IFS Growth Programs

Women’s IFS Therapy Group

A Growth and Support Opportunity for Women

When: 2 Monday evenings per month - January 2010
Where: Mill Valley, CA
Leader: Bonnie Weiss, MA, LCSW

Why Join A Therapy Group?

It was worse than a bad hair day. Sherrie was facing the fact that her low-lying depression was being to gain on her. She was more distracted at work, less likely to go out with friends, and losing ground in quieting her inner critic’s nattering voice. She was starting to drown in hopelessness about finding the right partner and starting her life. Not an unusual story.

What would be helpful for Sherrie? Certainly individual therapy, someone to talk to and sort out her inner issues.

But let's imagine that she found her way into a women’s group where she could feel the support of others who struggled with the same hidden demons.

Sherrie enters the group feeling concerned that her issues are unique; deeper, darker and more shameful than the average gal. As she gets to know the other women she discovers that this is a group of highly functional women who each hold their own sacred secrets.

When Sherrie feels safe, she begins to explore the origins of her malaise. She finds that her depression comes from that part of her that is doing its best to protect her from being disappointed again. It says. “Its safer to not take chances or feel anything than to be hurt again.” With support, she sees the little girl inside who was rejected. She is hiding in a corner looking pale and tattered.

The women gather around Sherrie. They gently hold that wounded child and tell her that she is safe and loved. Their gentle touch and soft words soothe the child and gradually bring her back to life.  The presence of caring in this moment is a brand new experience for her. It shifts an old core belief about not being valuable or lovable. This tenderness ignites her own inner strength and optimism. The depressed part watches the group’s love flow towards the hurt child, and it relaxes.

The group is moved by Sherrie’s work. Many of the women  share that her process stimulates their own hope. By helping her they feel better about themselves and their ability to have a positive impact on someone’s life.

The women in this group find a sanctuary where they can explore the discordant parts of themselves and experience the consistent support of community.  It is not a pity party, but a place where real healing can occur. The courage that each woman finds in herself translates into emotional stamina that changes stimulates pro-active changes in their lives. These women have found an oasis where they can be mirrored for the best of who they are. They can cry and laugh and have hope again. They are a group of champions! No fairy Godmother, but certainly a better ending to the story!

Click here to read more of my thoughts on creating this group.