Working with suspicious, stubborn, and dangerous parts: a Talk with Mike Elkin

Mike Elkin, an IFS Senior Lead Trainer, discusses advanced IFS concepts related to working with challenging client parts. The conversation explores befriending suspicious and stubborn parts often found in individuals with complex trauma, emphasizing the importance of curiosity over defensiveness. Elkin argues that protective parts, while positively intended, often attract what they aim to repel, and he stresses the importance of avoiding moral judgment when working with clients. He also shares techniques for disarming dangerous parts, such as suicidal or self-harming parts, by contracting with them and helping them feel safer. Additionally, Elkin highlights the significance of establishing clear therapeutic contracts to ensure effective progress and address client expectations.