In the journey to better understand and nurture our mental health, we often encounter internal conflicts, especially when it comes to our relationship with food and body image. Many of our compulsions and behaviors can be seen through the lens of Internal Family Systems (IFS) including food and body image. In this blog, we'll explore food and body image issues within the context of IFS.

Food, Body Image, and Internal Conflicts

Our relationship with food and body image can be deeply intertwined with our emotional and mental well-being. Compulsions, such as overeating, restrictive eating, or obsessive exercising, are often seen as problematic behaviors. However, in the framework of IFS, they can be understood as the actions of protectors—inner parts of ourselves that emerge to try to help us move toward or away from something in order to shield us from emotional pain, rooted in past traumas or negative beliefs about ourselves.

Understanding Protectors

Protectors are like internal guardians, often attempting to keep us safe from feelings, experiences, or situations that they perceive as threatening. When it comes to food and body image issues, several types of protectors can emerge.

*These are illustrative and meant to give examples - we highly recommend exploring your own internal system with a trained IFS therapist.

1. **The Perfectionist:** This protector strives for an ideal body image or the perfect diet, believing that achieving this goal will lead to self-acceptance and happiness. It drives behaviors such as strict dieting and intense exercise regimens.

2. **The Caretaker:** The caretaker protector uses food as a source of comfort and safety. It might lead to overeating or emotional eating as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or emotional pain.

3. **The Skeptic:** This protector is hyper-aware of society's standards and is quick to judge and criticize any perceived imperfections. It can lead to negative self-talk, body shame, and an intense focus on appearance.

4. **The Rebel:** The rebel protector often reacts against societal norms and expectations, which can manifest as rejecting healthy eating habits or engaging in destructive behaviors to gain a sense of control.

Healing Through IFS

The Internal Family Systems (IFS) approach offers a compassionate way to heal the complex relationship between our internal protectors and our true selves. Here's how you can begin to work with your protectors:

1.**Curiosity**:  The first step toward healing in IFS is getting to know the parts with openness and curiosity. Approach your protectors with curiosity to really get to know what they are protecting you from and why.

2.**Self-Compassion:** The real key to healing through IFS is self-compassion. Approach your protectors with understanding and empathy, acknowledging that their intentions are rooted in a desire to protect you from emotional pain.

3. **Dialogue:** Engage in an internal dialogue with your protectors. Get to know them, understand their motivations, and express your appreciation for their efforts to protect you.

4.**Build Trust** Get to know how you can build trust with your protectors. Encourage your protectors to join you or give you a little space to explore options for meeting their needs.

5. **Integration:** The ultimate goal is to integrate your protectors, allowing them to transform/update or step back when they are no longer needed and reestablish a harmonious balance within your internal system.

6. **Professional Help:** It's essential to seek the guidance of a qualified therapist trained in IFS to facilitate this process. They can help you navigate the complexities of your internal system and guide you toward healing.

Conclusion

Our relationship with food and body image is far more intricate than it might seem on the surface. IFS offers a valuable framework for understanding how our inner protectors can influence our behaviors and compulsions in these areas. By approaching these protectors with self-compassion and a desire to understand their intentions, we can begin to heal the internal conflicts and find a path towards a healthier relationship with food and body image. Remember, the journey toward self-discovery and healing is a deeply personal one, and seeking professional support can be a valuable part of that process.

Keywords: Food and Body Image, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Protectors, Mental Health, Self-Compassion, Mindful Eating

*Disclaimer: The information in this blog is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health care nor a recommendation or endorsement for any particular treatment plan, organization, provider, professional service, or product. The information may change without notice. No claims, promises, or guarantees are made about the completeness, accuracy, currency, content or quality of information linked. You assume all responsibility and risk for any use of the information.

IFS EMDR Therapy Group is an outpatient therapy group founded by Morgan Levine. We specialize in helping adults struggling with the effects of living in dysfunctional systems move toward healing and wholeness. We provide therapy to address symptoms such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, grief, obsessive and compulsive thoughts and behaviors including but not limited to using work, perfectionism, substances, relationships, food, etc. We offer ongoing support as well as EMDR intensives; both of which are informed by IFS, EMDR, DBT, CBT, Polyvagal Theory, trauma-informed yoga, attachment, and other recovery principles. Our therapists work virtually with clients living throughout Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Florida.  Morgan Levine also provides trauma-informed consultation to therapists worldwide. Connect with us through our website at https://ifsemdrtherapy.com/contact-us.