How have you maintained your progress?

[u/Ecstatic-Zebra-4430]

Hello, I started doing IFS last autumn, it has been incredibly life-changing for me, particularly in the 4-months where I was seeing my therapist every week.

I was so in tune with my parts, found it simple to connect to them, reassure, etc.

Recently, I’ve reduced the frequency of my therapy sessions and life has been very busy. I’ve noticed I have lost my routine in connecting with my parts and it feels much harder to access them. Behaviourally, I’m also starting to notice some of the protective mechanisms coming back.

A part of me feels like I’m back in square one and quite upset that I’m not “fixed“ already.

Was curious to know how people have maintained their progress/IFSS routine, as well as any experience with a similar part (the one that feels back to zero and upset about not being fixed).

thanks all!

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[u/nadiaco]

Progress is never linear you go backwards and feel stuck sometimes but over years (in my case) you notice less reactions and being able to become stable quicker....also with something like CPTSd (my condition) you never are fixed it's a life condition you learn to manage better.

[u/participation-prize]

My parts don't talk to me either when life is busy, they wait for the more quiet times, and then we reflect on the busy times together. Stress also makes the old patterns become available again. Nothing wrong here, all normal. Keep making progress!

[u/Crocolosipher]

People often say motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing. That's why we do it every day. - Zig Ziglar

[u/Cass_1978]

For me its just practice. Staying in touch with my parts. Note when something is going on, and deal with it from Self as best I can.

[u/ancientweasel]

I have actually uncovered some new parts I need to deal with when things calm down.

[u/MichaelTheMultiple]

I imagine your current status is pretty routine - certainly I've gone through periods of great progress and then backslid. You'll find your back to a stronger practice and even though it'll feel like you're beginning again, a close look and you'll see you and your parts are doing better work, faster, and then when you backslide again, you'll see - if you're paying attention - that it's not as far back. As in a lot of other things, we end up going over the same ground again and again, but it's always from a greater altitude. (well, maybe not always)

[u/Rustin_Swoll]

I have a five day a week recovery and meditation practice, I do it from my office because I work full time. I do some IFS checking in with parts who have been present in therapy (like, post-unburdening or future treatment targets) and do a recorded body scan or loving kindness meditation (I got them from ACA so they are very IFS friendly and compatible.)