The Empowered Through Compassion Podcast

Self-Compassion, Being Enough and Our Common Humanity


Listen Later

In this deeply moving and expansive conversation, David sits down with Soulla Demetriou, author, coach, and founder of Soulshine Retreats, to explore the heart of self-compassion and what it means to truly feel “enough.”

Soulla shares how her work integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic awareness, mindfulness, and ancient wisdom traditions to help people reconnect with their inner world. At the center of her approach is a powerful idea: that the body holds deep wisdom, and that healing begins when we learn to listen.

Together, David and Soulla explore the natural alignment between IFS and somatic practices, including yoga, and how both invite us into a more compassionate relationship with ourselves. They reflect on how safety, presence, and awareness open the door to new ways of responding to our inner experiences, rather than reacting from old patterns.

Soulla also shares vulnerably about her own journey with complex trauma and how it shaped her path toward this work. Her upcoming book, You Have Always Been Enough, was born from a core question many of us carry: Am I enough?

This conversation offers a grounded and hopeful path forward, highlighting how healing is not about fixing ourselves, but about building a compassionate relationship with the parts of us that have long felt unseen.

Key Themes

  • Self-compassion is a foundation of healing
  • There can be a natural integration between IFS and somatic practices
  • The body as a source of wisdom and awareness
  • The space between stimulus and response is where our freedom is
  • Reparenting and building internal safety help us set boundaries
  • “Not being enough” is a universal wound
  • Healing as both personal and relational
  • About Soulla Demetriou

    Soulla Demetriou is an author, transformation and somatic coach, and founder of Soulshine Retreats. With over 15 years of experience facilitating transformational work, she integrates Internal Family Systems, mindfulness, somatic practices, and ancient wisdom traditions to support deep healing and self-connection.

    Her work centers on self-compassion and the belief that we are inherently worthy and whole. Drawing from her own lived experience, including complex trauma and neurodivergence, Soulla offers a deeply embodied and relational approach to healing.

    Her upcoming book, You Have Always Been Enough: An Inner Guide to Self-Love and Inner Freedom, releases April 9, 2026.

    Resources Mentioned

    • Soulla’s Website: www.withsoulla.com
    • Book: You Have Always Been Enough
    • Instagram: www.instagram.com/withsoulla
    • Pre-order links:

      • Kindle (UK): https://www.amazon.co.uk/You-Have-Always-Been-Enough-ebook/dp/B0FD94DV6W
      • International: https://www.waterstones.com/book/you-have-always-been-enough/soulla-demetriou/9780008403577
      • US (Sept 2026): https://www.amazon.com/You-Have-Always-Been-Enough/dp/0008403570
      • Bonus: Pre-orders before April 23 include access to a complimentary one-day Self-Compassion Retreat (April 24)

        The Empowered Through Compassion podcast explores trauma healing at the crossroads of Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, and Motivational Interviewing. Through meaningful conversations with leading voices in the field, David and Heather create a space for reflection, learning, and connection, helping therapists and humans alike deepen their understanding of healing, relationship, and compassion.

        ...more
        View all episodesView all episodes
        Download on the App Store

        The Empowered Through Compassion PodcastBy David Polidi

        • 4.4
        • 4.4
        • 4.4
        • 4.4
        • 4.4

        4.4

        12 ratings


        More shows like The Empowered Through Compassion Podcast

        View all
        Tara Brach by Tara Brach

        Tara Brach

        10,573 Listeners

        Therapy Chat by Laura Reagan, LCSW-C

        Therapy Chat

        679 Listeners

        10% Happier with Dan Harris by 10% Happier

        10% Happier with Dan Harris

        12,730 Listeners

        Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson by Rick Hanson, Ph.D., Forrest Hanson

        Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson

        2,528 Listeners

        Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel by Esther Perel Global Media

        Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel

        14,969 Listeners

        The Couples Therapist Couch by Shane Birkel

        The Couples Therapist Couch

        270 Listeners

        Notice That by Jen Savage and Bridger Falkenstien

        Notice That

        311 Listeners

        The One Inside: An Internal Family Systems (IFS) podcast by Tammy Sollenberger

        The One Inside: An Internal Family Systems (IFS) podcast

        285 Listeners

        IFS Talks by Aníbal Henriques, Tisha Shull & Alexia Rothman

        IFS Talks

        196 Listeners

        Holistic Life Navigation by Holistic Life Navigation

        Holistic Life Navigation

        385 Listeners

        Trauma Rewired by Elisabeth Kristof & Jennifer Wallace

        Trauma Rewired

        365 Listeners

        Pulling The Thread with Elise Loehnen by Elise Loehnen

        Pulling The Thread with Elise Loehnen

        1,105 Listeners

        On Attachment by Stephanie Rigg

        On Attachment

        1,075 Listeners

        The Biology of Trauma® With Dr. Aimie by Dr. Aimie Apigian

        The Biology of Trauma® With Dr. Aimie

        228 Listeners

        The Secure Love Podcast with Julie Menanno by Julie Menanno

        The Secure Love Podcast with Julie Menanno

        355 Listeners