On today’s podcast, I chat with Ashley Booth, a psychedelic-assisted psychotherapist, trainer, researcher—and former oceanographer! Ashley’s new book, Quieting the Storm Within: A Simple, Intuitive Guide to Your Inner World, is beautifully written and illustrated, accessible, and deeply rooted in IFS.

We talk about why she chose to create a picture book for adults, how parts mapping can be playful and powerful, and how IFS and psychedelics both point us toward connection with our parts, with the natural world, and with something larger than ourselves.

Ashley shares her journey from marine science to healing work, the grief that led her there, and the awe and Self Energy that keep her grounded in the work today.

Key Takeaways:

• “IFS is such a visual model.” Ashley talks about why she chose to make a picture book for adults and how dyslexia, digital art, and parts mapping all played a role.

• What is the “parts unstack” exercise and how can it help externalize what’s happening inside?

• “All parts are either the steward of a need or trying to get that need met.” Ashley walks us through her reframing of protectors as helpers and the importance of naming needs with compassion.

• How her own psychedelic experiences influenced the metaphors in the book, and how IFS supports integration and meaning-making.

• “Self is the conduit.” Ashley shares how visual reminders, art, and little moments of awe can help us reconnect to Self Energy in everyday life.

Favorite Quote:

"We all need to be able to connect with the love and the compassion that's available to all of us that doesn't judge. And our parts need to be held by that, right? And our Self is the conduit for that to happen." – Ashley Booth

About Ashley Booth

Ashley Booth, LCSW, is a psychedelic-assisted psychotherapist, IFS practitioner, researcher, and educator. She’s the author of Quieting the Storm Within: A Simple, Intuitive Guide to Your Inner World, releasing in March 2025. Ashley is also the founder of IFS and Beyond, where she offers consultation, integration, and teaching at the intersection of Internal Family Systems and psychedelic therapy.

A former oceanographer, Ashley brings deep curiosity and reverence for nature into her work, helping people reconnect with their inner and outer worlds. Learn more at ifsandbeyond.com or ashleybooth.net.

Episode Sponsors:

IFS Demoz 

Curious what Internal Family Systems looks like in action? Join IFS Demoz, a live demonstration series led by IFS pioneer Mike Elkin. Each week, Mike takes on real-world challenges through one-on-one role play, modeling IFS techniques in real time. Whether you're new to IFS or a seasoned practitioner, these sessions offer powerful insights into how the model truly works. Each demo includes an open, inclusive Q&A—so bring your curiosity. Live sessions happen weekly on Zoom, and recordings are available to all registrants.

Inner World Collective

A supportive community can change everything when you're learning and applying the IFS model. The Collective is an online space for IFS therapists and practitioners to connect with like-minded professionals, build confidence, refine their skills, and feel truly supported as they bring IFS into their clinical work. Inside, you'll find expert consultation, supervised and peer-led practice groups, monthly guest speakers, recorded demos and demo groups, and Self-led workshops—all designed to help you flourish as an IFS practitioner.

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Jeff Schrum co-produces The One Inside. He’s a writer and IFS Level 2 practitioner who specializes in helping therapists create with clarity and confidence.

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Tammy is grateful for Jack Reardon who created music for the podcast. Jack is a graduate of Derek Scott’s IFS Stepping Stones Program.  

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