In this episode of the Going Inside Podcast, I sit down with Mel Galbraith, a Level 3 IFS therapist and COO of IFSCA, to dive into the practical side of unblending and direct access in Internal Family Systems therapy. We explore what to do when clients struggle to "drop in" or when protectors resist stepping back, and Mel shares how to approach these situations with curiosity, patience, and flexibility. We also touch on the role of self-energy in creating safety, how to avoid bypassing protectors, and the balance between sticking to the model and meeting clients where they are.

Key Takeaways:

1. Protectors resist unblending for a reason—curiosity and validation are key to earning their trust.
2. Direct access can feel intimidating but is a natural and effective way to engage parts when insight work stalls.
3. Prioritizing client safety and flexibility over rigidly following the model leads to deeper, more authentic healing.

Learn more about Mel:
https://www.youtube.com/@IFSCA
https://www.youtube.com/@mel.galbraith
https://www.facebook.com/p/ifsca-61563584521442/

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Resources:

• Free Training - Learn how to integrate the principles of IFS into your therapy practice: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast
• Use code: JOHN for a 1 month grace period with Jane or click HERE to get started!
• Receive 10% off a grounding product at Grounding Well with code GWJOHNCLARKE
• Join Pathways to Self - An IFS basics course for therapists and practitioners:
• Download my Free IFS Meditation

Connect with me:
https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/
https://www.instagram.com/johnclarketherapy/
https://www.tiktok.com/@johnclarketherapy
https://www.youtube.com/@johnclarketherapy

Grab Your Seat for the Free IFS Webinar Here: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast

In this episode of the Going Inside Podcast, I do a second live Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy demo with Sarah, revisiting her journey of addressing heavy emotional burdens and discovering the power of creativity and play. We explore blocked imagination, a sense of responsibility for others' emotions, and the effects of reconnecting with playful, lighthearted parts. The session includes an unburdening process and Sarah learns how bringing creativity into daily life can foster emotional balance and resilience.

*This is part 1 of a 3-part series of real Internal Family Systems therapy sessions
*Please note that the client's name has been changed to protect their privacy.

Key Takeaways:

1. Reconnecting with imaginative parts can help reframe heavy emotions and create space for joy and lightness.
2. Releasing emotional burdens allows space for new, positive qualities like lightness, music, and playful energy to take root.
3. Building relationships with parts helps manage challenging interactions and turn serious situations into opportunities for growth and play.

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Free Training - Learn how to integrate the principles of IFS into your therapy practice: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast

Use code: JOHN for a 1 month grace period with Jane or click HERE to get started!

Receive 10% off a grounding product at Grounding Well with code GWJOHNCLARKE or by clicking the link: https://www.groundingwell.com/GWJOHNCLARKE

Download my Free IFS Meditation: https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/free

Join Pathways to Self - An IFS basics course for therapists and practitioners:
https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/pathways

Connect with me:
https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/
https://www.instagram.com/johnclarketherapy/
https://www.tiktok.com/@johnclarketherapy
https://www.youtube.com/@JohnclarkeTherapy

Grab Your Seat for the Free IFS Webinar Here: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast

In this episode of the Going Inside Podcast, I conduct a live Internal Family Systems (IFS) demo with Sarah, a client who explores her discomfort with vulnerability and connection. Together, we uncover the roots of these feelings in a protective part that emerged during childhood, carrying grief and longing for attunement. We create a safe space for this part, paving the way for healing and rediscovering joy.

*This is part 1 of a 3 part series of real Internal Family Systems therapy sessions
*Please note that the client's name has been changed to protect their privacy.

Key Takeaways:

1. Protective parts often arise in childhood to shield us from pain and can be released through acknowledgment and care.
2. Creating a safe, compassionate space for your parts fosters healing and deeper self-awareness.
3. When burdens are lifted, parts can rediscover their original roles, enabling greater emotional balance and fulfillment.

Free Training - Learn how to integrate the principles of IFS into your therapy practice: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast

Use code: JOHN for a 1 month grace period with Jane or click HERE to get started! https://meet.jane.app/john-clarke-ambassador/ 

Receive 10% off a grounding product at Grounding Well with code GWJOHNCLARKE or by clicking the link: https://www.groundingwell.com/GWJOHNCLARKE 

Download my Free IFS Meditation: https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/free 

Join Pathways to Self - A weekly IFS consultation group for therapists and practitioners: https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/pathways 

Connect with me: 
https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/ 
https://www.instagram.com/johnclarketherapy/ 
https://www.tiktok.com/@johnclarketherapy https://www.youtube.com/@JohnclarkeTherapy 

Grab Your Seat for the Free IFS Webinar Here: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast

In this episode of Going Inside, I sit down with Leslie Sanchez, a licensed therapist who specializes in helping first-generation Latinx individuals heal from childhood trauma caused by emotionally immature parents. Together, we delve into the complexities of growing up with emotionally immature caregivers, the lasting impact it has on adult relationships, self-esteem, and the challenges of setting boundaries. Leslie shares her journey of recognizing her childhood wounds, the importance of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy in her healing process, and how she empowers her clients to reconnect with their authentic selves and break free from generational cycles.

