Keywords: Internal Family Systems, IFS, trauma healing, psychedelics, mental health, personal growth, meditation, unburdening, self-energy, thriving, Ibogaine, healing, integration, therapy, shamanism, ketamine

Summary: In this episode of Thriving Not Surviving, host Helen Valentino is joined by Michelle Glass — IFS practitioner, educator, and author — for a powerful conversation about trauma healing, psychedelic integration, and the journey from surviving to thriving.

Michelle shares her personal healing journey (with an ACE score of 9) and explains how Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy helps us understand the inner “parts” of ourselves, many of which hold burdens from past traumas. They explore how unburdening these parts creates space for healing, and how accessing the compassionate core known as “self-energy” is central to the process.

The conversation also explores the intersection of IFS with psychedelic therapy, particularly the use of Ibogaine and ketamine. Michelle discusses how psychedelics can deepen the healing process when used intentionally and in the right setting, and why integration is a crucial (and often overlooked) step in psychedelic work. She also emphasizes the importance of daily connection practices and finding a skilled, trauma-informed therapist or guide.

This rich dialogue blends science, spirituality, and lived experience — offering insights for anyone on a healing path.

Takeaways

• Thriving doesn’t always mean life is smooth — it means reconnecting with your authentic self.
• Internal Family Systems (IFS) helps us understand and heal our inner parts.
• Parts of us can hold memories, beliefs, and pain from past trauma.
• Unburdening allows parts to release emotional and energetic weight.
• Self-energy is our core state — calm, compassionate, and capable of healing.
• Psychedelics like Ibogaine and ketamine can support deep trauma healing when paired with skilled integration.
• Integration is vital for processing insights after psychedelic experiences.
• Set and setting are essential in any therapeutic psychedelic work.
• Daily practices like meditation help sustain inner connection.
• Healing is not linear, and everyone’s path is unique.
• The right support system — therapist, guide, or community — is key to sustainable healing.

References

Please see Michelle’s website https://thelistenerllc.com for information on her resources and offerings of:

1. Daily Parts Meditation Practice®: A Journey of Embodied Integration for Clients and Therapists - *** RECEIVE 25% OFF IN THE LISTENER, LLC’s STORE UNTIL SEPT 30, 2025. USE DISCOUNT CODE: Surviving ***
2. IFS and Psychedelic Courses and Resources Including Meditation MP3
3. Other IFS Courses 

IFS Alternative Education Mentioned:

(Suggestion: Always look to ensure the educators are in the IFS-Institute’s Directory of Professionals, that they are trained through IFS-I, they have small supervised group practices, and at the very least contain 45 or more hours as a foundation.)

IFSCA (Stepping Stones and more) https://ifsca.ca

One Self Institute https://oneselfinstitute.com

www.inspiredhealing.co.uk

Instagram: @helens_inspired_healing

Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios

Cover art: Dave Champagne

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