In this conversation, I sit down with three physician–psychotherapists—Dr. Elizabeth Parsons, Dr. Risa Adams, and Dr. Robin Beardsley—co-authors of a book that asks us to consider: It Doesn’t Have To Be This Way.

We explore Internal Family Systems (IFS), self-energy, and the “U-turn” as practical tools for reclaiming agency, setting boundaries, and softening people-pleasing.

They share how collaboration at the speed of trust helped them write together, and why “all parts are welcome, not all behaviors.”

If you’ve ever felt swallowed by shoulds, this one offers micro-practices of compassion, choice, and connection.

Connect with Risa: https://www.risaadamsmd.com/ 

Connect with Elizabeth: https://www.eparsonsmd.ca/ 

Connect with Robin: https://yourcompassionateself.ca/

Buy their book: https://www.amazon.ca/Doesnt-Have-This-Way-Physicians/dp/B0FMQ4KZ9W

Learn more about Hippocratic Collective: https://hippocraticcollective.org/

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd