In this episode of Going Inside, I share my real-time reflections and therapeutic insights while reviewing an IFS demo session with a volunteer client named Ace. With careful attention to pace, consent, and safety, I break down the many micro-decisions made throughout the session — revealing the internal logic and nuance behind the IFS model. Whether you’re a therapist seeking to deepen your client work or someone curious about what an IFS session really feels like, this episode offers a rare and compassionate behind-the-scenes perspective.

Key Takeaways:

• The micro-decisions therapists make throughout an IFS session
• How to prioritize safety, pacing, and consent with protectors
• Why humility and self-awareness are essential for good therapy

Guest: Ace

Ace is an anonymous volunteer client who agreed to participate in this IFS demo session. Her willingness to be vulnerable provides a valuable teaching opportunity for therapists and clients alike.

Resources & Offerings:

➡️ Register for a FREE IFS Training "From Burnout to Balance": https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast
➡️ 1-Month Grace Period with Jane – Use code JOHN or visit: https://meet.jane.app/john-clarke-ambassador
➡️ 10% Off at Grounding Well – Use code GWJOHNCLARKE or visit: https://www.groundingwell.com/GWJOHNCLARKE
➡️ 10% Off at Dharma Dr. – Use code JOHN or visit: https://dharmadr.com/JOHN

Connect with me:

https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/
https://www.instagram.com/johnclarketherapy/
https://www.tiktok.com/@johnclarketherapy
https://www.youtube.com/@johnclarketherapy

Transcript:

John Clarke: [00:00:00] Going Inside is a podcast on a mission to help people heal from trauma and reconnect with their authentic self. Join me trauma therapist John Clarke for guest interviews, real life therapy sessions and soothing guided meditations. Whether you're navigating your own trauma, helping others heal from trauma, or simply yearning for a deeper understanding of yourself, going inside is your companion on the path to healing and self-discovery.

Download free guided meditations and apply to work with me one-on-one at johnclarketherapy.com. Thanks for being here. Let's dive in.

Hey everyone. Thanks for tuning in. In this, episode, I'm gonna be reacting to an IFS demo that I did, so a real therapy session that I did as part of this show and this, YouTube channel. And so we're just gonna jump right into it. I'm gonna play a bit and then I'm gonna react to it and I'm gonna try to break down, , my decision points, what I was thinking in that moment, what I'm thinking now , things I may do.

May have done differently, which is always humbling to, to do this, , and [00:01:00] see my own opportunities for growth. You could call them my own growth edges. , But I do this because I. I hope it's helpful to some, whether you're a client wondering how does IFS therapy work and what is the therapist, what is the role of the therapist?

What are they trying to do in session? Or if you're a practitioner wanting to , yeah, improve your own work and deepen

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