In this episode of Going Inside: Healing Trauma from the Inside Out, I’m joined once again by Bob Falconer to dive into the intersection of trauma, Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, and spirit-based work. Bob shares his personal journey into embracing spirituality within therapy, despite initial resistance within the IFS community. We dive into profound topics about connection to Spirit Guides, working with Unattached Burdens, and much more.

Key Takeaways:

1. Spirituality in Therapy - Bob shares how his work increasingly focuses on spirit-based therapy, emphasizing the importance of a spiritual connection that remains present even during intense suffering. 

2. Thoughts on Other Therapeutic Models - We reflect on the damage caused by certain therapeutic models, especially those emphasizing therapist authority and disempowering clients. It’s important to question the roots of these models, including IFS, and maintain humility in their application.

3. Humility as Therapists - It’s important to have humility in therapy, recognizing that while we have tools and knowledge as therapists, there is still much we don’t know. We must honor clients’ systems and maintain an open, questioning attitude toward therapeutic models.

Learn more about Bob Falconer at https://robertfalconer.us/ 

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In this episode of Going Inside: Healing Trauma From The Inside Out,  David Polidi leads a roundtable discussion of IFS podcasters–Tammy Sollenberger, Natalie Deering, Tim Fortescue, and myself, John Clarke. We explore the internal conflicts and polarizations that arise during creative projects like starting a podcast, how trauma disconnects us from our authentic selves, and the role of Internal Family Systems Therapy in reconnecting with self-energy. Together, they share personal insights on finding clarity, overcoming fears, and deepening self-awareness through IFS.

Key Takeaways:

1. Balancing Internal Polarities: We explore how internal conflicts, such as fear and ambition, can delay meaningful actions. Using IFS, we’ve learned to harmonize these parts to make authentic decisions.
2. Spiritual Healing and Trauma: I explain that addressing trauma involves both physical and spiritual healing. IFS provides a pathway to reconnect with one's spirituality and heal from past traumas.
3. IFS for Self-Connection: Tammy Sollenberger discusses how IFS aids in reconnecting with one's core self, facilitating deeper self-awareness and healing from trauma.

Follow David Polidi at https://www.instagram.com/empowered.through.compassion/
Follow Natalie Deering at https://www.instagram.com/nataliedeering/
Follow Tammy Sollenberger at https://www.instagram.com/ifs.tammy/
Follow Tim Fortescue at https://www.instagram.com/ifscoachtimfortescue/

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In this solo episode of "Going Inside," I dive deep into the concept of Self and Self-energy in the context of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. While IFS often begins with discussions about our inner parts—like the perfectionist, the inner critic, or the inner child—I believe that the true heart of the model lies in understanding and accessing Self-energy. Whether you're familiar with IFS or new to the concept, this episode will help you connect with the innate wisdom and healing energy that exists within you.

Key Takeaways:
1. What is Self and Self-Energy?
2. The 8 C’s—curiosity, compassion, clarity, connectedness, creativity, courage, confidence, and calm—are essential qualities of Self-energy in IFS.
3. The 5 P’s—patience, perspective, presence, playfulness, and persistence—enhance our ability to connect with and heal our inner parts.
4. At its core, IFS is about cultivating love for ourselves and others, enabling deep healing and transformation.

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Use code: JOHN for a 1 month grace period with Jane or click the link below:
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In this episode of Going Inside: Healing Trauma From The Inside Out, I sit down with Virginia Jenkins, a mindfulness-based IFS therapist, to delve deep into the complexities of resistance and how it manifests in trauma healing. We explore the nuances of why clients might resist taking care of their own parts and the importance of honoring resistance rather than bypassing it. We also discuss practical tools for both therapists and clients to approach stuckness with compassion and curiosity, rather than frustration. 

Key Takeaways:

1. Honoring Resistance: Resistance in IFS therapy often signals deeper pain and unmet needs. It’s crucial to approach it with respect and patience, recognizing that it often arises from a place of deep emotional wounds.
2. Sitting with Stuckness: Virginia introduces a powerful exercise called "Sitting at the Wall," which emphasizes the importance of not pushing past resistance too quickly. This approach allows for the underlying grief and pain to be fully acknowledged and worked through.
3. How Therapists Work with Resistance: As therapists, it’s important to recognize when our own parts might be getting activated by a client’s resistance. By doing a "U-turn" and connecting with our own self-energy, we can better support our clients in their healing journey.

