Just Like Nana

Kenlee Valleskey


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In this episode of Just Like Nana, host Amie (Elizabeth) Penny Sayler is joined by Kenlee Valleskey, as they discuss Internal Family Systems (IFS) as it relates to the weight of generational cycles and ancestral trauma. This work is so important in understanding how our internal world of wounded and protective parts is shaped by the experiences of our ancestors. 


About Kenlee:

Kenlee Valleskey is a licensed professional counselor with extensive experience in Internal Family Systems (IFS). As a lover of questions and the intersections of our lives, she explores spaces that don't have neat, easy answers or a neat, easy arrival. From exploring the evolving terrain of grief and identity and deconstructing systemic narratives to learning what it means to love and trust ourselves in new ways, Kenlee has so much to teach us about accepting and working with all aspects of ourselves and our ancestors.


In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

  • Every one of us has a core self, characterized by qualities like compassion, clarity, and courage, that remains inherently whole and safe, regardless of the trauma experienced.
  • We also consist of “exiled” wounded parts that carry burdens and “protectors” that keep us from feeling pain.  
  • Healing begins when a wound (whether our own or our ancestors’) is fully witnessed and acknowledged, rather than just managed. 


Resources Mentioned

  • No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz: https://a.co/d/08nxdmbU 
  • It Didn’t Start With You by Mark Wolynn: https://a.co/d/0gEpUOf7 
  • IFS Institute: https://ifs-institute.com/ 
  • Dr. Gabor Maté: https://drgabormate.com/
  • Somebody’s Daughter by Ashley C. Ford: https://a.co/d/0cV34FW4 
  • What My Bones Know by Stephanie Foo: https://a.co/d/00MvSpSW 
  • Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay Gibson: https://a.co/d/06J3NKyQ 
  • Decolonizing Therapy by Jennifer Mullan: https://a.co/d/0cNaMrxT 
  • Francis Weller: https://www.francisweller.net/
  • Harriet Lerner: https://www.harrietlerner.com/
  • Mark Nepo: https://www.marknepo.com/

Connect with Kenlee: 

  • Website: https://www.kenleevalleskey.com/ 
  • The Grief Room, St. Paul, MN: https://www.thegriefroom.com/ 
  • The Fallows: https://www.stayatfallows.com/ 


Connect with the Show

Do you have a story about the "Elizabeths" in your own family tree? We want to hear from you!

  • Website: justlikenana.com
  • Share Your Story: If you have a family story or trauma you’re exploring, reach out via our website for a chance to be interviewed.

Connect with Just Like Nana's Website.

A proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.

Theme music by Carter Penny.

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Just Like NanaBy Amie Penny Sayler