Key Takeaways:

1. Growing up with emotionally immature parents can shape lifelong patterns in self-worth, relationships, and communication.
2. Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy fosters self-compassion and helps individuals heal internal conflicts.
3. Setting boundaries with emotionally immature parents is essential for personal growth and breaking generational cycles.

Learn more about Leslie at:  https://nueva-vida-therapy.com/

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Free Training - Learn how to integrate the principles of IFS into your therapy practice: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast

Use code: JOHN for a 1 month grace period with Jane or click HERE to get started!

Receive 10% off a grounding product at Grounding Well with code GWJOHNCLARKE or by clicking this link.

Download my Free IFS Meditation: https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/free

Join Pathways to Self - An IFS basic course for therapists and practitioners: https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/pathways

Connect with me:
https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/
https://www.instagram.com/johnclarketherapy/
https://www.tiktok.com/@johnclarketherapy
https://www.youtube.com/@JohnclarkeTherapy

Grab Your Seat for the Free IFS Webinar Here: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast

In this episode of Going Inside, I’m interviewed again on Mannah’s Therapeutic Astrology Podcast (TAP). Mannah, an Evolutionary Astrologer and Trauma Therapist, explores how astrology informs her therapeutic work, while I dive into Internal Family Systems (IFS) and parts work. We discuss how to compassionately connect with protective parts, create internal attachment repair, and navigate the challenges therapists face when maintaining compassion without an agenda. If you’re a therapist, coach, or anyone interested in trauma and self-discovery, I think you’ll find this episode both inspiring and practical.

Key Takeaways:

1. Every part of us, even those with extreme behaviors, has a protective role rooted in past experiences or trauma.
2. Accessing self-energy with compassion and curiosity allows protective parts to feel safe and begin healing.
3. Internal Family Systems (IFS) fosters de-shaming and deeper healing by creating space for connection between self and parts.

Learn more about Mannah at: https://www.therapeuticastrologer.com/

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Free Training - Learn how to integrate the principles of IFS into your therapy practice: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast

Use code: JOHN for a 1 month grace period with Jane or click HERE to get started!

Download my Free IFS Meditation: https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/free

Join Pathways to Self - An IFS basics course for therapists and practitioners: https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/pathways

Connect with me:
https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/
https://www.instagram.com/johnclarketherapy/
https://www.tiktok.com/@johnclarketherapy
https://www.youtube.com/@JohnclarkeTherapy

Grab Your Seat for the Free IFS Webinar Here: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast

In this  episode of the Going Inside Podcast, we're celebrating the podcast's 50th episode by diving deep into trauma healing approaches, the versatility of Internal Family Systems (IFS), and answering your questions. Thank you for joining me on this journey!

Key Takeaways: 

1. Healing through Internal Family Systems Therapy is best supported by patience, compassion, and forming deeper connections with all of your parts.. 

2. Every healing journey is different, so it’s important to specialize each individual's process by respecting a client’s space, restoring agency, and using complimentary modalities of support if necessary. 

3. The upcoming Pathways to Self IFS course is launching in 2025, an intensive training program designed to deepen IFS skills for therapists and practitioners. 

Free Training - Learn how to integrate the principles of IFS into your therapy practice: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast

Use code: JOHN for a 1 month grace period with Jane or click below to get started! https://meet.jane.app/john-clarke-ambassador/ 

Free Training - Learn how to integrate the principles of IFS into your therapy practice: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast

Receive 10% off a grounding product at Grounding Well with code GWJOHNCLARKE or by clicking the link: https://www.groundingwell.com/GWJOHNCLARKE 

Join Pathways to Self - A weekly IFS consultation group for therapists and practitioners: https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/pathways 

Connect with me: 
https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/ 
https://www.instagram.com/johnclarketherapy/ https://www.tiktok.com/@johnclarketherapy https://www.youtube.com/@JohnclarkeTherapy 

Grab Your Seat for the Free IFS Webinar Here: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast

In this episode of Going Inside: Healing Trauma From the Inside Out, I guide my client “Cece,” a breathwork facilitator, through a live Internal Family Systems therapy session. Together, we explore her feelings of helplessness, a maternal-like protective part, and the connections between them. Cece’s courage and self-awareness bring valuable insights into her journey of healing and self-compassion.

Key Takeaways:

1. Cece identifies a helpless part tied to childhood trauma, visualized as a young girl who had been confined to a bathroom.
2. A maternal-like protector emerges, expressing doubt about Cece’s ability to care for her inner child, reflecting internalized self-criticism.
3. Through compassion and reassurance, Cece builds trust with her younger self, allowing for freedom, joy, and a deeper sense of connection.

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Submit questions for our 50th Episode here.

Free Training - Learn how to integrate the principles of IFS into your therapy practice: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast

Use code: JOHN for a 1 month grace period with Jane or click HERE to get started!

