Exploring the Parallels Between Severance and Internal Family Systems Therapy: A Trauma-Informed Perspective

Feb 19

4 min read

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In Apple TV’s hit show Severance, employees at Lumon Industries undergo a radical procedure: their memories and presence are split between their work and personal lives. This “severance” creates two distinct versions of themselves, existing independently of each other. While Severance is a dystopian drama, its core concept resonates deeply with those of us in the field of trauma-informed therapy, particularly those trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy.

Internal Family Systems Infographic, IFS Therapy — This is a general infographic that introduces IFS Theory in terms of "parts"

At its heart, Severance is a profound metaphor for the compartmentalization and fragmentation that can arise as a result of trauma. As a trauma-informed couples therapist, I find the parallels between the show’s premise and the principles of IFS both striking and illuminating. Let’s dive into how Severance mirrors the inner world of those navigating trauma and how IFS therapy offers a path toward integration and healing.

Fragmentation in Trauma and Severance

In IFS, we understand the human psyche as composed of various “parts,” each with its own roles and goals. These parts often develop as adaptive responses to pain, fear, or unmet needs, creating a system that works to protect and preserve the individual. Trauma, however, can lead to a disconnection or “splitting” within this system.

For instance:

• Exiled Parts: These parts hold the pain, shame, or memories of traumatic experiences. They are often suppressed or avoided because they feel overwhelming.

• Protector Parts: These include managers (who strive for control and perfection) and firefighters (who use impulsive behaviors or distractions to numb pain).

In Severance, this dynamic is magnified to a literal extreme. The “innie” (work self) is cut off from the “outie” (home self), much like how trauma survivors may unconsciously compartmentalize aspects of their lives or selves to cope with distress. Just as Lumon employees live in parallel but disconnected realities, trauma survivors may feel as though parts of their lives—or their very identities—are inaccessible or at odds with one another.

The Struggle for Integration

In both Severance and IFS therapy, the key challenge is integration. Lumon’s employees begin to question their fractured existence, yearning to bridge the divide and understand the “other side” of themselves. Similarly, in IFS therapy, clients learn to acknowledge, listen to, and compassionately reconnect with their internal parts, creating a more cohesive sense of self.

Through a trauma-informed lens, this integration involves:

1. Cultivating Curiosity: In Severance, characters begin to ask questions about their other lives. In IFS, we foster curiosity toward internal parts, even those we might initially fear or resent.

2. Reducing Shame: Much like the employees in Severance who feel trapped in roles they didn’t choose, trauma survivors often carry shame or guilt about their behaviors or emotions. In IFS, we work to unburden these parts and remind them of their inherent worth.

3. Healing Through Connection: Ultimately, the goal of IFS is to help clients reconnect their parts into a harmonious whole—akin to the characters’ quest for self-reintegration in Severance.

How This Relates to Couples Therapy

For couples impacted by trauma, the themes of Severance and IFS take on even greater significance. Trauma often creates barriers to connection, with partners feeling isolated not only from each other but also from their own inner worlds. Common dynamics include:

• Emotional “splitting,” where one partner struggles to access or express emotions while the other feels emotionally abandoned.

• Protective behaviors, like shutting down or lashing out, that mirror the firefighter and manager roles in IFS.

• A deep longing for closeness and understanding that feels blocked by unseen forces.

As a Gottman-certified (level 2) couples therapist and Fair Play Facilitator, I often integrate IFS principles into my work with couples. By helping each partner understand their own internal systems—and the systems of their partner—I guide them toward deeper empathy, connection, and collaboration. The process mirrors the journey of integration seen in Severance: breaking down walls, exploring the unknown, and rediscovering wholeness.

Bringing It All Together

While Severance dramatizes the concept of fragmentation, it also sheds light on the universal human struggle for integration. Trauma survivors and couples alike can relate to the yearning to feel whole, seen, and connected. Internal Family Systems therapy provides a compassionate and effective framework for this healing process, reminding us that every part of us—no matter how hidden or exiled—deserves to be understood and embraced.

If Severance has left you pondering the nature of identity, connection, and healing, consider this your invitation to explore the depths of your own inner world. Whether you’re navigating trauma, relationship challenges, or simply seeking greater self-awareness, IFS therapy offers a powerful path forward.

Are you ready to begin your journey toward integration and connection? Reach out today to learn how trauma-informed therapy can help you reclaim your wholeness.