Befriending Parts: Helping our Hardworking Protectors
9-week Group **NEW!**
Live Online Group via Zoom
April 28 - June 23, 2026
Tuesdays, 9:30 am - 11:00am Pacific Time
In mindbody medicine, the pain-prone personality profile includes characteristics like
- perfectionism,
- harsh inner criticism
- people-pleasing,
- emotional blunting, and
- hypervigilance.
Knowing that these personality "traits" correlate with mindbody neuroplastic symptoms, it makes sense that we would try to change or even eliminate these behavior patterns. But as you've probably discovered, trying hard to change these things about us doesn't work and can even make the chronic pain worse.
IFS offers a different approach. What if parts of you are simply using these strategies to try to keep you safe (even though it's making you feel less safe)?
When we get curious about these protective parts and appreciate their hard work and good intentions, we can help them find the safe connection they need. And then their fear-based strategies won't be needed either.
SELF-CARE: While I take care to create a safe and supportive class atmosphere, any self-reflective work can bring up emotions and/or concerns for participants that may not always feel comfortable. By registering for this course, students take responsibility for attending to their own nervous system and providing whatever self-soothing and self-care practices are needed.
Led by Susann SUPRENANT Ph.D., GCFP, Neural Circuit Retraining Health Professional
Feldenkrais Practitioner, IFS Practitioner, and Mindbody Coach for Chronic Pain Recovery
