I can do it with a broken heart : Faith-Informed IFS Therapy
I Can Do It With A Broken Heart
I want to take a moment to acknowledge how brave you are for taking steps to address the emotional wounds that you are carrying. We have all endured abuse of some kind. When abuse crosses a line into our divinely created person hood, deep wounds are left that touch not only our hearts but also our sense of self and faith. Your courage in facing these challenges is a testament to the strength and resilience that you found when you said “enough is enough”.
So Where Do You Start : PARTS WORK BABY!
I approach most scenarios with clients from an Internal Family Systems framework. This just means that we have many parts that uniquely make up who we are and sometimes they are all talking in your head at the same time.
No you do not have multiple personalities. You are complex and have experiences that have left parts of you vigilantly protecting wounded parts from further pain.
Does this sound familiar?
Some parts of our inner world are hurt and want to hide in shame or fear. Some parts are performers and people pleasers that will do anything to keep those shameful parts from feeling vulnerable. Some parts are “self-improvers” that are constantly critical and restless. Some parts are BIG and want to completely distract from any bit of discomfort. These big parts sometimes get you in trouble! BEEN THERE!!
Can you name three parts that get most of your attention? What do they tell you? Now, can you consider why they act this way?
No parts are bad. Anxiety is actually what gets us from point A to point B everyday. Anger is often an alarm telling you that something is not right. I pray you can come to thank God for these parts of yourself. Showing self-compassion and gratitude for even our darkest moods and reactions is a step toward acceptance and opening the door to God’s grace.
Personal Growth Outside of Therapy
Growth Happens When You Give Yourself Time to Pause
Journal Prompts for Self-Guided Healing
When time and money keep us from getting one on one help, I've created a set of journal prompts to help you explore your emotions. This is your time to reconnecting with your inner Self.
Where do I feel the most disconnected from my sense of peace?
What would it look like to embrace God’s unconditional love in my healing process?
Which inner parts of me need the most compassion right now?
If you're ready to deepen your healing, I have my journal prompts bundles for purchase on my website. These include daily journal guides that include prayer and scripture for deeper reflection.
Please contact me if you need to know more. Also please share this with friends or family that will find it helpful. I’m praying with you and for you.
Be well, Whitney
Whitney Beard Akins, M.A., LPC Associate 94097
Supervised by: William Rusnack, M.A., LPC-S
Trauma Informed Christian Counseling
Trained Functional Medicine Trauma Specialist
214-659-1471
Serving Counseling Clients in Texas