Learn more about Virginia at https://www.theresistancetherapist.com/

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Use code: JOHN for a 1 month grace period with Jane or click the link below:
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Download my Free IFS Meditation:
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Connect with me:
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Grab Your Seat for the Free IFS Webinar Here: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast

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In this episode of "Going Inside," I explore the differences and benefits of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and IFS (Internal Family Systems) therapy. Both approaches are effective in trauma treatment, but each has its unique strengths. I delve into how EMDR can help desensitize traumatic memories by engaging both sides of the brain, while IFS offers a more holistic approach, focusing on connecting with your core Self and healing internal parts. Whether you're dealing with trauma, anxiety, or relationship issues, understanding these therapies can help you decide which might be the best fit for your healing journey!

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Use code: JOHN for a 1 month grace period with Jane or click the link below:

https://meet.jane.app/more-time?utm_medium=john_clarke&utm_source=ambassador&utm_campaign=more_time_campaign&utm_content=youtube&utm_term=us_mh

Download my Free IFS Meditation:
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In this episode of Going Inside: Healing Trauma From the Inside Out, I guide Sophia through our fourth Internal Family Systems (IFS) session together, uncovering the complex dynamics that have held her back in her healing journey. As she confronts the reality of her relationship with her mother, Sophia realizes that much of it is based on shame and avoidance. We work through this attachment in the session.

 Key Takeaways:
1. Healing often requires letting go of unhealthy attachments, even with loved ones.
2. True growth comes from recognizing and embracing self-reliance.
3. Confronting uncomfortable truths can lead to greater emotional freedom and joy.

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Free IFS Training for Therapists: From Burnout to Balance: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast

Download my Free IFS Meditation:
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Connect with me:
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Grab Your Seat for the Free IFS Webinar Here: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast

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In this solo episode of Going Inside: Healing Trauma From the Inside Out, I share my evolving understanding of trauma therapy, exploring how Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and somatic work contribute to healing. I reflect on my personal journey with these modalities and share insights on how each approach uniquely addresses trauma. 

Key Takeaways:

• Integration of Modalities: Combining IFS, EMDR, and somatic therapy offers a comprehensive approach to trauma treatment, each addressing different aspects of the healing process.
• Self Energy and Empowerment: I highlight the role of IFS in connecting clients to their core self and intuition.
• EMDR for Memory Processing: I share how EMDR is an effective tool for reducing the impact of traumatic memories by facilitating proper memory consolidation.
• Somatic Work and the Nervous System: I dive into how somatic therapy helps clients renegotiate trauma by addressing the nervous system’s response.

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Download my Free IFS Meditation:
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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

In this episode of Going Inside: Healing Trauma from the Inside Out, I guide Sophia through a third Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy session. We revisit and deepen our work with the younger part, exploring its need for control and safety, and ultimately releasing significant legacy burdens. This session highlights the importance of transferring responsibilities and finding new ways to fill the spaces left by released burdens.

 Key Takeaways:

1. Acknowledge the need for control that parts may carry and explore their origins.
2. Encourage parts to hand over responsibilities too heavy for them to bear.
3. Replace the burdens with positive and active experiences to foster healing.
4. Continually check in with parts to provide ongoing support and adjustment.

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

Connect with me:
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https://www.tiktok.com/@johnclarketherapy
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Grab Your Seat for the Free IFS Webinar Here: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast

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

In this episode of Going Inside: Healing Trauma from the Inside Out, I guide Sophia through a follow-up Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy session, reconnecting with a younger part we encountered in our last session. We explore this part’s need for trust and safety, working to release burdens and bring light into her inner world. 

 Key Takeaways:

1. Build trust and safety with parts to show them that the present is free from past dangers.
2. Our brain symbolizes burdens in many different ways. We use the elements to get rid of them.
3. Visualizing positive energy or light to replace negative emotions is imperative in our healing journey.

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

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In this intense episode of Going Inside: Healing Trauma From the Inside Out, we journey alongside my client “Sophia” as we bravely explore her parts through Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy. I help Sophia work towards healing her binge eating disorder by reconnecting with fragmented parts of herself.

Key Takeaways:

1. Connecting with Multiple Parts: Sophia engages with different parts, navigating feelings of abandonment and unmet needs from her past. I guide her through acknowledging and comforting these parts, fostering a sense of safety and validation.
2. Healing Through Connection: Sophia discovers how offering unconditional acceptance to her inner parts allows for healing and integration.
3. Support From Spirit Guides: Sophia welcomes a maternal figure, what seems to be a spirit guide, into her inner world. This guide supports Sophia in nurturing and caring for one of her parts, symbolizing the presence of wisdom and protection in her healing process.

Free IFS Training for Therapists: From Burnout to Balance: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast

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

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