Receive 10% off a grounding product at Grounding Well with code GWJOHNCLARKE or by clicking the link: https://www.groundingwell.com/GWJOHNCLARKE

Download my Free IFS Meditation: https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/free

Join Pathways to Self - A weekly IFS consultation group for therapists and practitioners: https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/pathways

Connect with me:
https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/
https://www.instagram.com/johnclarketherapy/
https://www.tiktok.com/@johnclarketherapy
https://www.youtube.com/@JohnclarkeTherapy

Grab Your Seat for the Free IFS Webinar Here: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast

In this episode of Going Inside, psychotherapist and author Forest Benedict shares his journey from Christian-based sex addiction therapy to healing religious trauma and embracing Internal Family Systems (IFS). Together, we explore the impact of religious trauma, the role of shame in addiction and identity, and the power of IFS in fostering authenticity and freedom. Forest reflects on his personal deconstruction, his professional pivot, and his mission to help others reconnect with their true selves in the face of societal and religious pressures.

Key Takeaways:

1. Religious trauma often involves suppressing one's identity and agency under the constant threat of judgment, creating long-term emotional and psychological challenges.
2. Shame is a central force in both religious trauma and addiction, fueling self-critical behaviors that perpetuate cycles of pain and disconnection from the self.
3. Internal Family Systems (IFS) fosters self-compassion, helping individuals reconnect with their authentic selves, heal internal conflicts, and reclaim agency.

Learn more about Forest at: https://forestbenedict.com/

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Free Training - Learn how to integrate the principles of IFS into your therapy practice: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast

Use code: JOHN for a 1 month grace period with Jane or click HERE to get started!

Receive 10% off a grounding product at Grounding Well with code GWJOHNCLARKE or by clicking the link: https://www.groundingwell.com/GWJOHNCLARKE

Download my Free IFS Meditation: https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/free

Connect with me:
https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/
https://www.instagram.com/johnclarketherapy/
https://www.tiktok.com/@johnclarketherapy
https://www.youtube.com/@JohnclarkeTherapy

Grab Your Seat for the Free IFS Webinar Here: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast

In this episode of Going Inside, I’m joined by psychotherapist, meditation instructor, and author Ralph De La Rosa to explore his journey from trauma and addiction to becoming a leader in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Buddhist meditation. We dive into the powerful intersections between IFS and Buddhist principles, including how self-energy aligns with the awakened state and the role of reparenting our wounded parts. Ralph also shares insights from his new book, “Outshining Trauma: A New Vision of Radical Self-Compassion,” which provides a step-by-step guide for turning daily life into a healing journey.

Key Takeaways:

1. Self-energy in IFS aligns with the Buddhist concept of the awakened state, offering a foundation for reparenting wounded parts and fostering growth.
2. Trauma can condition us to mistake chaos for home, but cultivating peace and curiosity helps us reclaim a sense of balance.
3. True healing arises through deep self-awareness and compassion, allowing us to rediscover vitality, joy, and emotional intelligence.

Learn more about Ralph at:
https://ralphdelarosa.com/homepage

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Free Training - Learn how to integrate the principles of IFS into your therapy practice: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast

Use code: JOHN for a 1 month grace period with Jane or click HERE to get started!
https://meet.jane.app/john-clarke-ambassador/

Receive 10% off a grounding product at Grounding Well with code GWJOHNCLARKE or by clicking the link: https://www.groundingwell.com/GWJOHNCLARKE

Download my Free IFS Meditation:
https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/free

Join Pathways to Self - A weekly IFS consultation group for therapists and practitioners: https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/pathways

Connect with me:
https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/
https://www.instagram.com/johnclarketherapy/
https://www.tiktok.com/@johnclarketherapy
https://www.youtube.com/@JohnclarkeTherapy

Grab Your Seat for the Free IFS Webinar Here: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast

In this episode of Going Inside, we share a conversation from Mannah’s Therapeutic Astrology Podcast (TAP). Mannah, an Evolutionary Astrologer and Trauma Therapist, explores how astrology informs her therapeutic work, while I dive into Internal Family Systems (IFS) and parts work. Together, we share how IFS differs from traditional therapies like CBT, the power of self-energy in healing, and the paradigm shift in understanding trauma. Mannah also examines my astrological chart, showcasing how astrology and therapy can complement each other in fostering self-awareness and growth.

Key Takeaways:

1. Differences Between Traditional Therapy and IFS
2. The Concept of Self and Parts in IFS:
3. Trauma and Unburdening in IFS
4. Astrology’s Role in Therapy
5. Navigating Neurodivergence and Therapy

Learn more about Mannah at:
https://www.therapeuticastrologer.com/

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Free Training - Learn how to integrate the principles of IFS into your therapy practice: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast

Use code: JOHN for a 1 month grace period with Jane or click HERE to get started!

Download my Free IFS Meditation: https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/free

Connect with me:
https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/
https://www.instagram.com/johnclarketherapy/
https://www.tiktok.com/@johnclarketherapy
https://www.youtube.com/@JohnclarkeTherapy

Grab Your Seat for the Free IFS Webinar Here: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast