-harm, suicidal urges, emotional dysregulation, self-hate, self-punishment, and relational issues find IFS helps them meet their parts safely and gently. The process varies and is often slow, as many protectors need trust and safety.

Where can I find a certified IFS Therapist in the UAE?

If you’re seeking Internal Family Systems in Dubai, Dr. Millia stands out as one of the UAE’s most experienced and Certified advanced IFS practitioners. She is a UK-trained, DHA-licensed Consultant Psychiatrist with over 25 years of experience in trauma-informed care. Dr. Millia has trained directly with lead trainers, Dr. Richard Schwartz, the founder of the IFS model and other prominent IFS trainers.

For more on IFS Therapy- visit https://milliabegum.ae/ifs-therapy-dubai/

About Dr. Millia

Dr. Millia is a qualified trauma specialist with over 25 years of clinical experience in psychiatry and therapy. She has trained within the UK’s NHS system and has held various clinical roles there. She is a former EMDR Europe Approved Consultant, EMDR researcher, and board member of the EMDR Association UK. She is now a member of the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA).

To Book a Confidential Consultation

If you are looking for trauma-informed care or parts work approach, you are welcome to visit Dr. Millia in a secure and encouraging environment. Her integrative approach can assist whether you are dealing with an emotional pattern you’re ready to change, long-standing trauma, or recent stress.

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