My approach to trauma is becoming more and more an integration of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) – IFS informed EMDR (IFSiEMDR)
I’ve been re-reading books about Internal Family Systems (IFS) and I keep coming back to the idea of ‘the self’ and ‘self-energy’. Both are important concepts in IFS. But what exactly is ‘the self’? What does EMDR say about the self? How does this fit with Buddhist ideas? The concept of the self is an important and complex aspect of human psychology, comprising of our experience as an integrated and autonomous entity, separate from others, and characterised by temporal and spatial continuity. The ‘I’ and ‘me’. This intricate construct involves a deep awareness of both of our physical existence and inner attributes, including our character, memories and emotions.
In philosophy, the self is often considered the essence or identity of a person. It refers to the conscious, subjective experience of being an individual. Philosophers like René Descartes explored the self through ideas like “cogito, ergo sum” (“I think, therefore I am”), suggesting that the self is the thinker or the conscious entity that perceives and experiences reality. Other thinkers, such as David Hume, questioned the existence of a permanent “self,” proposing that the self might be a bundle of perceptions rather than a stable entity. Martin Heidegger saw the self as a process rather than something fixed.
In psychology, the ‘self’ refers to an individual’s understanding of their identity, which encompasses their thoughts, feelings, values, and behaviours. Several psychological theories have developed the concept of the self:
Sigmund Freud proposed a model of the psyche divided into the id, ego, and superego. The ego, which represents the rational self, mediates between the desires of the id and the moralistic constraints of the superego.
In humanistic psychology, Carl Rogers saw the self as central to personal growth and well-being. He focused on the self-concept (the way people perceive themselves) and the idea of self-actualisation—the realisation of one’s full potential.
Erik Erikson developed a theory of psychosocial development, where identity formation is crucial during adolescence. The self is shaped through social interactions and the resolution of conflicts at various life stages.
In day-to-day life, ‘self’ refers to the individual person, their personality, their actions, and their sense of identity. It is a term used to express a person’s feelings, thoughts, and awareness about who they are. For example, one may say, “I need to find myself,” which refers to understanding or rediscovering our identity, values, or purpose.
The ‘self’ is a multifaceted concept that includes our sense of identity, consciousness, and individuality. It can be understood as a personal, social, psychological, or philosophical construct, and its meaning may differ based on context. Philosophically, it raises questions about personal identity and existence. Psychologically, it is seen as central to a person’s sense of being and growth. In everyday life, it is simply our awareness of who we are as individuals.
As far as I can tell, EMDR does not have a defined concept of the self in the same way as IFS or Buddhism. It does explain how trauma affects our sense of self and who we are. It talks about trauma affects our sense of identity and describes how healing leads to a healthy sense of self. Both IFS and Buddhism have clear ideas about the self and what it is or isn’t.
I will explore this in the next blog.
