This Fall I ran three “Beyond Eating” telephone classes using the IFS model. A total of 18 women worked courageously to look at the parts of themselves that ruthlessly criticized them for their eating habits and their bodies. And, we also got to know the opposing parts that engaged in indulgent and out-of-control eating.

For me, the most inspirational result of these classes was the connection between the women. They started out as a group of strangers. Gradually the trust grew and they were able to share very tender and intimate feelings about themselves and their process.

A few of the women had used drawing in their individual therapy to explore the deep processes they were unable to articulate verbally. One by one, these drawings were shared with individually and then the group.

The impact of these drawings was astounding. People resonated instantly with the visual expression of the deep pain. Women who were quieter in class began to take their place more fully as their struggles were seen more clearly. The relationships in the class became truly transformative, as the work deepened both in class and in the homework sessions in-between. They became true support-sisters to each other.

In the weeks that followed, a number of the women have continued to draw. The concept of Self in IFS terms has become a central theme. They have explored the existence of Self and its relationship to their parts. Early trauma and the resulting belief systems of the parts gradually are transformed by an ever-growing presence of Self energy.

As we develop our new website, I intend to have a format for these drawings. I hope that they will inspire others to add theirs to the gallery.