What is Therapeutic Journaling: And How Does it Differ from Diary Writing?
May 21, 2024
Writing Through Grief and Loss: An IFS Journal for Healing
August 1, 2024
*Spoiler alert: I discuss parts of the movie, so if you want to be surprised, read this after the movie. Or not 🙂
Disney Pixar’s “Inside Out” is a fantastic depiction of how our emotions and internal systems work, capturing the essence of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. As a therapist in Richmond, VA specializing in IFS, I found the movie and its sequel, “Inside Out 2,” to be insightful and engaging.
Here are five things the movie got right about IFS therapy:
1. Parts (Well, Sort of)
In the Pixar movie, all of these “parts” are depicted within Riley’s brain. Each emotion—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust—represents a different part of Riley’s internal system. IFS therapy describes these “parts” as distinct energies that reside in different areas of our body. Each part has its own role and influence on our behavior and feelings. The movie brilliantly illustrates this concept by personifying these emotions, making it easier for viewers to understand how our internal parts interact and affect us.
2. Who’s in Control? (Blending)
The movie uses a “console” to depict how different emotions can take control of Riley’s actions and reactions. Throughout the film, Joy and Anxiety often compete to dominate the console. In IFS, this is known as “blending,” where one part takes over, influencing a person’s thoughts and behaviors disproportionately. This visual representation helps to explain how a dominant part can overshadow others, impacting our sense of balance and emotional well-being.
3. Personality Islands (Teenagers!)
“Inside Out” also features “Personality Islands” that represent different aspects of Riley’s identity, such as Family Island, Friendship Island, and Hockey Island. As Riley transitions into her teenage years, we see these islands change in size and importance. Friendship Island becomes more significant than Family Island, reflecting typical adolescent development. IFS therapy emphasizes understanding these different parts of our personality and how they evolve over time, aligning well with the movie’s portrayal.
4. Anxiety and Puberty
In “Inside Out 2,” Riley hits puberty, and her core emotions, including Envy, Ennui, Embarrassment, and especially Anxiety, are spotlighted. The movie normalizes anxiety as a part of growing up, something therapists strive to convey to their clients. Recognizing anxiety as a normal, albeit challenging, part of development is crucial in helping clients manage their feelings and reduce self-doubt.
5. A Sense of Self
Throughout the movie, Joy tries to manage Riley’s memories to maintain a positive sense of self. She throws away memories that don’t support Riley’s positive self-view. While this is a simplified depiction, it highlights an important aspect of IFS therapy: helping clients become more self-led. By acknowledging and integrating all parts and memories, clients develop a more cohesive and fluid sense of self. The movie illustrates this beautifully, showing that even challenging memories have a place and can contribute to a richer, more nuanced identity.
View of “Inside Out” from an IFS Therapist
As a Level 1 IFS therapist in Richmond, VA, I loved Disney Pixar’s “Inside Out” and its sequel. These movies capture fundamental concepts of emotions and IFS therapy in a fun and relatable way. The portrayal of emotions as parts and the journey towards a more integrated self aligns closely with the goals of IFS therapy.
A Sense of Self in IFS Therapy
One of the main benefits of IFS therapy is helping clients become more self-led. This happens when clients recognize their inner power and connect more deeply with themselves and others. The concept of a fluid sense of self, introduced at the end of the movie, is central to IFS therapy. Initially, Joy tries to control memories to protect Riley’s sense of self. However, the movie shows that all memories are important and work together to form a new, more fluid sense of self.
Disney Pixar has struck gold again with “Inside Out 2,” enhancing our understanding of emotions and internal systems. As therapists, these movies offer valuable insights and a relatable way to discuss complex emotional processes with clients, especially those struggling with self-doubt and a strong inner critic.
Begin Therapy at Life Cycles Counseling in Richmond, VA
You don’t have to face big emotions alone. Our counselors in Richmond, VA are equipped with innovative techniques like internal family systems, guided imagery, hypnotherapy, brainspotting, and storytelling, providing a safe space for your healing. Your past can be transformed, your memories reconsolidated, and your future informed.
I take the scenic route when treating big emotions like anger, resentment, and grief because there’s less opportunity for shame to enter the room.
To get started at Life Cycles Counseling, follow these simple steps:
- Contact Life Cycles Counseling
- Learn about our creative and effective ways for rapid healing
- Sign up for a transformational writing group!
- Start healing, growing, and gaining confidence in a healthy way!
About The Author
Dr. Adina Silvestri is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Internal Family Systems Therapist, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, and Certified Brainspotter in Richmond, Virginia.
She loves using storytelling and metaphor, among other techniques, to help clients become aware that the feelings need to fit the facts and sometimes the facts are just wrong!
And she just plain loves being a Therapist.
