How Healing Inner Conflict Differs from Other Modalities
When it comes to therapy, many approaches aim to help us resolve the inner battles that affect our mental and emotional wellbeing. One such approach gaining attention is Healing Inner Conflict (HIC), developed by David Gottlieb. While it shares some similarities with other parts-based therapies, HIC offers a unique and deeply experiential way to work with the complexities of our inner world.
What Sets Healing Inner Conflict Apart?
1. Focus on Felt Experience Over Intellectual Analysis
Unlike many talk therapies that primarily engage the mind and cognitive understanding, HIC emphasizes feeling the emotions and sensations tied to inner conflicts. Instead of just discussing thoughts or behaviors, HIC invites clients to deeply experience the emotional tension between conflicting parts within themselves. This felt experience is often where true healing begins.
2. Compassionate Witnessing of Inner Parts
While therapies like Internal Family Systems (IFS) also work with "parts," HIC focuses on creating a compassionate witnessing space. The therapist supports the client in gently observing and accepting all conflicting parts without judgment or rushing to change them. This compassionate stance helps soften resistance and promotes natural integration.
3. Non-Pathologizing Approach
Healing Inner Conflict views conflicting inner parts not as “problems” or symptoms to fix but as natural expressions of our humanity trying to protect us in different ways. This reframing reduces shame and self-criticism, allowing for deeper self-acceptance and growth.
4. Emphasis on Resolution Through Emotional Integration
Instead of trying to suppress or "out-think" inner conflicts, HIC encourages the integration of opposing feelings — such as anger and vulnerability or fear and desire — by allowing both to be fully felt and held in awareness. This emotional resolution leads to lasting inner harmony.
5. Therapeutic Relationship as a Healing Container
HIC places great importance on the therapeutic relationship itself. The therapist’s empathetic presence and ability to hold space for the client’s experience creates a safe environment where inner conflict can be explored and healed naturally.
How Does This Compare to Other Modalities?
Therapy TypeKey ApproachFocusRole of TherapistHealing Inner Conflict (HIC)Felt emotional experience, compassionate witnessingEmotional integration and acceptanceSupportive, non-judgmental witnessInternal Family Systems (IFS)Parts identification and dialogueNegotiation between partsFacilitator of parts communicationCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Changing thoughts and behaviorsRestructuring thinkingActive coach and educatorPsychodynamic TherapyUnconscious conflicts and past traumaInsight into patternsInterpreter and guide
While each of these methods has its merits, HIC stands out in its gentle, experiential approach to inner conflict — inviting clients to feel into their emotional divides with compassion and presence, rather than analyzing or "fixing" them.
In Summary
Healing Inner Conflict offers a unique pathway to emotional healing by prioritizing deep felt experience, compassionate acceptance, and integration of conflicting parts within us. Its non-pathologizing and relational nature creates a safe space for authentic transformation, making it a powerful option for anyone seeking to resolve their inner battles in a holistic and heart-centered way.
